Substance Abuse Counselling diploma
No longer available
Learn to help others stop the cycle of abuse
Why earn a diploma in Substance Abuse Counselling? Why take this program at UFV?What type of courses will I take?I'm interested in just some of the courses, do I need a diploma? Are these courses transferable? What do I need to get in?Anything else?
I'm interested. What should I do next?
When should I apply?
How much does it cost? Can I afford to take this program?Sounds good. What's the next step?
I'm not sure that this program is for me. Can I speak with someone about my options?
Why earn a diploma in Substance Abuse Counselling?
You’re well aware that the crime rate is up, homelessness is on the increase, and families are breaking down. Often, these social problems are associated with substance abuse. Increasingly, people are seeking professional help to treat their addiction problems. That’s where you come in. There is a specific need in B.C. for people trained in counselling skills for people with addictions.
Why take this program at UFV?
UFV’s Substance Abuse Counselling diploma program is designed to train you to work specifically with people who want help for their addiction. Through this program, you will learn about harm reduction and prevention, alcohol and drug dependencies, and techniques for working with clients with dependencies, and develop knowledge and skills related to specific client groups. You will learn intervention skills that will be developed at individual, group, and family levels.
Our diploma program is designed for people without extensive formal academic qualifications who want to work in the addictions field. As an alternative for people who already already have a certificate, diploma, or degree in an allied field, UFV offers a one-year post-graduate certificate in partnership with the Continuing Studies department. As a diploma student, you will complete two practica, and gain valuable work experience in the field.
Although some substance abuse counsellors are recovering from an addiction, undertaking counselling training is not part of the recovery process. As a prospective student you are expected to lead a life free from substance abuse.
What type of courses will I take?
Year one/Semester I :
- CMNS 155 Communications for Human Services
- or ENGL 105* The Reading and Writing of Prose
- HSER 120 Introduction to Interpersonal Communications
- HSER 129 Seminar
- PHIL Philosophy requirement
- PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology I
- SOWK 110 Intro to Social Work & Human Services
*Only if taken prior to entry Year one/Semester II :
- HSER 130 Practicum I
- SOWK 210 Introduction to Social Welfare
- SOC 101 Introductory Sociology
- Elective Group A — Data Manipulation
Year two/Semester III :
- SOWK 225 Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
- HSER 200 Counselling Skills
- HSER 400 Counselling Skills for Addictions Work
- HSER 401 Group Facilitation Skills for Addictions
- HSER 410 The Nature of Substance Abuse
- HSER 427 Integrative and Self-care Seminar
- CMNS 251 Professional Report Writing
Year two/Semester IV :
- HSER 402 Family Work in Addictions
- HSER 411 Pharmacology and Psychobiology of Addictions
- HSER 412 Community Treatment: Assessment and Referral
- HSER 428 Integrative and Self-care Seminar
- HSER 430 Substance Abuse Protection
- Elective (as per approved list)
I’m interested in just some of the courses. Do I need to earn a diploma?
If you wish to take some of the courses without enrolling in the program, or even before you formally apply to the diploma program, you can apply as a General Studies student. You may register for any courses for which you meet the prerequisites. It’s important to note, however, that program students are given priority for courses.
Are these courses transferable?
Yes. Some credits from this program can be used towards the Bachelor of General Studies degree, Bachelor of Arts degree, Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education degree, and the Bachelor of Social Work degree programs at UFV.
What do I need to get in?
You must be physically and emotionally prepared to undertake this program of studies. You must also undergo a criminal record check. We also require that you:
- meet the prerequisite for CMNS 155 (e.g., CPT score of 48 or better C+ or better in ENGL 081 or 091, or C or better in ENGL 099, or an A in English 12, Literature 12, or Technical Professional Communications 12). An LPI essay score of 30 (level 5) is considered equivalent to a CPT score of 48
- have a sustained work history of at least five years
- provide evidence of satisfactory post-secondary course work (15 credits minimum)
- have four years of sobriety
- demonstrate personal suitability for working with people with substance issues.
Anything else?
Personal suitability of applicants will be assessed using a point rating system. Points are awarded for your past academic education, your work or volunteer experience (social services or other), a demonstrated writing ability, reference letters, a personal statement, and a group interview, which generally consists of four to six students and two Social Services department members. During the interview, you should be prepared to discuss your career goals and knowledge of the field, and will be expected to demonstrate your appropriate interpersonal and life skills. Admission to the program will be granted on a first-come, first-qualified, first-served basis to those scoring above the required threshold and who have completed a successful interview.
I’m interested. What should I do next?
The next step would be to check our UFV’s
online calendar. Be sure to review the section about our Substance Abuse Counselling diploma program carefully and then complete your Application for Admission form, which you can download at the
download centre. Once that’s done, submit it by mail or in person with all the required documents and the $45 application fee to any UFV Admissions and Records office at any UFV campus or centre.
When should I apply?
If you’re planning on starting classes in September you should submit your application starting October 1. Most admissions decisions will be made before May. Applications received after January 31 will be considered if space is still available.
How much does it cost? Can I afford to take this program?
It’s best to check out our
online calendar for tuition fees. You also need to budget extra money for books and supplies. See the Fees and Other Costs section of our calendar. Some employers are willing to sponsor their employees and you should check with your employer before registering.
It’s also a good idea to visit the UFV Financial Aid and Awards office, which facilitates the disbursement each year of about $12 million in federal and provincial student loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships, and awards to UFV students. A helpful budget planning worksheet is available online at
www.ufv.ca/fineaid/budget
Sounds good. What’s the next step?
Visit
www.ufv.ca/advising/prospective/enroll for a step-by-step process to becoming a UFV student. Have specific questions about the Substance Abuse Counselling diploma program? Contact the program advisor at
eleanor.masecar@ufv.ca
I’m not sure that this program is for me. Can I speak with someone about my options?
Absolutely. We want to hear from you! If you’re unsure of your direction, contact Student Services at 1-888-504-7441 to arrange a tour, attend a Becoming a Student info session, connect with an educational advisor, or arrange for career counselling. Or contact the contact the Social Work and Human Services department at 604-864-4631 or visit the website at
www.ufv.ca/swhs
