Substance Use Disorder Counselor Treatment Training Program (SUDTTC)

SUDC track courses – SWC 715 Dynamics of Addiction, SWC 716 Introduction to Professional Development, SWC 725 Introduction to Neurochemistry, SWC 731 Counseling Practice I, SWC 732 Counseling Practice II, SWC 706 Field Training, and SWC 711 Functions and Recovery.

ASUDC track courses – SWC 715 Dynamics of Addiction, SWC 716 Introduction to Professional Development, SWC 725 Introduction to Neurochemistry, SWC 731 Counseling Practice I, SWC 732 Counseling Practice II, SWC 733 Counseling Practice III, SWC 734 Counseling Practice IV, SWC 723 Advanced Professional Development, SWC 707 Field Training, and SWC 711 Functions and Recovery.

Plan of Study – Individuals in the Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) track are required to complete seven (7) courses and a 200-hour field practicum placement (SWC 706). Individuals in the Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor (ASUDC) track are required to complete ten (10) courses and a 350-hour field practicum placement (SWC 706).

Format – The SUDTTC Program is designed for working professionals and is available to students during evening hours or as asynchronous online courses. Each course is held over one semester. SWC 706 Field Training, SWC 707 Adv. Field Training and SWC 711 Functions and Recovery are available during the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Program Start Options – Students must apply for admission and be accepted to the SUDTTC program. Students are accepted to start in either the spring or fall semester. See “How to Apply” for application deadlines.

Class Schedule – The courses in the SUDTTC Program are available to students on Monday and Wednesday evenings or online.

Average Time to Complete – Completion time depends on enrollment status, but generally students can complete the program within three to four semesters (9-12 months).

Prerequisites – Human Behavior and Social Environment (HBSE) or Human Development Across the Lifespan and General Psychology are prerequisites for the SUDTTC Program.

Certificate Eligibility and Requirements

Individuals in the Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) track of the SUDTTC Program are expected to have completed or be in the process of completing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. Individuals in the Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor (ASUDC) track of the SUDTTC Program are expected to have completed or be in the process of completing a Bachelor’s degree.

SWC 715 Dynamics of Addiction

This course introduces students to the biological, psychological and social factors related to development of substance use disorders and the role of natural change processes and motivation in health supporting behaviors. The course will also provide an overview of interventions, including 1) pharmacological, 2) psychological, 3) behavioral, 4) self-help and spiritual that can be utilized in treatment of addictions.

SWC 716 Introduction to Professional Development

This course introduces students to the values, knowledge, and skills essential to preparing to become and practicing as a professional, ethical and competent substance use disorder counselor. The course is designed to expose and introduce students to five primary elements, including: (1) the professional code of ethics of addiction professionals, (2) the twelve core functions of professional substance use disorder counselors, (3) the licensing process for substance use disorder students/trainees in the state of Utah, (4) the scope of practice for Substance Use Disorder Counselors (SUDC) and Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselors (ASUDC) in the state of Utah, and (5) local and state resources (i.e., prevention, intervention, and recovery) available to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

SWC 725 Introduction to Neurochemistry

This course is an overview neurochemistry and the physical and mental effects of psychoactive drugs as well as treatment and prevention of substance use disorders and compulsive behaviors. This course is designed to improve the understanding of psychoactive medication use in society. Students will gain a basic pharmacological understanding of psychoactive medications and their effects. Students will also be introduced to other patterns of behavior that may be addictive. Students will also gain an understanding of psychosocial and pharmacological treatment of substance use disorders.

SWC 723 Advanced Professional Development

This course will build upon the Introduction to Professional Development course, with an emphasis on advocacy and public policy. The course is designed to expose and introduce students to four primary elements, including: (1) advocating on behalf of clients at the individual, group, institutional, and societal levels, (2) engaging in the legislative process and advocating for changes in public policy and legislation to improve opportunities and choices for all persons whose lives are impacted by substance use disorders, (3) informing and educating the public on the impact of substance use disorders on society, as well as offer solutions to alleviate/eliminate the impact of substance use disorders on society, and (4) collaborating with different stakeholders in the formulation, development, implementation, and evaluation of public policy and legislation concerning the addiction profession and clients.

