An addictions certificate allows students to complete the course work to become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC).

The Addictions Certificate curriculum prepares students through the educational requirements for alcohol and drug counseling licensure (LADC) within the state of MN to include course work, internship and licensure prep. Students will learn screening and assessment tools, how LADCs diagnose and make treatment recommendations and will participate in experiential activities to practice substance abuse counseling skills. This certificate pairs well with Social Work, Psychology and Criminal Justice majors allowing Social Work students who go on to graduate school to be licensed in addictions counseling as well as a clinically licensed social worker.

The curriculum also defines and incorporates trauma-informed, co-occurring and multicultural practices necessary to address the needs of individuals in the addictions field. Bemidji State University also welcomes returning students seeking LADC licensure and encourages professionals in the helping professions to become dually licensed.

This is an on-campus and online program, with courses meeting in the evenings to accommodate working students.

Licensure Process

1. Application– Complete in class during the internship
2. Exam– Students are encouraged to take the exam during the internship
3. Internship Hours/Transcripts– Upon completion of the internship, students submit their internship hours and transcript to MN Board of Behavioral Health.
4. Licensure– Licensure is received 2-4 weeks after submission of all documentation.

“The addictions program has prepared me not only by giving me the physical resources I need, but a support system. The professors provided the encouragement to try something new and the education to do it. The psychology and social work departments partner well and give students a strong overview of what working in this field truly looks like.”

-Amanda Willis Martin, LADC

Progression

All addictions certificate courses must reflect a letter grade of C or higher and cumulative GPA of 2.50.

Students will be required to pass a state background check in order to complete an internship. If you have any concerns about your ability to pass a background check please meet with Professor Amanda Longie about this prior to enrolling in the addictions certificate courses and she will help you navigate this process.

Social work majors will complete a concurrent Social Work/Substance and Behavior Addictions internship.

The time frame to accept transfer credits will follow the BSU policy of accepting credits completed within the last 10 years. The department will accept credits on a case-by-case basis outside of this time frame. Prior work experience will not be accepted in lieu of an addictions certificate internship.

Students who are interested in adding the addictions certificate should contact their degree program advisor or Amanda Longie at amanda.longie@bemidjistate.edu. To declare the additions certificate please submit this form to the records office in Deputy Hall.
For more information on the courses in this program, visit the course catalog.