Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) Certificate


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   (CAT, previously known as CAC 1) and a certificate of proficiency in Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS, 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 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 in the state of Colorado requires specialized training and supervised field experience in the addiction field. CMC’s programs offer all the specialized training for credit college-level courses and opportunities for field experience that count toward the hours for certification.

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 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 of field experience. Some 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.

 

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 for an Addictions Specialist.

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 completion of a Bachelor’s degree OR be on track to complete a Bachelor’s degree prior to applying for state certification.

Successful completion of the CAS coursework provides the student with a certificate of occupational proficiency from Colorado Mountain College.

CAS Certification


Certification by DORA Colorado, Colorado Addiction Specialist (CAS)

For the most current information, go to the Office of Behavioral Health, Colorado:

https://cdhs.colorado.gov/behavioral-health/designation-and-licensing

https://dpo.colorado.gov/AddictionCounselor

Minimum Hours Required


Minimum Credits Required (12)
Minimum Contact Hours Required (180)

Note:


State Guaranteed Transfer 

Generally Transferable

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).