The College of New Jersey

Programme overview

This certificate provides concentrated training in assessment, intervention, ethics, and recovery supports for people experiencing substance use and related behavioral health concerns. Delivered online and offered part-time, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-informed approaches and practice skills useful in clinical, community, and organizational settings.

What you'll study

Coursework focuses on the knowledge and competencies needed for entry-level work in addiction services and as preparatory training for licensure or certification pathways where applicable.

• Foundations of addiction theory and recovery models
• Screening, assessment, and brief intervention techniques
• Treatment planning and relapse prevention strategies
• Group facilitation and family-focused interventions
• Ethical, cultural, and legal issues in substance-use services
• Collaboration with healthcare, social services, and criminal-justice systems

Entry requirements

Typical applicants include practicing counselors, social workers, nurses, and human-services staff seeking specialized training; academic prerequisites often expect a completed undergraduate degree or relevant professional experience. Because state credentialing in addiction counseling varies, students should check local requirements for supervised hours, background checks, and specific course content needed for certification.

Career prospects

Graduates use the certificate to qualify for roles such as substance-use counselor assistant, recovery support specialist, case manager, or to meet course requirements for further credentialing. The program strengthens practical skills for work in community treatment agencies, non-profit service providers, healthcare settings, and employee assistance programs; many learners combine the certificate with supervised experience to pursue licensure or advanced clinical degrees.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding options may include employer tuition assistance, professional-development grants, veteran benefits, and institutional scholarships for non-degree students. Prospective students should explore employer reimbursement policies and external grants tied to behavioral-health workforce development and check the university's continuing-education office for available financial-support resources.