Whatcom Community College
Home MenuAcademics » Areas of Study » Healthcare & Social Services » Substance Use Disorder Professional
Substance Use Disorder Professional Pathways
Click on each substance use disorder professional (SUDP) pathway to see the recommended quarter-by-quarter classes and other recommendations.
These pathways assume:
- You will be a full-time student.
- You will start in the fall.
- You are ready to take 100- and 200-level classes.
If not, you can still complete the pathway! You will just need to make adjustments. Talk with your advisor to customize your plan.
To progress through the SUDP pathway you much maintain a final grade of C (2.0) or better in all HLTH designated core requirement courses. Note: a C in HLTH courses is 74%.
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PROFESSIONAL, ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS) (90 CREDITS)
This program prepares students to counsel individuals and families with substance use disorders as a substance use disorder professional in Washington state. Courses are designed to meet the topics specific to alcohol- and drug-addicted individuals required by the Washington administrative code (246-811-030).
Quarter 1
ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
| Description | This course helps students become more effective writers in academic and professional settings. Students learn to enter ongoing academic conversations, analyze and use secondary sources to formulate, develop, revise, and communicate ideas in writing, and shape their message to different purposes, audiences, and media. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL 95 or placement in ENGL& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 131 Survey of Addiction (4 credits)
| Description | The nature and scope of alcohol/drug use, abuse, and addiction as well as problems with compulsive behaviors. Basic drug categories and effects are studied. The evolution of social policy, culture, and impacts upon vulnerable populations including prevention, intervention and treatment are discussed. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 132 Law, Ethics & Professional Development (3 credits)
| Description | Course is designed to meet the Substance Use Disorder Professional educational requirements for legal, ethical, and professional development. Will examine federal and Washington State rules and regulations pertinent to Substance Use Disorder Professionals, including federal confidentiality laws. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 12
Career exploration: Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals.
Career exploration: Attend an information session about the SUDP program.
Action item: Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan.
Action item: Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
Action item: Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center, and the library.
Quarter 2
HLTH 129 Physiology & Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs (5 credits)
| Description | Information on the physical impact and the response of the human body to alcohol and other drugs of abuse. The fundamentals of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, neurological functions and current research supporting effective prevention, intervention, and treatment included. Concepts and terminology for working on a professional multi-disciplinary treatment team explored. Advisory: HLTH 131 Survey of addiction recommended. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 134 Counseling Techniques (5 credits)
| Description | Course focuses on interviewing principles, counseling techniques, theory, and core counseling competencies of a Substance Use Disorder Professional. The course will include a combination of didactic and experiential learning related to assessment, relationship building and engaging with individuals and families. Students improve basic counseling and crisis management skills for vulnerable populations seeking professional help. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
PSYC& 100 General Psychology (5 credits)
| Description | Surveys the knowledge and methods of the discipline of psychology. Emphasis include an overview of current knowledge in major areas of psychology, accessing and assessing information about behavior, skills inscientific reasoning and critical thinking. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Quarter 3
HLTH 140 Counseling Diverse Populations (4 credits)
| Description | Provides foundational information about multicultural perspectives as well as culturally sensitive counseling dynamics. Emphasis on the development of knowledge and skills regarding addiction and health concerns, and appropriate intervention and treatment methodologies for working in a diverse society. Prevention of infectious diseases and supporting individuals with infectious diseases, particularly HIV. Advisory: HLTH 131 Survey of addiction recommended. (UEd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 234 Group Facilitation (5 credits)
| Description | This course is designed to offer students the basic knowledge and practice to facilitate group counseling within the addiction treatment population in a variety of settings. A variety of group methods and research will be explored with an emphasis on evidenced based practices. Advisory: HLTH 131 Survey of addiction recommended. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 235 Case Management I (5 credits)
| Description | Introduces the role, skills, and competencies of case managers in thefield of addictions. Introduces screening and assessment techniques, including American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria, needed for treatment planning. Students will practice screening, documentation and diagnosis of patients through the applications of case studies. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of HLTH 129, HLTH 131 and HLTH 132 with minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 14
Quarter 4
HLTH 232 Treatment Theories (4 credits)
| Description | This course addresses the constructs, underlying principles, theories, practices and desired outcomes of the major models and theories of addiction counseling and treatment. Overview of classical theoretical approaches with emphasis on scientifically supported and evidence-based models and theories in the field of addiction treatment. Advisory: HLTH 131 Survey of addiction recommended. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 236 Case Management II (5 credits)
