Credits required
18
Cost per-credit*
$288.50
Delivery
Online
Start Terms
3 Per Year
Online Certificate in Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services
Gain the skills to support recovery and prevention in your community
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The Online Certificate in Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services from the Center for Application of Substance Abuse Technologies prepares students and professionals for meaningful work in addiction counseling, prevention and behavioral health. This fully online undergraduate certificate program is designed to meet the educational requirements set by the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to pursue counselor certification and begin or enhance careers in the field of addiction.
Whether you’re seeking your first credential, planning to work toward licensure or supplementing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, public health, or social work, this certificate program provides a direct and flexible pathway toward service in your community.
*Program tuition. Base in-state tuition cost. Does not include student fees. Please note everyone's net tuition costs is specific to their own situation and will be different for each person. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Your Pathway Into the Field of Addiction Counseling
As demand grows for qualified addiction professionals, this certificate program gives students the opportunity to build expertise in treatment planning, prevention strategies and recovery support. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based treatment approaches and co-occurring disorder awareness, while introducing students to the social, behavioral and ethical aspects of addiction and substance use disorder care.
You’ll also gain exposure to practical applications such as screening and assessment, relapse prevention and group and individual counseling dynamics. Through applied learning and optional practicum experiences, the program prepares students to support individuals and families affected by substance-related challenges in both clinical and community-based settings.
Job Market Outlook
| Company | Total Postings (Sep 2023 - Sep 2024) | Unique Postings (Sep 2023 - Sep 2024) | Median Posting Duration |
| Pinnacle Treatment Centers | 796 | 205 | 35 days |
| CoreCivic | 416 | 97 | 34 days |
| Amity Foundation | 219 | 87 | 34 days |
| Columbiacare Services | 643 | 80 | 30 days |
| State of Washington | 156 | 63 | 25 days |
| HealthRIGHT 360 | 210 | 62 | 43 days |
| Lifeworks Nw | 119 | 57 | 19 days |
Statistics provided for the region including: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
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Program Snapshot
- Format: 100 percent online, asynchronous
- Credit Hours: 18 credits (6 core courses)
- Optional Practicum: 3-credit, 135-hour field placement
- Tuition: $288.50 per credit
- Total Cost: $5,058 (certificate only)†
- Total with Practicum: $5,901 (18 credits + 3 practicum credits)†
- Program Length: 6 to 12 months
- Start Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
† Cost is a base estimate and does not include all fees
Admission Requirements
Nevada Online offers open enrollment to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.
Admission criteria include:
- Current undergraduates must have a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Non-degree-seeking students must hold a high school diploma or GED
- Depending on enrollment type, a transcript or personal statement may be requested
Enrollment is available for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students may begin the program in any term.
What You Will Learn
Students develop current knowledge in substance use and addiction, co-occurring disorders and evidence-based prevention and treatment approaches. Through coursework that integrates clinical theory with practical skill-building, students prepare to work in roles ranging from addiction specialist to drug counselor.
The six required certificate courses include:
| Course Title | Key Topics |
| CAS 154: Problems of Substance Abuse and Addiction | Overview of addiction and treatment programs |
| CAS 254: Signs and Symptoms of Addiction | Diagnosis and behavioral indicators |
| CAS 255 or 257: Prevention or Behavioral Health Fundamentals | Prevention strategies or peer ethics |
| CAS 354: Screening and Client Engagement | Screening tools and engagement techniques |
| CAS 355 or 357: Treatment or Justice Systems | Individual and group counseling or systems care |
| CAS 454: Case Management and Relapse Prevention | Recovery support, relapse planning |
Students pursuing the optional practicum (CAS 464) must first complete the three foundational courses: CAS 154, CAS 254 and CAS 354. The practicum places students in approved treatment or prevention settings throughout Nevada to gain field experience and meet the requirements for counselor certification.
Who This Program Serves
This program is designed for a wide range of learners including:
- Undergraduate students in psychology, human services, criminal justice, public health, or social work
- Health professionals and helping professionals expanding their knowledge in addiction counseling
- Career changers looking to serve in the behavioral health field
- Students preparing for licensure or counselor certification through the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors
The certificate may also support those preparing for future graduate studies or seeking a post-baccalaureate certificate to meet additional credentialing needs.
Career Pathways and Certification Prep
Completing the certificate program prepares students for early-stage roles in behavioral health and addiction services and supports long-term credentialing goals.
Students may pursue career paths such as:
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Prevention Specialist in substance abuse prevention programs
- Behavioral Health Technician or Support Specialist
- Case Manager in human services or treatment settings
The program satisfies Nevada’s educational requirements for CADC credentialing and reduces the supervised experience hours required from 4,000 to 1,500. It aligns with state requirements and prepares students to submit licensure applications and meet expectations set by the Nevada certification board.
Student Support and Practicum Resources
Nevada Online students benefit from 24/7 access to learning platforms and academic content, along with support from advisors through the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT). Students receive guidance in selecting courses, preparing practicum documentation, and completing applications for certification or licensure.
Practicum placement is supported through partnerships with Nevada agencies including Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, Northern Nevada HOPES and the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System. A limited number of students may also qualify for $2,500 scholarships for rural placements.
Financial Aid and Funding Options
While federal financial aid is not available for certificate-only students, those enrolled in a degree program may qualify for support. Additional options may include employer tuition reimbursement and funding through the Nevada Health Service Corps, especially for students completing practicum hours in underserved communities.
Start Building Your Career in Addiction Counseling
The Online Certificate in Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services offers students the opportunity to develop practical skills, deepen their understanding of addiction-related issues and begin or grow their careers in addiction counseling, treatment planning and behavioral health support. Whether you're working with clients in prevention programs or preparing for counselor certification, this program provides a clear path forward in the field of addiction.
Why choose Nevada Online for your Certificate in Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services?
Nevada Online offers an undergraduate certificate in Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services, providing skills for addiction counseling and behavioral health careers. The curriculum covers evidence-based strategies, meeting Nevada CADC requirements and national standards. This flexible program from the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies explores co-occurring disorders, counseling and relapse prevention. Apply now or contact an advisor.
Benefits of learning online with Nevada Online
Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty
Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university
Choose from accessible, fully online programs
Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All coursework is delivered online with asynchronous access, making it possible to complete assignments around your schedule.
The certificate can be completed in as little as six months or up to one year, depending on your preferred course load.
The practicum requires 135 hours of fieldwork. Most students complete it over one semester at a pace of 10 to 15 hours per week.
Yes. The program meets the educational requirements for CADC certification in Nevada and significantly reduces the number of supervised training hours required.