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2021-2022 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Certified Addiction Technician & Specialist Certificates
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Colorado Mountain College provides a comprehensive educational framework for entry into the field of addictions studies and offers a certificate of proficiency in Certified Addiction Technician (previously known as CAC 1) and a certificate of proficiency in Certified Addiction Specialist (previously known as CAC 2). CMC provides exceptional learning experiences in the mandatory coursework for each certificate, meeting the state and national standards for addiction work.
These certificates focus on the hands-on learning of skills that will enhance student’s capacity to support individuals and families in the process of recovery across home, health, purpose, community (from SAMSHA- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) using inclusive, culturally responsive approaches.
Certification and Licensure in the state of Colorado requires specialized training and supervised field experience in the addiction field. CMC’s programs offer all of the specialized training in for credit college-level courses and opportunities for field experience that count toward the hours for licensure. See below for licensure requirements.
In July 2020, Colorado made some significant changes to the requirements for this certificate and CMC meets the standards for the new requirements. On July 14, 2020 Colorado enacted HB20-1206 Sunset Mental Health Professionals law. This law continues the regulation of mental health professionals including addiction counselors and modified the names from Certified Addiction Counselor 1 & 2 to Certified Addiction Technician and Specialist. The law modified the courses required for each and moved the CAC 2 - now the CAS to a Bachelors level. Additionally, the law modifies examination requirements for licensure and certification, clarifies education and training as well as the scope of practice for these positions. The Office of Behavioral Health in the Department of Human Services now has rule making authority for continuing certification. (Section 38) https://www.statebillinfo.com/bills/bills/20/2020a_1206_enr.pdf
These certificates lead to work and educational opportunities, including but not limited to:
- Employment in addiction recovery, counseling centers, hospitals, youth recovery facilities or residential treatment centers.
- Educational pathways: Addiction Studies, Criminology/law enforcement, Mental Health, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, and Behavioral Health
Courses are available online, in a combination of mandatory real-time virtual class meetings and some self-paced semester courses. Students can enroll in and take these classes from any CMC location, but must live within the service area for support in placement in field experience. Four of the classes may require limited in person meetings (per state mandate); times, dates, and central location will be identified prior to the start of any semester.
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Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) Certificate
A Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) works in entry-level positions as a person who can help the individual with dependence on substances and possible destructive behaviors, and their families. Certified Addiction Technicians can work in a variety of environments, including but not limited to, outpatient facilities, in-patient rehabilitation centers, transition houses, or hospitals.
Certified Addiction Technicians learn and use specialized skills including, but not limited to:
- Collecting biopsychosocial screening data
- Coordinating service and case management
- Monitoring compliance with case management plans
- Providing skill-based education
- Co-facilitating therapy groups with Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) or Licensed Addiction Counselors (LAC)
- Sharing addiction education with client, family and community
- Planning and resourcing referral for, and discharge from services
CMC believes that individuals and families of those working with addictions want support from adults with strong socio-emotional skills including empathy, compassion, respectful attitudes, a willingness to listen and learn, and openness to diversity. Within this context, students will develop the methodological skills necessary for an entry-level addictions technician.
To enroll, candidates must meet these minimum standards.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have obtained a High School Graduate OR have a High School Equivalency diploma.
- Application for enrollment in the cohort.
Students seeking individual courses to fulfill their certification are admitted based on requirements and open seats.
- College-ready reading and math levels.
If there is a concern about meeting the physical and academic standard, students need to contact the Disability Services Coordinator who will determine the student’s ability to participate in this program.
CAT Licensure
Licensing by DORA Colorado, Colorado Addiction Technician (CAT)
Students must have the following prior to application for the license:
- High school diploma for high school equivalency
- Completion of the CAT courses identified in the CMC CAT program
- Pass the Jurisprudence Exam
- Pass the National Certified Addiction Councelor (NCAC1) exam
- 1000 hours of documented clinical supervised work
https://dpo.colorado.gov/AddictionCounselor
Minimum Hours Required
Minimum Credits Required (11)
Minimum Contact Hours Required (154)
Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) Certificate
A Certified Addiction Specialist works as a person who can help an individual with dependence on substances and their families. Certified Addiction Specialists can work in a variety of environments including but not limited to out-patient and in-patient facilities, rehabilitation centers, transitions hours or hospitals. The scope of the Specialist includes
- Treating substance use and co-occurring disorders
- Clinical assessments including diagnostic impression
- Treatment planning
- Referral and discharge planning
- Service coordination and case management
- Addiction counseling for individuals, families and groups, and
- Educating Client, family and community
CMC believes that individuals and families of those with addictions want support from adults with strong socio-emotional skills including empathy, compassion, respectful attitudes, a willingness to listen and learn, and openness to diversity. Within this context, students will develop the methodological skills necessary the addictions Specialist level.
To enroll in this certificate program, candidates must meet these minimum requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Hold current certification as a Certified Addictions Technician or CAC1.
- Application for enrollment in the cohort.
- Student who are seeking individual courses to fulfill their certification are admitted based on requirements and open seats.
- Preferred to have a Bachelor’s degree OR be on track to complete a Bachelor’s degree prior to applying for state licensure
Successful completion of the CAS coursework provides the student with a certificate of occupational proficiency from Colorado Mountain College.
Minimum Hours Required
Minimum Credits Required (9-13)
Minimum Contact Hours Required (126)
Note:
◆ State Guaranteed Transfer Course
✽ Applies to CMC AA/AS/AGS Degrees
Not all programs/courses are available at every campus and may require travel to another campus or access via technology-enabled learning (video-conferencing, hybrid, or online).
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