Wednesday 26 February 2014

Online Continuing Education For Addiction Counselors Increases Their Effectiveness

By Leticia Jensen


The career of an addiction counselor requires a number of years of education. It encompasses both classroom and clinical experience. Following the preparatory education and attaining degrees, there will be online continuing education for addiction counselors.

Addiction counseling is a fast growing profession. The therapist aids in recovery and the maintenance of that recovery. Post graduation courses prepare the counselor to support each client.

A bachelors degree only lays the groundwork for someone who wants to treat those with addictive behavior. There is the masters degree in addictive counseling to advance the progress of the therapist. By earning it online the student will save time.

There are accepted procedures in intervention as well as prevention. Learn about the wide variety of approaches that are used. Learn the ways to evaluate a client and devise the optimal way to provide the help needed.

The goal is for the student to progress from student to behaviorist, case manager, detox expert or general counselor for addicts. Other possible positions are vocational or residential adviser. Eventually she or he may work in a mental health facility, a hospital or a university.

The counselor with a masters degree can pursue a doctorate on the Internet. Specialists who treat addicts are needed at all educative levels. However, after being licensed, all levels must earn the required units of continuing education credits. Courses in various topics are available.

All mental health practitioners are required to be licensed by the state before practicing their profession. After a license is granted, annual education must be completed. Each state sets the requirements as to licensing and hours of continuing education that are needed.

CE courses online are a less expensive alternative to campus-located classes. Prior to taking a course, the professional should make certain credit is accepted by their board. Develop professionally while at the same time, conducting a practice.

After the certification is completed, it confirms the ability of a counselor to address the disorders of an addict. Accessibility on the Internet makes the requirements easier to fulfill. Licensing and certification are easier to attain.

It takes ten hours to earn each unit. The school must be accredited or the units will not be acceptable. Each state may require a different number of units and have its own licensing process.

Regulation began in 1968. The health of all consumers is protected by an organization named the American National Standards Institute. Another, IACET sets standards to assist all the programs for CPUs to meet accreditation criteria.

These ongoing credits, earned online or on campus, keep a professional in touch with all the latest developments in their field. It is a yearly requirement and a certificate may be framed and displayed on an office wall.

Attending a symposium or conference also keeps one in touch. He or she is able to talk to and network with others working in the profession. This is a wonderful opportunity to form new professional relationships.

Those relationships can be called on for help in a difficult case. Give your business card to others and request that they give you theirs. You may want to speak with a specialist on the other side of the country sometime in the future.




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