SWC 731 Counseling Practice I

This course introduces students to the knowledge and skills substance use disorder counselors will need to practice professionally. Students will learn about William Miller’s Phases of treatment and gain an understanding of and practice skills in screening, assessment and case conceptualization. Students will explore and be introduced to 6 main elements: 1) the American Society of Addictive Medicine’s bio-psycho-social six-dimensional assessment criteria, 2) the DSM 5 diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders, 3)the Transtheoretical Model of Change (Prochaska & DiClemente), the stages of change and other motivational enhancement strategies for working with ambivalence, 4) the importance of the therapeutic alliance, 5) matching client ‘s needs to appropriate interventions, 6) Treatment planning, documentation and record keeping in the context of assessment and service delivery.

SWC 732 Counseling Practice II

Students investigate ongoing assessment, case management, crisis intervention, client education with an in-depth review of counseling skills-focusing on group work. Different group models, group dynamics, establishing group norms, and group approaches such as experiential, didactic, specific topic groups, gender specific and other special population groups will be examined. Emphasis will be on understanding and conducting didactic psychoeducation groups and co-facilitation of psychotherapy groups. Students will be exposed in depth to 1) Motivational Interviewing and motivational enhancement skills, 2) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and, 3) Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), 4) and other specific practices that are usually be provided in group settings i.e. Seeking Safety, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), 12 Step Facilitation.

SWC 733 Counseling Practice III

This course builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Counseling Practice I and II, but with a focus on developing individual counseling skills. Students will learn about Evidence Based Practices (EBPs) utilized in the treatment of addiction and the substance use disorder counselor’s role (i.e. referral, case consultation, etc.) in providing these treatments. Continued exploration of assessment and motivational enhancement skills along with the following key elements will be focused on: 1) trauma informed care and co-occurring disorders, 2) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), 3). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), 4) Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization Therapy (EMDR).

SWC 734 Counseling Practice IV

This course builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Counseling Practice I and II. The class will focus on increasing the students’ knowledge of available interventions for helping individuals with addiction enhance motivation and self-efficacy, and build recovery capital and recovery skills to help individuals engage in and maintain recovery. Elements include: 1) Relapse Prevention Models, 2) family education and counseling (e.g. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT)), 3) Special Populations (Criminal Justice Involved Clients and Youth), 4) crisis and suicide prevention and intervention skills.

SWC 711 Functions and Recovery

This course assists students in integrating field practicum training experiences with their classroom work. Allows opportunity for collective problem solving and consultation.

SWC 706 Field Training

This course provides students with structured supervised learning experiences and opportunities, thereby enabling students to enhance and further integrate their practice values, knowledge, and skills in multiple settings with varied populations.

SWC 707 Adv Field Training

This course provides students with structured supervised learning experiences and opportunities, thereby enabling students to enhance and further integrate their practice values, knowledge, and skills in multiple settings with varied populations. Students are required to complete a 350-hour field practicum placement in a community-based agency providing substance use disorder programming and services.

Program Cost – The cost for students in the Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) track of the of the SUDTTC Program is $3,500. The cost for students in the Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor (ASUDC) track of the of the SUDTTC Program is $5,000.

Tuition is due at the beginning of each course, offering a convenient pay-as-you-go option. Textbooks are additional costs and may be included as an “Instant Access” fee (see below for more information). Tuition listed above subject to change without advance notice.

• The University of Utah Campus Store has a course materials program called Instant Access which provides digital course materials/textbooks to students at a reduced cost. If your instructor participates, you should receive an email prior to the first day of class with instructions on how to access your course materials in Canvas.
• Financial aid is not available for non-credit classes. Students are encouraged to inquire with their employers to determine if tuition assistance is available.
• For information about tuition payment options visit Tuition Payment Options.
• These classes are not eligible for tuition reduction.

We understand that you have a choice when it comes to taking professional development courses and we work hard to earn your trust with each and every class! By choosing the University of Utah for your certificate program, you’ll enjoy the following benefits whether you’re coming to us as someone new to the job market, a career changer, a seasoned professional or a lifelong learner.

Instructor Excellence - Learn from high-quality faculty that teach degree programs at the University of Utah.

Curriculum Excellence - Acquire high-quality and evidence-based knowledge and skills.

The Power of the U Network – Have access to a valuable University of Utah peer and faculty network.

Program that Fit Your Schedule – Convenient online classes that offer a schedule that works around you.

How to apply for the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Training Certificate (SUDTTC)

• Apply for admission to the program by completing the Professional References Identification Form and the Program Application Form.
• $50 seating fee required upon admission to the program.

