Achieve Your Career Goals by Training to Earn a Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant Professional Endorsement
After successfully completing two online courses, students can apply to the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board for a Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant (CDCA) professional endorsement in preparation for a job as a recovery coach.
Time to Complete
1 semester to complete education for CDCA (Preliminary), 1 additional semester to complete education for the CDCA
Credits
2 courses totaling 7 credits
Program Highlights
In this seven credit offering, students will learn to perform assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and individual and group counseling strategies, to help community members struggling with substance use disorders. This credential will:
- Distinguish your resume
- Help community members in need
The courses are endorsed by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board
Learning Methodogy
- Online class offerings
- No prior college experience required for the CDCA preliminary course
- Courses are endorsed by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board
Admissions Requirements
The courses can be taken at the undergraduate or graduate level, and as degree-seeking or non-degree seeking. For undergraduate level courses, only a high school diploma is required (must be eligible to enroll at CSU).
Current students can register for the courses as part of their regular course load.
Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWK 494 OR SWK 694 | Theories & Procedures in Addiction Studies | 3 Credits |
Students who wish to retain their endorsement must take an additional class to earn their CDCA (formerly CDCA II). Students must have had their CDCA Preliminary for at least 10 months before they apply for the CDCA. Education for the CDCA must be completed after the CDCA Preliminary is received, but students do not have to wait 10 months before taking the CDCA course.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CNS 501 | Chemical Dependency: Assessment, Treatment, Prevention | 4 Credits |
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition and financial aid for CSU programs are kept competitive so you can receive the education you deserve. Tuition for online programs and courses follows the same fee structure as traditional, on-campus programs and courses. Current CSU Graduate tuition costs can be found on the Bursar’s website.
Approximately 70% of CSU’s students receive some form of financial assistance. The University participates in or administers all the major federal and state grant and loan programs. In addition, CSU provides University grants and scholarships.
To begin the financial aid process, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must file a FAFSA every year after January 1st to receive your financial aid. Cleveland State University’s financial aid school code is 003032.
If you have any questions, visit the Financial Aid section of CSU’s website, or contact the Financial Aid office.
Faculty
The Co-Coordinator of this program has extensive experience teaching substance use disorder counseling skills and helped to create evidence based curricular resources that are used throughout the country. Faculty are experienced, supportive, connected to the community, and passionate about preparing students for competent practice.
Career Outcomes
Learn introductory assessment and evidence based counseling techniques for work with individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Prepare for a job as a recovery coach. Courses prepare you for community service roles including:
- Recovery coach
- Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant (Preliminary)
- Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant
Career Outcomes
Learn introductory assessment and evidence based counseling techniques for work with individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Prepare for a job as a recovery coach. Courses prepare you for community service roles including:
- Recovery coach
- Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant (Preliminary)
- Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant
The chemical dependency classes that I took at CSU allowed me to pursue my dreams of opening my own business. I learned so much during my time there. I received the inspiration and knowledge that I needed to feel confident in my path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the CDCA PRE/CDCA classes endorsed by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (OCDPB)?
Yes!
What are the course numbers for the CDCA preliminary and CDCA renewable classes and when are they offered?
The CDCA preliminary class is SWK 494 for undergraduate students or SWK 694 for graduate students. Both SWK 494 and SWK 694 are 3 credits and offered asynchronously online. The CDCA renewable class is CNS 501 and is a 4 credit class that is available in person or via synchronous remote access. The courses are offered fall, spring and summer pending sufficient enrollment.
Do I have to have a particular major or previous counseling experience to take the CDCA preliminary courses and earn my CDCA PRE?
No. You do not have to have a particular major and you do not need any prior counseling experience to take the classes or earn your CDCA preliminary.
I have a felony history, does this disqualify me from obtaining my CDCA?
Not necessarily. The OCDPB reviews individuals’ felony history on a case by case basis. There is acknowledgement within the field that many of the best Chemical Dependency counselors have successfully moved away from past personal substance use disorders.
Who is eligible to take the CDCA preliminary course?
Anybody who is eligible to enroll at CSU:
- high school graduates including those who are in recovery from substance abuse
- existing bachelor or masters level students in any degree program who wish to graduate with an OCDPB endorsement
- community members who are interested in a first degree
- individuals returning to school
- individuals wishing to obtain an endorsement to complement their existing degree
- individuals seeking to fulfill continuing education requirements
Why would I want to take these classes?
- Earning a CDCA will allow students to place the letters CDCA after their name.
- It will allow students in any field to learn more about chemical dependency related issues for professional or personal reasons.
- It will allow students who major in a field where it is difficult to obtain a license an opportunity to work in the field as a counseling professional assistant.
- It will provide students with necessary credentials to obtain an entry-level job in the substance abuse field.
- Given the widespread occurrence of substance use disorders, it will provide workers in almost any field the knowledge to intervene on a basic level with a client or co-worker who is impacted by chemical dependency. This is particularly relevant for teachers, and all health care professionals including Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, and Social Workers.
- It will allow students to distinguish their resume. For example, a high school teacher applicant who also holds a CDCA credential may be very attractive to many employers.
- In Social Work, for example, it is desirable for students completing their field practicum to have a CDCA so that the student can provide a greater service to their practicum agency.
What can I do with a CDCA?
According to the Ohio Revised Code, this is the Scope of practice for chemical dependency counselor assistants (CDCA):
- An individual holding a valid chemical dependency counselor assistant certificate may do both of the following in addition to practicing chemical dependency counseling:
- Perform treatment planning, assessment, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, case management, and education services as they relate to abuse of or dependency on alcohol and other drugs;
- Refer individuals with nonchemical dependency conditions to appropriate sources of help.
- An individual holding a valid chemical dependency counselor assistant certificate may practice chemical dependency counseling and perform the tasks specified in paragraph (A) of this rule only while under the supervision of any of the following:
- An independent chemical dependency counselor-clinical supervisor, independent chemical dependency counselor or chemical dependency counselor III licensed under this chapter;
- An individual authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery;
- A psychologist licensed under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;
- A registered nurse licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code if such supervision is consistent with the scope of practice of the registered nurse.
- A professional clinical counselor, independent social worker, or independent marriage and family therapist licensed under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code if such supervision is consistent with the scope of practice of the professional clinical counselor, independent social worker, or independent marriage and family therapist.
- Perform tasks identified and listed in paragraph (KK) of rule 3793:2-1-08 of the Administrative Code as they relate to abuse of or dependency on alcohol and other drugs. These tasks may only be performed while under the supervision of one of those individuals designated in paragraph (K) of rule 3793:2-1-05 of the Administrative Code.
- A chemical dependency counselor assistant may not practice as an individual practitioner.