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This program can be completed as part of any major at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Open to all undergraduate students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Learn how to apply to the minor.
The minor, available to all students, is particularly designed for those who are majoring in a health or social service field and are interested in the addiction treatment field as a supplement to their major.
The minor program begins with foundational coursework in substance abuse, including understanding signs and symptoms of addiction and learning about the impact of addiction on individual and social health.
Later in the program, students learn how to apply that knowledge in clinical and treatment situations through classroom exercises and supervised clinical observations. The culminating activity, for students who wish to work as CADC’s (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors), is the internship, which will occur in an accredited alcohol or other drug treatment program or prevention services agency.
The minor in addiction treatment is offered through CASAT, the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies. CASAT provides educational programs, professional training and research programs that improve prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with addictive behaviors.
The field of substance abuse counseling is growing rapidly, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting growth of 23 percent between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growth is expected to be driven by an increase in the number of people seeking help for addiction as well as increasing reliance by states and criminal justice systems on rehabilitation and treatment.
Substance abuse counselors must be licensed, and many work in hospitals, treatment centers or in private practice. In general, substance abuse counselors need at least a bachelor's degree, and the profession had a median annual wage of $48,520 in 2021, according to the BLS.
If you want to pursue licensure as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Nevada, you can complete a practicum as part of your addiction treatment education. The for-credit practicum provides hands-on experience in a treatment facility, prevention-focused agency or appropriate health care setting and provides both professional networking opportunities and hands-on experience.
76% of students receive financial aid
Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.
54% of all students graduate with no debt
That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of Nevada, Reno with no student debt.
At the University of Nevada, Reno Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.
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