Chemical Dependency

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Program Overview

Degrees & Certificates

Chemical Dependency Specialist Certificate

Certificate programs provide students with a set of skills to find a job or stay current in a profession. Many certificates are designed to build on top of each other and eventually lead to a longer-term certificate or degree. These are called “stackable” certificates.
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  • Credits to complete: 52.0
  • Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 4 to 5

About the Program

There’s nothing more satisfying than making a positive difference in another person’s life – and as a chemical dependency professional, you’ll have that opportunity every day. Seattle Central’s Chemical Dependency Specialist certificate program gives you the skills and knowledge needed to help people struggling with addiction and the problems that come with it.

Career Opportunities

The demand for chemical dependency specialists is growing quickly as states look to treatment and counseling, rather than jail time, for drug offenders. In addition, mental health and addiction counseling services are increasingly being covered by health insurance policies.

Graduates of the Chemical Dependency Specialist program at Seattle Central College are prepared to work with people affected by addiction in a variety of settings, including:

  • Community clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Substance abuse treatment facilities
  • Halfway houses
  • Correctional facilities

Intensive Education

The Chemical Dependency Specialist certificate program is designed to train students for hands-on work in a demanding, yet rewarding, field. Our program meets the education and training requirements set by the Washington State Department of Health, and will prepare you to earn your Chemical Dependency Professional license quickly after graduation.

Note that in order to be licensed as a Chemical Dependency Professional, the Washington Department of Health requires you to hold an associate degree or higher in a related field. If you don’t yet have a degree, consider Seattle Central’s Social and Human Services associate degree program (designed to complement this certificate) as part of your studies.

The Chemical Dependency program is NAADAC approved.

NAADAC approved program seal

Gainful Employment

Learn more about this program’s Gainful Employment information (pdf).

Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.