| Description | Students continue to develop skills in clinical assessments and treatment planning that can used in a variety of treatment settings. Strategies for working within the continuum of care, relapse prevention, and discharge planning will be covered. Students will develop skills in referring clients to resources, engaging social supports, and service coordination. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of HLTH 129, HLTH 131, HLTH 132 and HLTH 235 with minimum grade of C and concurrent enrollment in HLTH 240. |
| Course Attributes |
|
PSYC& 200 Lifespan Psychology (5 credits)
| Description | Growth and development through the life span including physical, social, cognitive and neurological development. Topics covered included daycare, education, disabilities, parenting, types of families, gender identity and roles, career decisions, illnesses and treatments, aging, retirement, generativity, and dying. (SSw) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of PSYC& 100 and placement into ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 14
Quarter 5
HLTH 237 Co-Occurring Behavioral Health Disorders (4 credits)
| Description | Course will focus on clients who have one or more disorders related to the use of drugs or destructive compulsive behaviors and one or more mental health disorders. An overview of diagnostic criteria, assessment, medication, specific mental disorders, and need for linkage between mental health services and substance abuse treatment. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MATH& 107 Math In Society (5 credits)
| Description | Formerly MATH 125. Exploration of mathematical concepts with emphasis on observing closely, developing critical thinking, analyzing and synthesizing techniques, improving problem solving skills, and applying concepts to new situations. Core topics are probability and statistics. Additional topics may be chosen from a variety of math areas useful inour society. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH 088 or MATH 099 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
or MATH& 146 Introduction to Stats (5 credits )
| Description | Rigorous introduction to statistical methods and hypothesis testing. Includes descriptive and inferential statistics. Tabular and pictorialmethods for describing data; central tendencies; mean; modes; medians; variance; standard deviation; quartiles; regression; normal distribution; confidence intervals; hypothesis testing, one and two-tailed tests. Applications to business, social sciences, and sciences. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH 088 or MATH 099 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
or COMPUTATION MATH click for list (5 credits)
Elective: any course numbered 100 or above (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 14
Course note: Recommended elective subjects: PSYC, SOC, CMST, HLTH, or HUMDV. Talk with your advisor about choosing a course that aligns with your goals, especially if you plan to apply to WCC's applied bachelor's degree in social work.
Action item: Apply for your SUDP trainee license with the Department of Health.
Quarter 6
HLTH 133 Family Systems/Adolescent Treatment (4 credits)
| Description | Examines family and adolescent treatment issues in the context of family systems and the dynamics of addiction. An overview of structural, functional, and system approaches will be explored. Family roles and the relationship between diverse family dynamics and structure, multi-generational transmission, and developmental information will be applied to the treatment of addictions. Advisory: HLTH 131 Survey of addiction recommended. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 239 Sudp Pre-Practicum (2 credits)
| Description | This course prepares students for practicum through preparing resumes, goals, selecting and scheduling interviews at behavioral health clinics. Students will be able to identify professional behavior and attitudes for working in behavioral health clinics. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of HLTH 129, HLTH 131, HLTH 132 and HLTH 235 with minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
PSYC& 220 Abnormal Psychology (5 credits)
| Description | Introduction to the characteristics, origins, diagnosis, treatment, and management of psychological disorders and related controversies. Major perspectives include Biological, socio-cultural, cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic. Includes acute and chronic disorders in major categories of DSM IV such as autism, ADHD, PTSD, mood disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Civil commitments an insanity plea issues included. Recommended preparation: PSYC& 100. (SSd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Elective: any course numbered 100 or above (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 16
Course note: Recommended elective subjects: PSYC, SOC, CMST, HLTH, or HUMDV. Talk with your advisor about choosing a course that aligns with your goals, especially if you plan to apply to WCC's applied bachelor's degree in social work.
Career exploration: Research the mission statements of agencies you might want to work for.
Action item: Apply to graduate.
Action item: Attend the spring job fair.
Quarter 7
HLTH 238 Substance Use Disorder Professional Practicum (4 credits)
| Description | The practicum provides counselor trainee experiences. Students will observe and experience organizational dynamics of treatment and community agencies. The course consists of one lecture hour weekly and a totalof 132 clinical hours on-site. S/U grading. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of HLTH 129, HLTH 131, HLTH 132 and HLTH 235 with minimum grade of C and concurrent enrollment in HLTH 240. |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 240 Sudp Practicum Seminar (1 credits)
| Description | This is the concurrent course to HLTH 238 Substance Use Disorder Professional Practicum. Students will meet together to discuss their practicum experience and apply knowledge of substance use disorder treatmentto clinical case studies. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | HLTH 239 with a minimum grade of C and concurrent enrollment in HLTH 238. |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 5
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PROFESSIONAL, CERTIFICATE (65 CREDITS)
This program prepares students to counsel individuals and families with substance use disorders as a substance use disorder professional in Washington state. Courses are designed to meet the topics specific to alcohol and drug addicted individuals required by the Washington administrative code (246-811-030). This certificate is for students with a prior degree (associate, bachelor, or master).
