Overview
Prepares entry-level addiction professionals by providing two addiction specific courses that have the education content areas and hours that meet standards for the Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Certification (CDCA-Preliminary and CDCA-Renewable) through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (OCDP). Additional information about the addictions credentialing process can be found on the OCDP website. A grade of "C" or higher is required for the courses.
Career Opportunities
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistants (CDCA)
- Addiction Case Managers
- Drug Court Staff/Services
- Addiction Treatment Centers
- Recovery homes
additional info about the career
Q & A
- What do addiction professionals do?
Addiction professionals can provide a variety of services including group or individual counseling within inpatient or outpatient settings, case management, peer support, recovery support services, 12- Step program assistance and substance use education.
- Where can addiction professionals work?
Addiction professionals can work in a multitude of settings such as within community mental health organizations, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, public health organizations, juvenile detention centers or adult prison facilities.
Program Highlights
- Complete this certificate with two courses--one in Fall and one in the Spring. Both courses are online so able to accommodate many schedules.
- Available to students from any other disciplines who have an interest in working with clients concerning substance abuse or related addiction issues.
- Addictions, Mental Health and Social Work Assistant (Human Service) majors can take the courses not only to obtain the Certificate but to fulfill their technical course requirements.
- According to Department of Labor Statistics, the human service/social work area, addiction services, mental, and behavioral health is a growing area.
- The field of addiction is a rewarding career aimed at helping individuals earn sobriety, improve the quality of lives and rebuild their lives.
- There are two types of addiction: Chemical addiction, which involves the use of substances and Behavioral addiction which refers to compulsive behaviors.
- There are an assortment of organizations in the area such as Coleman Health Services, Lima UMADAOP, Bright View Addiction Treatment Center and Lighthouse Behavioral Health that have hired our students.
- Significant scholarships available
Student Success Navigator

Jodi Maynhart
Student Success Navigator
Maynhart.J@RhodesState.edu
(419) 995-8109