According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for substance abuse counselors will increase by 25% over the next decade.
Changes in the way we handle substance abuse from a medical, judicial, and psychological point of view translates into greatly increased need for those skilled in treatment options.
Addiction counselors in private practice may earn six-figure salaries, while those in health centers, government jobs, or hospitals earn an average of $46,240 a year.
Our chosen programs are all at the master’s level, but whether it’s a master of science or master of art depends on the focus on the individual program. They range from 33 to 69 credit hours, although the length of time it takes you to complete your chosen program will depend on whether you are attending classes full time or part time.
All the colleges and universities on our list are accredited by the appropriate regional or national credentialing organization, which includes the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The periodic accreditation process ensures students that they are receiving the highest quality curricular material, offered by professors with the terminal degree in their field and real-world knowledge.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
There are a number of venues where the holder of a master’s in Addiction and Recovery may find work. Hospitals, community health centers, and employee assistance organizations all offer addictions counseling. As we learn more as a society about the challenges of addictions, courts are becoming more likely to send offenders to counseling rather than jail — leading to increased municipal recovery programs.
Health insurance companies may hire and work with addictions counselors to assist policyholders. Establishing a private practice may also be a rewarding, and financially satisfying, way of using your degree to help those in need.
Professional credentials or licensure are usually required to practice, but these vary from state to state. This is worth noting if you choose an online program in a different state from your own — you’ll want to be sure that your coursework will be acceptable for getting licensed in your own state.
Here are some questions to ask when researching Addictions and Recovery degree programs:
A good admissions counselor can be a great support when you are researching and applying to programs. They can answer questions, direct you to the appropriate resources, and facilitate your application. They may also be able to help with financial aid applications.
The financial aid available to you can play a major role in your decision on what college to attend. But don’t stop there: you may find scholarships, grants, or loans from professional organizations that you belong to, or even from your own employer.