New programs address need for addiction counselors

New programs address need for addiction counselors

Counselor meet with client in lobby.

Answering a growing need in the community, Anoka-Ramsey launched a new Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies degree program in 2018.

December 29, 2018

Answering a growing need in the community, Anoka-Ramsey launched a new Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies degree program in 2018.

Located on the Cambridge Campus, the program provides students with affordable options to pursue a career path in substance abuse counseling. Two options are available, including a certificate and an Associate of Science degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies. The program is a great fit for both traditional students who are enrolling in college for the first time and working professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

“Addiction is at an all-time high, especially opiate-related deaths,” said Robin Ringer, program manager of Allina Health Addiction Services Cambridge Medical Center. “This has become a national focus, and as we proceed, addiction specialists will be needed more than ever.”

“This program means more opportunities for our community members,” said Ringer. “They will no longer have to commute to the colleges in the cities, making the program more attractive for those in rural communities. In addition, it will add to the treatment centers in the area by offering more candidates for future employment.”

College Dean of Academic and Community Outreach Shannon Kirkeide said faculty and administration at Anoka-Ramsey have been exploring the potential for new programs for many years, especially when it comes to programs that would benefit students on the Cambridge Campus.

“We took a look at economic development statistics and met with people in the community to discover local industry needs,” said Kirkeide. “The need is great in this area, especially in east central Minnesota.”

The degree program gives students an understanding of how to effectively offer counseling services to people with substance abuse disorders. It also offers students a firm grasp of diagnostic criteria, knowledge of treatment plans and a foundation in the models and theories behind issues related to addiction. Students also stand to gain clinical writing skills and an understanding of the ethical guidelines and laws that apply to the profession.

“There is a statewide shortage of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors,” said Ringer. “Hopefully, this program will bring more interest to this job classification and opportunity. I have been in the field for 30 years and have never experienced such a shortage.”

Graduates of the degree program may work with a provisional license, under the supervision of a licensed counselor. The program opened to a warm reception in the fall, as Anoka-Ramsey was flooded with calls from students eager to enroll.

Offering New Options

In addition to the Alcohol and Drug Counseling degree program, in 2018, Anoka-Ramsey opened a variety of new academic programs, expanding the choices available to students. The new programs include degrees, certificates and a diploma, with opportunities for both traditional and nontraditional students to add skills to their resume. Minnesota State Transfer Pathways are designed so students can complete a specific associate degree at a Minnesota State college and transfer seamlessly to a Minnesota State university to earn a bachelor’s degree. For more about new programs or the Minnesota State Transfer Pathways, visit:
AnokaRamsey.edu/academics/

New programs include:

Current Transfer Pathways include:

  • Art Transfer Pathway Associate of Arts Degree
  • Biology Transfer Pathway Associate of Science Degree
  • Business Transfer Pathway Associate of Science Degree
  • Chemistry Transfer Pathway Associate of Science Degree
  • Communication Studies Transfer Pathway Associate of Art Degree
  • Computer Science Transfer Pathway Associate of Science Degree
  • English Transfer Pathway Associate of Art Degree
  • Exercise Science Transfer Pathway Associate of Science Degree
  • Political Science Transfer Pathway Associate of Arts Degree
  • Psychology Transfer Pathway Associate of Science Degree
  • Spanish Transfer Pathway Associate of Art Degree
  • Theatre Transfer Pathway Associate of Art Degree

This story is an article from the Winter 2018 Issue of the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Newsletter, visit the Alumni and Community page to read the full issue. 

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