2026-2027 College Catalog

Substance Addiction Counseling Certificate (SAC)

Type: Career, Certificate (C1)

Open Admissions

Division: Human Services & Emergency Response Pathways


This program will provide human service professionals and others the education necessary to enter into careers related to substance use disorders. This program leads directly into the two-year degree Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Program. Experience has shown that people with a minimum of one year of recovery have a better chance at success in this field of study.

 

If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.

First Year

Fall

DRG101Addiction and Society

3
HUS101The Human Services Worker

3
DRG103Physiological and Medical Aspects of Addiction

3
PSY102Introduction to Psychology

3
Total Credit Hours:12

Spring

CMP101Composition 1

3
DRG106Addiction Prevention

3
HUS102Helping Skills in Human Services

3
DRG201Individual Counseling for Addiction

3
DRG202Group Counseling for Addiction

3
Total Credit Hours:15
Program Note
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.

Total Credit Hours: 27


Program Student Learning Outcomes
  • Assess substance use and its impact on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
  • Provide effective, evidence-based counseling approaches to individuals & families.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of diversity; how to provide ethical and culturally sensitive care.
  • Utilize and deliver prevention and psycho-educational programming.
  • Identify commonly used self-help and community supports.
  • Gain confidence in selecting appropriate treatment options and levels of care.

Occupational Skills required
  • Active listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Oral Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Service Orientation
  • Strong written communication
  • Technology & Computer Literacy
  • Time Management


Most Common Linked Occupation Title – All Education Levels
  • Substance Use and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Most Common Linked Occupation Title – Associate’s or Less
  • Social and Human Services Assistant

 Top Transfer Institutions
  • Salem State University
  • Suffolk University
  • Boston University
  • Endicott College