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Associate Degree: 3 Years, 69 Credits (Part-time, 4 or more years)
Appleton Campus
Career Opportunities
As an Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) associate/counselor, you work with a team of health and social service professionals to provide substance abuse services. These services include assessment, treatment, education, referral, prevention and rehabilitation for individuals and families affected by alcohol and other drug abuse. As an AODA counselor, you are employed by certified AODA treatment agencies such as clinics, hospitals and community residential facilities. Other employment opportunities are available in correctional facilities, employee and student assistance programs, and various community and social service agencies. Additional education this program prepares the student for are Bachelor's in Human Services and Master's in Counseling/Social Work.
Program Description
You are encouraged to acquire work or volunteer experience in the AODA or other human service fields prior to entering the program. Competencies developed throughout the program include counseling, diagnosis, treatment planning, group facilitation, crisis management, respect for clients' rights, and the complexity of addiction illnesses. Your courses involve classroom, laboratory and internship experiences and are frequently scheduled in late afternoon/evenings. This program is offered partially online. You may progress through the program on a full- or part-time basis.
Caregiver Background Check: Must meet guidelines established by Wisconsin statutes regarding caregiver background check information prior to participation in any internship placement.
Program/Plan Admission Requirements
- Admissions assessment
- Caregiver background check
Program Outcomes
The graduate of the Associate Degree AODA program will function as an entry-level practitioner in multiple settings.
The graduate, using knowledge, skills and attitudes of the art and science of counseling, will:
- Use a systematic screening and assessment approach to clinical evaluation.
- Collaborate with team members of the interdisciplinary team and the client to develop an individualized treatment plan.
- Facilitate the process of referral to support systems and community resources to meet the client's continuum of care needs.
- Provide case management services that include the coordination of available resources to focus on implementation and evaluation of the ongoing treatment plan.
- Perform individual and group counseling with alcohol and other drug abuse clients.
- Educate clients and families with information on risks, prevention, treatment and recovery resources related to alcohol and drug abuse.
- Document the screening/intake process, assessment, treatment plan and prepare written reports, clinical progress notes, discharge summaries and other client-related data.
- Adhere to accepted ethical and behavioral standards of conduct, legal regulations and continue professional development.
FVTC's AODA program has been accredited by the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing. In addition, we have articulation agreements in place with state colleges and universities for students to pursue higher education.
Program Offered at This Location
- Appleton—1825 N. Bluemound Drive
Helpful High School Courses
Psychology, Human Biology/Anatomy, and Human Relations
Contact Us
For additional information, call Greg Delaney, MSE,CSAC at (920) 735-4779 or Enrollment Services at (920) 725-5645 or visit the department website at www.fvtc.edu/aoda.
View Program Plan