Quarter 1
HLTH 131 Survey of Addiction (4 credits)
| Description | The nature and scope of alcohol/drug use, abuse, and addiction as well as problems with compulsive behaviors. Basic drug categories and effects are studied. The evolution of social policy, culture, and impacts upon vulnerable populations including prevention, intervention and treatment are discussed. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 132 Law, Ethics & Professional Development (3 credits)
| Description | Course is designed to meet the Substance Use Disorder Professional educational requirements for legal, ethical, and professional development. Will examine federal and Washington State rules and regulations pertinent to Substance Use Disorder Professionals, including federal confidentiality laws. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
PSYC& 200 Lifespan Psychology (5 credits)
| Description | Growth and development through the life span including physical, social, cognitive and neurological development. Topics covered included daycare, education, disabilities, parenting, types of families, gender identity and roles, career decisions, illnesses and treatments, aging, retirement, generativity, and dying. (SSw) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of PSYC& 100 and placement into ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 12
Career exploration: Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals.
Career exploration: Attend an information session about the SUDP program.
Action item: Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan.
Action item: Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
Action item: Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center, and the library.
Quarter 2
HLTH 129 Physiology & Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs (5 credits)
| Description | Information on the physical impact and the response of the human body to alcohol and other drugs of abuse. The fundamentals of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, neurological functions and current research supporting effective prevention, intervention, and treatment included. Concepts and terminology for working on a professional multi-disciplinary treatment team explored. Advisory: HLTH 131 Survey of addiction recommended. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 134 Counseling Techniques (5 credits)
| Description | Course focuses on interviewing principles, counseling techniques, theory, and core counseling competencies of a Substance Use Disorder Professional. The course will include a combination of didactic and experiential learning related to assessment, relationship building and engaging with individuals and families. Students improve basic counseling and crisis management skills for vulnerable populations seeking professional help. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
PSYC& 220 Abnormal Psychology (5 credits)
| Description | Introduction to the characteristics, origins, diagnosis, treatment, and management of psychological disorders and related controversies. Major perspectives include Biological, socio-cultural, cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic. Includes acute and chronic disorders in major categories of DSM IV such as autism, ADHD, PTSD, mood disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Civil commitments an insanity plea issues included. Recommended preparation: PSYC& 100. (SSd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Quarter 3
HLTH 140 Counseling Diverse Populations (4 credits)
| Description | Provides foundational information about multicultural perspectives as well as culturally sensitive counseling dynamics. Emphasis on the development of knowledge and skills regarding addiction and health concerns, and appropriate intervention and treatment methodologies for working in a diverse society. Prevention of infectious diseases and supporting individuals with infectious diseases, particularly HIV. Advisory: HLTH 131 Survey of addiction recommended. (UEd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 234 Group Facilitation (5 credits)
| Description | This course is designed to offer students the basic knowledge and practice to facilitate group counseling within the addiction treatment population in a variety of settings. A variety of group methods and research will be explored with an emphasis on evidenced based practices. Advisory: HLTH 131 Survey of addiction recommended. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 235 Case Management I (5 credits)
| Description | Introduces the role, skills, and competencies of case managers in thefield of addictions. Introduces screening and assessment techniques, including American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria, needed for treatment planning. Students will practice screening, documentation and diagnosis of patients through the applications of case studies. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of HLTH 129, HLTH 131 and HLTH 132 with minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 14
Action item: Apply for your SUDP trainee license with the Department of Health.
