2023 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in North Dakota
Our list below highlights online substance use counseling degrees in North Dakota at all available program levels, including certificates. Earning a bachelor's degree in substance use counseling may be a good first step toward entering this field. Alternatively, you can explore our ranked lists of the most affordable online substance abuse counseling programs or the best online counseling programs overall.
University of Mary
- Locations: Bismarck
- Annual Tuition: $20,290
The University of Mary (UM) is a private, Roman Catholic institution that offers two online degree programs in substance use counseling.
- The Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling is an online degree that requires 124 credit hours. Students can complete it in less than three years. Some of the courses include Addictive Disorders in Society, Crisis Interventions, and Pharmacology of Addiction. Graduates of this bachelor's program may work as substance use or addiction counselors, prevention administrators, and case managers.
- The Addiction Prevention Undergraduate Certificate is an online program requiring 18 credit hours, which students can finish in less than a year. Courses include Foundations of Prevention, Dynamics of Addiction, and Ethics for Prevention Professionals. Graduates may work as addiction prevention specialists, addiction educators, prevention administrators, and behavioral health administrators.
At UM, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Online students have access to the university library, tutoring services, and academic advising.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
- Avg. Aid Package: $11,954
- Repayment Rate: 95%
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Recommend Rate: 100%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
- Undergraduate Online: 322 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 710 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 4 enrolled
Overview of Substance Abuse Counseling in North Dakota
Substance misuse and addiction issues have plagued the residents of North Dakota, especially over the last three years. In this state, drug overdose deaths increased from 3.1 per 100,000 in 2012 to 17.2 per 100,000 in 2021 and then rose another 9% in 2022.
In response to this public health crisis, the state's Department of Human Health and Services has taken several positive steps toward preventing and treating substance use disorder more effectively. These include developing a voucher program for those who can't pay for treatment, providing recovery housing services, and coordinating community service providers. The state has also prioritized finding qualified substance abuse counselors to staff treatment centers throughout the state, creating more job opportunities for licensed professionals.
Do you want to advance your career with a bachelor's degree in counseling? Explore your options with our lists of the best online substance abuse counseling degrees, the most affordable online substance abuse counseling degrees, and the best online counseling degrees.
FAQs About Substance Use Counseling Degrees in North Dakota
What Can You Do With a Substance Use Counselor Degree in North Dakota?
Many people who've earned an in-person or online substance abuse counseling degree in the state of North Dakota often wonder what kind of career opportunities are available. One option is to work as a substance use counselor, providing services directly to clients. A bachelor's or master's degree will qualify you to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), but you will need a master's or doctoral degree to become a Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC).
You can also help people suffering from alcohol, drug, and other forms of addiction by working in community service or public health. These jobs are usually associated with local or state government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Your job may involve educating the public or overseeing some kind of prevention or treatment program. With several years of experience, you may be able to advance to management or other leadership roles.
How Do I Become a Substance Use Counselor in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners (NDBACE) is the governing body for professionals who offer in-person, telephone, and online substance abuse counseling in this state. If you would like to become a substance use counselor in North Dakota, you may submit an application for one of two levels of substance abuse counseling certification.
The first level of certification is the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). To qualify for this level, you must have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in substance abuse counseling or a similar subject. You must also provide documentation that you've completed a board-approved, 960-hour clinical training program, and you'll need two letters of recommendation from your clinical supervisors. Finally, you'll need a passing score on the NCAC II Exam sponsored by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC).
The other level of certification is the Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC). The requirements for this level include a master's degree or doctorate in substance abuse counseling or something similar, verification of completion of a 700-hour clinical training program, and two letters of recommendation from clinical supervisors. You must then pass the NAADAC's MAC Exam.
Per North Dakota's regulations, you can earn your degree through traditional or online substance abuse counseling programs. However, you must have graduated from an institutionally accredited school. If you're interested in earning an online degree, you'll find that all of the programs listed on our site have earned institutional accreditation. You may want to explore our lists of the best online substance abuse counseling bachelor's degrees, the most affordable online substance abuse counseling bachelor's degrees, the best online substance abuse counseling master's degrees, and the most affordable online substance abuse counseling master's degrees.
All LAC and LMAC licenses expire on the last day of odd-numbered years. When you submit your application and fee for renewal, you'll need to provide documentation that you've completed 40 hours of continuing education to continue practicing.
Does North Dakota Have Reciprocity for Substance Use Counselors?
North Dakota does not allow substance use counselors from other states to transfer their credentials to this state, but you can submit an application to become a licensed professional offering counseling for substance abuse. On your application, you should note where you were previously licensed. At the same time, you should submit a verification request to the licensing board in your current state. Once the NDBACE receives verification from your current state, it will process your application. Assuming your credentials are comparable to the LAC and LMAC requirements, you should be approved.
How Much Do Licensed Addiction Counselors Get Paid in North Dakota?
Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide specific salary information for addiction counselors, its most recent report shows that the approximately 730 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the state earn a mean annual salary of $60,710. Based on BLS data, ProjectionsCentral is predicting a 19.5% increase in the number of substance abuse counseling jobs in North Dakota from 2020 to 2030.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 10/18/2023