Substance Use Disorder Professionals Program
The Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) program at Columbia Basin College is an in-depth pathway within the Health Science Associate in Science (AS) degree specializing in substance use disorders. It is designed to align with the Washington State Department of Health's stringent requirements for SUDP certification and licensure, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their roles in healthcare and social services.
SUDPs are crucial professionals who address the challenging and complex issues of addiction. They provide assessment, treatment, and recovery services to individuals, groups, and families, playing a pivotal role in fostering public health and community wellness. This program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of addiction, including its pharmacological, psychological, and social aspects. It covers a wide array of subjects like treatment methods, cultural competence, ethical practice, and case management. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical application, students will develop the necessary skills to become compassionate, competent professionals in substance use disorder counseling.
Graduates of this program will complete the educational requirements needed to become
Certified as a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee in Washington state. They
will be well-prepared to embark on a fulfilling career, helping individuals overcome
dependencies and achieve self-sufficiency, thereby contributing significantly to the
field of healthcare and social services.
Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP)
Trainee Certification
Education and Training
Washington State issues a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Trainee certification
to applicants who are working toward the education and experience requirements for
certification as a Substance Use Disorder Professional. An SUDP Trainee can provide
substance use disorder assessment, counseling, and case management to patients consistent
with their education, training, and experience as documented by an approved supervisor
within the treatment setting.
A minimum of 45 quarter credits of courses in DOH required substance use disorder
counseling topics must be completed before applicants are eligible for SUDP certification
beyond the trainee designation. Proctored substance use disorder counseling hours
are also required.
Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Certification
Education and Training
Certified SUDP Trainee applicants must have completed a minimum of an associate’s
degree or higher in human services or a related field from an approved school or provide
official transcripts showing proof of successful completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester
college credits in courses from an approved school. Applicants with an associate degree
must also provide proof of 2,500 hours of substance use disorder counseling. Applicants
with higher levels of education must provide documentation of 2,000 hours for a bachelor’s
degree or 1,500 hours for a master’s or doctoral degree in a human services or related
field.
Examination
Applicants must provide proof of successful completion of the National Association
of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (NAADAC) National Certification Examination
for Addiction Counselors or International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium
(ICRC) Certified Addiction Counselor Level II or higher examination.
A person certified through NAADAC or the ICRC as an alcohol and drug counselor (ADC)
or advanced alcohol and drug counselor (AADC), is considered to have met all of the
experience requirements of WAC 246-811-046.
Washington State Department of Health
