Still not sure if this program is right for you?
We've created this helpful guide to see if your degree/background qualifies you for the LAC Certificate program.
Potential students must submit the following application to the Montana Licensed Addiction Counselor Program. This application is for a complete audit of potential students' transcripts and course work and to see what is needed for LAC certification.
Program Requirements for Baccalaureate Degree in Nonrelated Field
| If you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that is NOT in alcohol and drug studies, psychology, sociology, social work, counseling, or a related field you will need the following general education course work: |
- Six semester credits (90 clock hours) in human behavior, sociology, psychology, or a similar emphasis
- Three semester credits (45 clock hours) in psychopathology or abnormal behavior
- Six semester credits (90 clock hours) of group counseling
- Three semester credits (45 clock hours) of theories of counseling
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You need an additional 18 semester credits (270 clock hours) in chemical dependency/addiction course work. Those credits/hours must be fulfilled in the following areas: |
- Addiction Assessment (60 hours)
- Addiction Counseling (90 hours)
- Pharmacology (30 hours)
- Ethics for Addiction Counselors (15 hours)
- Alcohol and Drug Studies (30 hours)
- Addiction, Treatment, Planning and Documentation (30 hours)
- Multicultural Competency (15 hours)
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| The MSU LAC Certificate program offers 12 semester credits (150 clock hours) of that required course work in the following areas: |
- Addiction Assessment (15 hours) offered as part of LAC 503: Assessment, Treatment, Planning, and Ethics of Addiction
- Addiction Counseling (45 hours) offered as LAC 501: Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Pharmacology (45 hours) offered as LAC 502: Psychopharmacology and Addictions
- Ethics for Addiction Counselors (15 hours) offered as part of LAC 503: Assessment, Treatment, Planning, and Ethics of Addiction
- Addiction Treatment, Planning, and Documentation (15 hours) offered as part of LAC 503: Assessment, Treatment, Planning, and Ethics of Addiction
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| You will still need the additional courses or supplemental training to fulfill the course work requirements for the LAC credential. Additional courses taken as part of the baccalaureate degree or taken post-baccalaureate may count toward your credentialing. |
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