Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies program opens at Anoka-Ramsey Community College

The Cambridge Campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College will offer a new Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies program in fall 2018.

June 07, 2018

Answering a growing need in the community, Anoka-Ramsey Community College will launch a new Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies degree program on the Cambridge Campus in fall 2018.

Anoka-Ramsey will offer both a certificate and an Associate of Science in Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies, providing students with affordable options to pursue a career path in substance abuse counseling. The programs are a good fit for both traditional students who are enrolling in college for the first time and working professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

“Addiction is at an all-time high, especially opiate-related deaths,” said Robin Ringer, program manager of Allina Health Addiction Services Cambridge Medical Center. “This has become a national focus, and as we proceed, addiction specialists will be needed more than ever.”

She said the job postings on career search websites are often very high, sometimes numbering up to 40 openings in one week.

“This program means more opportunities for our community members,” said Ringer. “They will no longer have to commute to the colleges in the cities, making the program more attractive for those in rural communities. In addition, it will add to the treatment centers in the area by offering more candidates for future employment.” 

Dean of Academic and Community Outreach Shannon Kirkeide said faculty and administration at Anoka-Ramsey have been exploring the potential for new programs for many years, especially when it comes to programs that would benefit students on the Cambridge Campus.

“We took a look at economic development statistics and met with people in the community to discover local industry needs,” said Kirkeide. “The need is great in this area, especially in east central Minnesota.”

Upon completion of the associate’s degree program, graduates will understand how to offer counseling services to people with substance abuse disorders, as well as have a firm grasp of diagnostic criteria, treatment plans and the models and theories behind addiction and related issues. Those who enroll in the program will also be trained in clinical writing skills, and they will gain an understanding of the ethical guidelines and laws that apply to the profession of addiction counseling services.

The Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies degree program will allow successful graduates to work with a provisional license, under the supervision of a licensed counselor. Classes for the program at Anoka-Ramsey will open in fall semester 2018, and the program will soon begin accepting registrations.

In order to obtain licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC), graduates of Anoka-Ramsey’s new program should plan to continue their studies and complete a bachelor’s degree, as well as other requirements. As an alternative, the certificate offers practicing counselors and mental health practitioners a pathway into addiction counseling services.

“There is a statewide shortage of LADC’s),” said Ringer. “Hopefully, this program will bring more interest to this job classification and opportunity. I have been in the field for thirty years and have never experienced such a shortage.”

For more information about the new Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies programs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, contact Dean of Allied Health Sandra Kohler at Sandra.Kohler@AnokaRamsey.edu.