Assessment 1: Roadmap to an Addiction Professional Career
Name
Capella University
PSYC-FPX 2300
Professor’s Name
March 2024
Roadmap to an Addiction Professional Career
Directions
The future addiction professional must consider the requirements of the state in which they reside. Each state has unique requirements and credentials. Complete the items below using the provided resources to map out your journey to become an addiction professional. As you explore the websites, make sure to follow the guidelines outlined by the credentialing board in your chosen state.
State Specifics Overview
Directions: Find your state’s licensing requirements for substance abuse professionals and locate the credentialing requirements for a bachelor’s degree or lower. If none of your state’s credentials are available with a bachelor’s degree or less, use the master’s level credential. Complete the table below using complete sentences.
| Which state do you reside or plan to live? | California |
| What credentials does your state offer for addiction professionals? | In California, some of the credentials offered for addiction professionals include Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor (CSUDC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Registered Addiction Specialist (RAS), Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), and Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS). |
| Which credential are you interested in pursuing? | Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) is an entry-level specialization in addiction prevention. As a nurse, obtaining this certification can provide you with specialized knowledge and skills in preventing substance abuse and promoting healthier behaviors, allowing you to contribute effectively to community health initiatives and support patients in preventing addiction. |
| URL for your state’s requirements: | https://www.elac.edu/sites/elac.edu/files/2022-08/Psychology_SC_Addiction-Studies-Prevention-Specialist.pdf |
Education Requirements Overview
Each state credentialing board outlines educational requirements by the following, quarter hours, semester hours, or credit hours. Please note the differences and use the formulas below to complete the rest of the worksheet.
- If state requirements are described by hours:
- 1 Capella quarter credit hour = 10 hours.
- If state requirements are described by semester hour:
- Divide semester hour by 1.5 to get Capella quarter credit hour.
Complete the table below using complete sentences.
| What degree is required (none, associates, bachelors, masters)? | Certification as a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) typically does not require a specific degree, but rather a combination of relevant education and experience in the field of addiction prevention. While formal education in health sciences or a related field can be beneficial, individuals may pursue CPS certification with varying educational backgrounds, ranging from none to bachelor’s degrees. |
| How many educational hours are required? | Certification as a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) typically requires completing a set number of educational hours, which varies depending on the specific certification program. I need to achieve 12 Capella quarter credit hours, with 3.6 of these hours being completed through distance learning. |
| Are there specific courses required for your state, and are there a certain number of hours in this content (that is, Ethics=4 hours)? | Yes, selected programs and hours in content are typically required for certification as a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) in most states, with topics such as ethics often mandated to be covered, usually with a specified number of hours, such as 4 hours, to ensure competency in key areas of addiction prevention practice. |
| What specific content is required? | Certification as a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) typically requires training in substance abuse prevention strategies, risk assessment, program planning, cultural competency, and ethical considerations. This comprehensive curriculum aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to effectively prevent substance abuse and promote healthier behaviors in communities. |
Other Requirements Overview
In addition to educational requirements, states require credentialing exams, supervision hours, and prior experience in the field. Complete the table below using complete sentences.
| How many hours of supervised experience is required? | To earn the Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) certificate, individuals typically need to complete 200 quarter credit hours of supervised and documented work within the alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse domain, providing practical experience in prevention strategies and interventions. |
| Are working experience hours required? If so, how many? | Typically, completion of the CPS certificate mandates the accumulation of practical work experience hours, with the specific 12 Capella Credit hour varying based on the certification program and state regulations. |
| Are any licensing or certification tests required? | The tests necessary for CPS certification may vary depending on the certifying body or state. Some common tests include the IC&RC Prevention Specialist Exam, the NAADAC National Certified Prevention Specialist Exam, and state-specific exams as designated by licensing authorities. |
| What other requirements are there that you haven’t already listed on the form? | Additionally, applicants for CPS certification must submit a completed application form with handwritten signatures and official certificates verifying all required documents, ensuring that the name provided matches legal documentation. The (NAADAC) organization typically verifies all submitted documentation for accuracy and completeness. |
Final Thoughts
Achieving CPS certification represents a significant step towards my goal of working as a nurse in a clinical setting, where I can directly engage with patients. The certification process encompasses various disciplines, from coursework to hands-on experience, providing me with comprehensive training to excel in this role (Perle, 2020). Given the increasing prevalence of substance abuse, particularly among young adults, acquiring CPS certification equips me with evidence-based tools and clinical knowledge to effectively address patients’ needs and promote their overall health and safety (Perle et al., 2022). With a focus on mental, psychological, and physical health, CPS certification will empower me to deliver patient-centered care and contribute to improving patient outcomes.
PSYC 2300 Assessment 1 Roadmap to an Addiction Professional Career References
Perle, J. G. (2020). Introduction to telehealth for clinical psychologists: A novel course designed to improve general knowledge and hands-on expertise with technology-based modalities. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, 5(4), 383–394. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-020-00147-6
Perle, J. G., Perle, A. R., Scarisbrick, D. M., & Mahoney, J. (2022). Educating for the Future: a Preliminary Investigation of Doctoral-Level Clinical Psychology Training Program’s Implementation of Telehealth Education. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, 7(3), 351–357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-022-00255-5
