Upon successful completion of the courses, individuals should be able to:

• Demonstrate culturally competent practice for work in diverse cultural contexts.
• Demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of the scope of practice as defined by law.
• Demonstrate proficiency of the 12 Core Functions.
• Demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of the causes, prevalence, and treatment of substance abuse, including prevention and recovery.
• Demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of the pharmacology of drugs and alcohol, including the neurochemical and biological effects on the human body.
• Function effectively within the structure of organizations and across service delivery systems using a multi-disciplinary team approach.
• Practice within the values and ethics of the professional NAADAC and NASW Code of Ethics.
• Obtain state licensure as mandated by State of Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).

At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.

Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:

• Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
• Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
• Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.

Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:

• Communicate directly with the instructor via email.
• Participate in and guide online discussions.
• Attend online office hours in discussion threads or on the phone.
• Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; for some courses we offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.

Undergraduate-level certificate

What’s the difference between a Substance Use Disorder Counselor and an Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor?

SUDC Scope of Practice

• Administer screening process by which a client is determined to need substance use disorder services which may include screening, brief intervention, and treatment referral.
• Conducts assessment procedures to gather information related to an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, needs, and substance use disorder symptoms for the development of a treatment plan.
• Participation in the process of treatment planning including recommending specific interventions to support existing treatment goals and objectives.
• Other activities as outlined in Utah Code 58-60-502(10)(b).
• Practice under general supervision of qualified mental health therapist (MHT).

ASUDC Scope of Practice—All things a SUDC can do plus

• Identify substance use disorder symptoms and behaviors and co-occurring health issues.
• Treatment planning for substance use disorders diagnosed by MHT.
• Qualified to supervise SUDC as they gather hrs. of supervised experience.

Can anyone register for courses in the SUDTTC program?

Only students admitted to the SUDTTC program may take Core courses, with the exception of SW 2715 Dynamics of Addiction, which is open to all UOnline students.

Do I have to take the SUDTTC program courses in sequential order?

Introductory and Core courses can be taken in any order.
Field Training courses (SW 5706/SW 5707 and SWC 5711) must be taken in the final semester of the program.
ASUDC courses (SW 5723, 5733, and 5734) are offered in summer semesters only and have prerequisites.
Contact an advisor for more information.

Does completing the SUDTTC program mean that I’m licensed?

No, only a verification of completion from the College of Social Work at the University of Utah is provided to individuals following successful completion of the program.

A license to practice as a SUDC or ASUDC will be provided by the licensing entity in your state. In Utah, SUDC and ASUDC licenses are awarded by the State of Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).

• Signal credibility and integrity: Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) or Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor (ASUDC) certification demonstrates a deep knowledge and commitment to ethical, professional and competent practice with diverse populations in the addictions field.
• Make an impact on society: Solve problems, help clients—individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities achieve their goals, and serve as trusted practitioner.
• Employment security in a growing Field: The substance use disorder counselor career path is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. According to United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupation—social service workers is expected to grow 23%, much faster than the average for all occupations. With a rising demand for substance abuse treatment, job opportunities are good.

$520/credit*. Total program tuition at current rates: $10,400 - $13,520.

*Subject to change without notice

New students enrolling in UOnline beginning Summer 2024 can apply the employee reduced tuition benefit to this program.

How to Apply for the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Training Certificate (SUDTTC) Program

• Meet with an academic advisor to make sure the program is a good fit for you! Email sudc@utah.edu or make an appointment.
• Apply for admission to the program by completing the Professional References Identification Form and the Program Application Form.
• Spring deadline: October 15^th
• Fall deadline: March 15^th
• $50 seating fee required upon admission to the program.

Please note it can take up to 8 weeks after the deadline for admissions decisions to be made.

apply now!