jeudi 6 mars 2014

Online Continuing Education For Addiction Counselors Increases Their Effectiveness

By Leticia Jensen


Learning takes place in the classroom over a number of years to gain a degree. Online continuing education for addiction counselors is required each year after the degrees are awarded. Using the Internet saves time and money.

Opportunities in this field are growing due to the problems with addiction among all segments of the population. Job satisfaction can be major. Post graduate coursework keeps the therapist up to date on innovations in the field.

A bachelors degree in psychology may be only a beginning for the career counselor. He or she may add a masters degree in addiction counseling to build on that foundation. This can be done on the Internet allowing one to continue working.

There are accepted procedures in intervention as well as prevention. Learn about the wide variety of approaches that are used. Learn the ways to evaluate a client and devise the optimal way to provide the help needed.

Eventually the student will be prepared to work as a general counselor for addicts, behaviorist, case manager or detoxification specialist. A position as a residential or vocational counselor are other possibilities. The graduate may eventually work in a university, an institution or a mental health hospital.

For those holding an MS there is online education to work towards a doctoral degree. Addiction specialists are needed at all levels. Those holding a Ph. D. Can select a continuing education course in general addiction, contemporary theory in addiction or mental health services.

All mental health practitioners are required to be licensed by the state before practicing their profession. After a license is granted, annual education must be completed. Each state sets the requirements as to licensing and hours of continuing education that are needed.

Earning these required credits can be done online rather than in a classroom. It offers a savings in both time and money. It makes it possible to maintain employment while fulfilling the requirements.

The certificate is evidence that a therapist is prepared to help addicted clients. It certifies licensure and confirms that the number of continuing education credits have been taken. The Internet simply makes earning them more convenient.

Each continuing education unit equals ten hours of coursework. It must be earned in a program that is accredited. Each profession as well as each state has its own number of credit hours that are required.

The association that regulates this has been in existence since 1968. The goal of the American National Standards Institute works to assure health of consumers. IACET communicates standards to help educative programs meet the proper criteria for accreditation.

These ongoing credits, earned online or on campus, keep a professional in touch with all the latest developments in their field. It is a yearly requirement and a certificate may be framed and displayed on an office wall.

A conference or symposium offers additional dissemination of information. Networking with other professionals advances the careers of all. Things beyond earning CPUs can be accomplished.

Such relationships may be beneficial at some time during the career of the addiction counselor. It is a chance to exchange ideas and business cards. You may want to ask for advice if he or she specializes a specific topic he specializes in.




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