The demand for addiction counselor jobs is high, and if you’ve considered opting for a career as an addiction specialist, completing your educational units is the first step. These days, students have the option of enrolling in online or in-person addiction studies programs, but which one is the right fit for you? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both options.
Learning Style
In-Person: This is ideal for learners who benefit from face-to-face interactions and structured environments.
Online: This option is ideal for self-motivated students who prefer flexible learning at their own pace. At Sober College, our program is 100% online and can be used by students in all states except Alaska, Montana and North Dakota.
Flexibility
In-Person: This is a much less flexible option, with set class schedules that may conflict with work or family responsibilities.
Online: Sober College’s online platform can be accessed at any time, providing greater flexibility and making it easier for students to balance studies with other commitments.
Networking Opportunities
In-Person: Provides more organic opportunities to connect with classmates, professors, and local professionals. Joining professional organizations such as NAADAC is another great way to network and meet professionals.
Online: Networking may require more effort but can offer a broader reach through virtual communities and discussion forums. At Sober College, our professors have an open-door policy, virtually, for their students. Professors, many of which are still in the counseling workforce, are always happy to answer questions and lend advice.
Hands-On Experience
In-Person: Often integrates role-play scenarios, mock counseling sessions, and supervised practice.
Online: This option may require students to arrange their own in-person practicum experiences. A 255-hour practicum experience at an approved treatment facility is a requirement for substance abuse counselor certification, and completion of this practicum will be part of your program at Sober College and we will do all we can to help you find facilities for your practicum experience.
Technology Requirements
In-Person: Minimal tech knowledge is required beyond standard study tools.
Online: Requires reliable internet access and comfort with digital platforms. When it comes to Sober College, we use Moodle, a personalized online learning platform that is easy to learn, secure, and well-organized. Moodle also includes time management tools and interactive assignments.
Support Systems
In-Person: Easier access to on-campus resources like libraries, study groups, and mental health support.
Online: Support is typically available but may be less immediate. Moodle, our online learning platform, does include forums where students can hold discussions and ask questions.
Accreditation & Licensing
Both in-person and online programs can meet CADC certification requirements, but students should verify that their chosen program is accredited. At Sober College of Addiction Studies, our fully accredited program is NAADAC-approved, IC&RC-approved and CAADAC-approved.
Cost Considerations
In-Person: Traditional in-person colleges and universities addiction studies certificate programs come with a huge price tag, and can cost tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention the additional costs for commuting, campus fees, books or course materials.
Online: The entire cost for our addiction studies program is just $4,750 (books are an extra $300-$500 total), and there are no hidden fees, commuting costs, etc.
Program Length
In-Person: Most college and university programs last several years.
Online: Sober College’s program can be completed in just six months.
Sober College: Your Path To A New Career
While in-person learning does have its benefits, Sober College offers a convenient, affordable online educational platform for anyone wishing to jumpstart into a new career as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor or CADC.
A CADC is a common type of addiction counselor. While CADC is a common term, some states will use the term Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) or perhaps Alcohol and Drug Counselor, or ADC, or perhaps another term. The certification requirements tend to be the same and include:
- 315 hours of approved education
- 255 hours of practicum experience
- A passing score on the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam
- 3,000-6,000 hours of supervised work experience
For CADC-I’s, 3,000 hours of supervised work experience is required. For CADC-II’s, 6,000 hours of supervised work experience is required. CADC-III’s need only complete 4,000 hours, but at this level, applicants must also have earned a bachelor’s degree. Only a high school diploma (or the equivalent) is required for CADC-I or CADC-II certification.
Our quality curriculum prepares students for their future careers as well as providing all of the knowledge you need to pass the IC&RC exam. Again, our program also includes the completion of your practicum hours, which is a real-life experience where you observe and handle all aspects of addiction treatment, from intake to counseling to patient assessment and more.
Sober College offers rolling admissions so you can get started with our addiction studies program whenever it is convenient for you. Ready to enroll? Head to the Get Started tab on our homepage and select Apply. From there, you can download our application and start on your journey to a new and rewarding career.
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