Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the program cost?

For credit Undergraduate Students
If you take the class for credit and you are an undergraduate (do not have your bachelor's degree) you need to refer to the Lower Division Undergraduate Tuition Schedule per Semester for Residents http://www.acs.utah.edu/tuition/t-underl.html. Then refer to the course schedule to add up the number of credit hours you will be taking that semester. Don't forget that Fall and Spring Semester you have the non credit labs that are required.

For credit Graduate Students
If you take the classes for credit and you are a graduate student (you have received your bachelor's or higher degree) you will need to refer to the Graduate Social Work Tuition Per Semester (Resident) http://www.acs.utah.edu/tuition/t-gradswrk.html. Then refer to the course schedule to add up the number of credit hours you will be taking that semester. Don't forget that Fall and Spring Semester you have the non credit labs that are required.

Non-Credit Students
If you take the class for non credit you need to refer to the class schedule for the semester. Click here to select the semester, then click on SW for Social Work, then find the classes you will be taking for the semester. If you look to the right hand column on the screen you will find the fee for that class.

Please be aware the there is an annual tuition increase each fall. The overall program tuition costs between $3,500 to $4,500 per year for non credit not including books.

Where can I find out about financial aid?

A student must be admitted to the University of Utah as a degree-seeking student in order to be considered eligible for Federal Financial Aid.

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Training Program is a Certificate Program not a Degree. Therefore does not qualify for Federal Financial Aid. Students in the program traditionally receive funding from their employer, State Office for Vocational Rehabilitation, or take out a loan through a local financial institution. The College of Social Work does not have any scholarships or funding for Students in this program.

How much do books for the program cost?

Required textbooks are constantly changing so plan on approximately $200 per semester for textbooks. This amount could be more or less depending on the textbooks chosen.

I live in Provo, can I take the online program?

Individuals living in Davis, Tooele, Summit, or Utah counties need to include a cover letter with their applications explaining why they cannot attend the onsite program. Note, the onsite program consists of three semesters, the online requires four semesters, which increases the overall cost of the online program.

When does the program start/how long is the program?

The onsite program starts the end of August each year and goes through to August the following year. For the exact date and other scheduling information please visit http://www.sa.utah.edu/regist/pages/Deadlines.htm. This calendar will show when academic breaks are as well as when tuition is due.

The online program starts in August each year and goes through December of the following year. For the exact date and other scheduling information please visit http://www.sa.utah.edu/regist/pages/Deadlines.htm. This calendar will show when academic breaks are as well as when tuition is due.

When is tuition due?

To see the tuition calendar for the dates tuition is due please visit http://www.sa.utah.edu/regist/pages/Deadlines.htm. Please make sure that you pay your tuition on time. If your tuition is late you will be dropped from the class and will need to wait until the following year to resume the program. If you know you may have problems paying tuition please visit http://www.acs.utah.edu/student/tuitoption.htm for options.

How do I apply to become a University of Utah student?

For information about becoming a University of Utah student please visit http://www.sa.utah.edu/admiss/.

Who is eligible to apply for the program?

Eligibility: Currently (2007), Utah state law for licensure as a substance abuse counselor, requires that an applicant have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED, certification of completion of the educational and practicum requirements of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Program including a minimum of 300 hours of field experience, and completion of additional requirements in the field after graduation. As a result, individuals with a high school diploma or GED may apply to the Program, as well as students who are or wish to pursue a degree. It must be noted, however, that the Program is offered at the upper division undergraduate level and that college preparation and/or experience can be very beneficial in helping students be successful in the Program.

A personal history of alcohol and/or substance abuse or conviction for past criminal activity or conduct does not affect the chances of a student being admitted to the program; however, students must be advised that past or future substance abuse, or criminal activity, may limit or inhibit them from securing an internship, which is required for completion of the Program. In addition, students may be ineligible to receive a state license to practice, or obtain employment in the field. For more information, contact the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

What are the criteria for admissions?

The Admissions Committee evaluates applications based on the following criteria. It should be noted that meeting the basic criteria does not guarantee admission to the Program.

1. Applicants must have 1) a cumulative high school or undergraduate GPA of a least 2.5 (exceptions may be granted based on individual circumstances), 2) strong application materials, which include official transcripts, a personal essay addressing questions outlined in the admission packet, and professional and/or academic letters of recommendation, and, 3) recommendation of the Program admission committee.
2. Successful completion of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Training Program is not viewed as a guaranteed means of entry into the University of Utah or any degree program.

When do my hours start counting towards my “supervised experience” needed to obtain my LSAC?

Must be earned while the person earning the hours is licensed as a certified substance abuse counselor, certified substance abuse counselor intern or certified substance abuse counselor extern, is working in a licensed Substance Abuse Program, and is being supervised by an LSAC with over one year of experience as an LSAC who is supervising no more than three individuals, or a Licensed Mental Health Therapist qualified by education and experience to treat substance abuse who is supervising no more than five individuals.

How many supervised experience hours do I need?

People with Bachelor Degrees have to work 2,000 hours of supervised experience (or the equivalent of one full year's work), and have two years to get the required hours. That means you would have to work at least half time or more for two years.

Individuals with high school and GED's need to work 4,000 hours of supervised experience, (or two full years of supervised work) and you have four years to get the required hours. Again, you would have to work half time for four years.

What is the difference between “Supervised Experience” and “Practicum Hours”?

The biggest difference between the two is when the hours are accrued. Part of your education requires a supervised field work practicum of 300 hours while you are enrolled in a substance abuse education program. Your field work practicum hours do not count towards your supervised experience.

Your supervised experience must be earned while the person earning the hours is licensed as a certified substance abuse counselor, certified substance abuse counselor intern or certified substance abuse counselor extern.