Quarter 4
HLTH 133 Family Systems/Adolescent Treatment (4 credits)
| Description | Examines family and adolescent treatment issues in the context of family systems and the dynamics of addiction. An overview of structural, functional, and system approaches will be explored. Family roles and the relationship between diverse family dynamics and structure, multi-generational transmission, and developmental information will be applied to the treatment of addictions. Advisory: HLTH 131 Survey of addiction recommended. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 232 Treatment Theories (4 credits)
| Description | This course addresses the constructs, underlying principles, theories, practices and desired outcomes of the major models and theories of addiction counseling and treatment. Overview of classical theoretical approaches with emphasis on scientifically supported and evidence-based models and theories in the field of addiction treatment. Advisory: HLTH 131 Survey of addiction recommended. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 236 Case Management II (5 credits)
| Description | Students continue to develop skills in clinical assessments and treatment planning that can used in a variety of treatment settings. Strategies for working within the continuum of care, relapse prevention, and discharge planning will be covered. Students will develop skills in referring clients to resources, engaging social supports, and service coordination. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of HLTH 129, HLTH 131, HLTH 132 and HLTH 235 with minimum grade of C and concurrent enrollment in HLTH 240. |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 239 Sudp Pre-Practicum (2 credits)
| Description | This course prepares students for practicum through preparing resumes, goals, selecting and scheduling interviews at behavioral health clinics. Students will be able to identify professional behavior and attitudes for working in behavioral health clinics. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of HLTH 129, HLTH 131, HLTH 132 and HLTH 235 with minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Action item: Apply to graduate.
Quarter 5
HLTH 237 Co-Occurring Behavioral Health Disorders (4 credits)
| Description | Course will focus on clients who have one or more disorders related to the use of drugs or destructive compulsive behaviors and one or more mental health disorders. An overview of diagnostic criteria, assessment, medication, specific mental disorders, and need for linkage between mental health services and substance abuse treatment. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 238 Substance Use Disorder Professional Practicum (4 credits)
| Description | The practicum provides counselor trainee experiences. Students will observe and experience organizational dynamics of treatment and community agencies. The course consists of one lecture hour weekly and a totalof 132 clinical hours on-site. S/U grading. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of HLTH 129, HLTH 131, HLTH 132 and HLTH 235 with minimum grade of C and concurrent enrollment in HLTH 240. |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 240 Sudp Practicum Seminar (1 credits)
| Description | This is the concurrent course to HLTH 238 Substance Use Disorder Professional Practicum. Students will meet together to discuss their practicum experience and apply knowledge of substance use disorder treatmentto clinical case studies. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | HLTH 239 with a minimum grade of C and concurrent enrollment in HLTH 238. |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 9
Action item: Prepare for the national exam.
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PROFESSIONAL - ALTERNATIVE TRAINING, CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY (15 CREDITS)
An alternative training program as a substance use disorder professional for those currently holding licensure in Washington state as an advanced practice nurse practitioner, a marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor, advanced social worker, or independent clinical social worker, psychologist, osteopathic physician, osteopathic physician assistant, physician, or physician assistant.
Quarter 1
HLTH 280 Survey of Addiction - Alternative Training (3 credits)
| Description | This course explores the nature and scope of alcohol/drug use, abuse, and addiction as well as problems with compulsive behaviors. Basic drug categories, symptoms of addiction, disease models, and cross-cultural aspects of substance use disorders are studied. Prevention, intervention and treatment are discussed. Required preparation: program admittance. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 281 Law & Ethics for Addiction Counseling Alt (2 credits)
| Description | This course provides an overview of industry standards and competencies and provides a framework of laws and regulations for addiction services. Ethics and guidelines for practice will be covered. Students willexplore values and beliefs, and apply practice to ethical decision making. Required preparation: program admittance. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 5
Quarter 2
HLTH 282 Pharmacological & Physiological Drug Actions (3 credits)
| Description | This class covers information on the physical impact and the response of the human body to alcohol and other drugs of abuse. The fundamentals of pharmacokinetics, neurological functions and current research onprevention, and treatment will be studied with special focus on effective intervention strategies for each class of drug. Required preparation: program admittance. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 283 Family Systems/Adolescent Treatment Addiction (2 credits)
| Description | This course provides an overview of family history, genograms, boundaries, and rules in addiction counseling. Adolescent development, genetics, environment, and diagnosis and treatment are covered. Evidence based programs and recovery and support are explored. Required preparation: program admittance. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 5
Quarter 3
HLTH 284 American Society of Addiction Medicine Alt (3 credits)
| Description | This course introduces the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria. It provides a clinical overview of case management, intake and assessment, withdrawal and intoxication management, service planning and placement, risk ratings, level of care placement. Required preparation: program admittance. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HLTH 285 Addiction Treatment: Individual & Group Alt (2 credits)
| Description | This course covers evidenced based approaches and systems of care in individual and group addiction treatment. Systems of care, historical models, healthy system recovery, and new peer supports are explored. Required preparation: program admittance. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 5