The Certification Program in Addiction Counseling

The Certification Program in Addiction Counseling (CPAC) is a one-year program in addiction counseling. You will learn counseling and other professional skills designed to help addicted people.

Purpose

Bethany University has a five-fold purpose for CPAC:

1. Training- Professional, up-to-date Christian education for treating chemical dependency. Bethany was the first evangelical college to receive approval from the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors.
2. Leadership-A great record of preparing students to make a difference. Bethany graduates with substance abuse training and certification are highly qualified.
3. Certification- A full course load preparing a student for a professional certification that is honored nationwide in the field of drug and alcohol training.
4. Christian Concern- A commitment to substance abuse counseling that places the highest priority on Scriptural teaching.
5. Flexible Schedules- Course work is scheduled to accommodate students who are already involved in careers and ministry.

Schedule

CPAC operates on a semester calendar beginning in August. Classes meet on Fridays from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm and on Saturdays from 7:30 am to the afternoon. There are also approximately 10 internship hours to be completed each week.

CAADAC

The California Association of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) is designed to promote a more effective response to the diseases of alcoholism and other drug problems and to better serve those persons who suffer directly or indirectly from the effects of these problems. As part of the CPAC program you will fulfill CAADAC's classroom requirements, internship requirements, and will be prepared for CAADAC's two-part test. If you successfully complete CAADAC's written and oral examination you can become a certified drug and alcohol counselor.

Internship

Supervised counseling is an important part of the CPAC program at Bethany. Not only will you get the latest and best available training in addiction counseling taught by a Christian faculty, but you will be able to develop your skills by actually working with clients in treatment for chemical dependency. Theory will be forged into practical experience and you will have a ministry or career that is good for a lifetime!

Addiction Studies Major

After you complete the one year CPAC program you have the option of continuing your education at Bethany University and earning your Bachelor of Arts in Addiction Studies. This would consist of your general education, Bible classes, and completing two additional classes in your major. In the end you will have completed 124 units and it usually takes three additional years to earn your B.A. (if you have no applicable transfer units).

Requirements For Certification in Addiction Counseling

Certification Program in Addiction Counseling Total of 30 units (each class is 3 units)

Behavior Core

AS      110      Sociology of Addictive Behavior
AS      130      Human Services

Skills

AS      140      Professional Treatment Skills
AS      151      Counseling of Addictive Behavior I
AS      152      Counseling of Addictive Behavior II

Alcohol/Drug Studies

AS      101      Intro to Addictive Behavior Studies
AS      102      Treatment of Addictive Behavior
AS      120      Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction

Field Studies

AS      197A      Supervised Field Work I
AS      197B      Supervised Field Work II

Housing

Many people commute for the Friday and Saturday class sessions. To assist you we have Bethany University dorms that are available for a nominal fee for your Friday night stay. If you wish to live on-campus fulltime, housing applications are available after you have been accepted to the program.

Approximate Semester Costs

Financial Aid

There are several ways to help fund your education here at Bethany University. State, Federal, and institutional financial aid is offered to all eligible students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and/or employment. You must meet the March 2 Financial Aid Deadline in order to qualify for the most amount of financial aid for which you are eligible. To apply for this aid you must complete all financial aid forms including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov and the Bethany University Financial Aid Application, links listed below.

What People Are Saying

Student: "I've found the training I've received immediately useful."
Former Smuggler: "After a 10-year history of alcohol, drug abuse, and trafficking, I became a Christian. I have seen the need for Christians to be equipped to minister effectively...The CPAC program is by far the best Christian program...It has helped me counsel effectively."
Church Leader: "CPAC gives a Christian the technical skills to deal with the complex problems the substance abuser faces in the recovery process."
Former Addict: "After years of drug addiction, including heroin, methadone, and PCP, my last chance for survival was Jesus Christ. Now, after 15 years of service to Him, I am enrolled in Bethany University's CPAC program...I am bringing ministry in both worlds together."
Minister: "Having a CPAC student working with substance abusers in my church has been tremendous."

To Apply to the CPAC program, you must submit the following:

1. Online Application or Paper Application. The $35 application fee is waived for online applicants.
2. Minister's Reference
3. Educator's Reference
4. Entrance Essay
5. ACT or SAT scores: This requirement is waived for students who have taken at least 24 transferable units or are at least 30 years old
6. Official transcripts from high school and colleges you have attended.

To apply for financial aid, you must submit:

1. FAFSA: Available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Our school code is 001122
2. Bethany University Financial Aid Application
3. CPAC Cost Sheet 2006-2007