The Social Work department will review your application and let you know when you are accepted within 6 weeks of your application date. Once you’ve been accepted:

• You’ll receive a registration link with your class options for the semester.
• Select your courses and pay the tuition online.
• Contact an advisor to learn about scholarship opportunities and next steps!

Apply Now to join this certificate! - Deadline March 15 & September 15

Certificate Completion Requirements

• Students will be required to fulfill the same expectations and requirements as matriculated students including exams, projects and participation.
• Certificate students will receive an “S-Satisfactory” or “U-Unsatisfactory” assessment for each class. “S-Satisfactory” will indicate that the student has met the standards for at least a C-.
• Students must receive an “S-Satisfactory" grade in all classes for successful completion.

How is my accomplishment recognized?

A letter of completion will be provided after satisfactorily completing all certificate program and fieldwork requirements. Certificate program completion will also show on official University of Utah transcripts.

Can anyone register and enroll in the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Training Certificate Program?

Individuals must have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree or pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree to be eligible to register and enroll in the program. Individuals seeking the Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor Certificate (ASUDC) certificate must have or be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. Individuals seeking the Substance Use Disorder Counselor Certificate (SUDC) certificate must have or be pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.

Do I have to take and complete all of the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Training Certificate Program courses in sequential order?

Field Training Courses (SWC 706/SWC 707/SWC 711) must be taken in the final semester of the program. Other courses can be taken in any order but it is recommended that students work with an academic advisor to ensure timely completion of required courses. Below is the recommended sequencing of courses.

SUDC Track Course Sequencing - Spring AND Fall Start
First Semester		Second Semester		Final Semester
Course #	Course Name	Course #	Course Name	Course #	Course Name
SWC 716	Intro to Prof. Dev.	SWC 715	Dynamics of Addiction	SWC 706	Field Training
SWC 731	Counseling Prac I	SWC 725	Intro to Neurochem	SWC 711	Functions & Recovery
SWC 732	Counseling Prac II

ASUDC Track Course Sequencing - Spring Start
Spring Semester		Summer Semester		Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Course #	Course Name	Course #	Course Name	Course #	Course Name	Course #	Course Name
SWC 716	Intro to Prof. Dev.	SWC 723	Advanced Prof. Dev.	SWC 715	Dynamics of Addiction	SWC 707	Adv. Field Training
SWC 731	Counseling Prac I	SWC 733	Counseling Prac III	SWC 725	Intro to Neurochem	SWC 711	Functions & Recovery
SWC 732	Counseling Prac II	SWC 734	Counseling Prac IV

ASUDC Track Course Sequencing - Fall Start
Fall Semester		Spring Semester		Summer Semester		Fall Semester
Course #	Course Name	Course #	Course Name	Course #	Course Name	Course #	Course Name
SWC 715	Dynamics of Addiction	SWC 716	Intro to Prof. Dev.	SWC 723	Advanced Prof. Dev.	SWC 707	Adv. Field Training
SWC 725	Intro to Neurochem	SWC 732	Counseling Prac II	SWC 733	Counseling Prac III	SWC 711	Functions & Recovery
SWC 731	Counseling Prac I			SWC 734	Counseling Prac IV

Do I have to register and pay for all of the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Training Certificate Program courses at one time?

Tuition is charged for courses at the time of registration, if registering through Continuing Education’s website.

Does the Letter of Completion from the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Training Certificate Program mean that I’m licensed?

No, a letter of completion from the College of Social Work at the University of Utah is given to individuals following their successful completion of the program. The SUDC or ASUDC license is awarded by the State of Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).

How do I apply for SUDC or ASUDC licensure?

Individuals who complete the required SUDC or ASUDC coursework (including field practicum placement) in the program can apply for licensure through the State of Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).

Am I graded in the classes?

Yes, instructors do grade students on assignments—quizzes, examinations, written papers, however classes are graded with a "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory" option. For successful certificate completion, students must achieve a "Satisfactory" grade in all classes.

Can I apply these classes to a degree at the University of Utah?

These are non-credit classes and cannot be applied to any for-credit degree.

Are these classes eligible for federal financial aid?

Students taking non-credit classes are not eligible for federal student aid loan programs.

What is the average weekly time commitment for each of the classes?

The for-credit section of the classes are two credit hours. For a typical two credit hour class, each student is expect to spend approximately four hours per week on class work outside of the classroom.