Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC)

Why Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC)?

Substance use disorder counselors are a critical connection between addiction and recovery. In this program, you’ll learn how counselors support individuals struggling with substance use through assessment, counseling, treatment planning, and ongoing support. You’ll explore how addiction impacts individuals and families while developing the skills needed to help clients recognize triggers, build coping strategies, and move toward lasting change.

At Mid-State, you’ll gain preparation for entry-level counseling roles in healthcare, treatment centers, and community-based organizations. Offered as a shared program with Nicolet Technical College, the curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, client rights, group facilitation, crisis response, and professional communication. Graduates are prepared to work as part of a treatment team and meet requirements for Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor-in-Training (SAC-IT) certification.

Support individuals and families as they navigate recovery and behavior change.
Apply ethical decision-making and professional judgment in challenging situations.
Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions in diverse settings.
Develop strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
Collaborate with treatment teams across healthcare and community organizations.
Begin a meaningful career in public service focused on healing and recovery.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

68 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

In Person, Online

Location

Adams, Marshfield, Stevens Point Downtown, Wisconsin Rapids

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$12,811.00

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Resident Manager

Residential SUDC Counselor

Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC)

SUDC Counselor Aide

Treatment Counselor

$62k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $62,430. Source: Lightcast Data Set

512

Average Monthly Hires

512 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Following is the list of courses within the program. Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See the program information guide below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Full-Time Curriculum (68 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: (17 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10550201	Understanding Substance Use	No	3
10550206	Introduction Interviewing and Counseling Skills	No	3
10801195	Written Communication	Yes	3
10806198	Human Biology	No	4
10809198	Introduction to Psychology	Yes	3
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1

Term 2: (18 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10550202	Foundations of Case Management	No	3
10550204	Group Facilitation	No	3
10550207	Psychopharmacology	No	3
10550209	Family Systems	No	3
10550210	Boundaries and Ethics for the Helping Profession	No	3
10809159	Abnormal Psychology	No	3

Term 3: (18 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10550200	Intro to Substance Use Disorder Profession	No	3
10550203	Overview of Mental Health Disorders	No	3
10550205	Counseling Theory	No	3
10550208	SUDC Assessment Diagnosis and Treatment	No	3
10550211	Clinical Experience 1	No	3
10801196	Oral Interpersonal Communication	Yes	3

Term 4: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10550122	Across the Lifespan	No	3
10550212	Clinical Experience 2	No	3
10809188	Developmental Psychology	Yes	3
10809172	Introduction to Diversity Studies	Yes No	3
Elective	Elective	No	3

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Apply personal wellness strategies for the helping professions.
Counsel clients.
Develop individualized treatment plans.
Develop professional relationships with clients.
Display professional conduct in the clinical setting.
Evaluate client for SUD treatment.
Facilitate client referrals.
Produce professional SUDC documentation.
Provide education relevant to substance use and recovery.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Licensure Info

This program prepares you for licensure to work in Wisconsin. If you plan to work in another state, be sure to check that state's licensure requirements—Mid-State's program may not meet them all. If you've applied to the program and have any questions about this information, talk to your advisor.

Licensure Information (PDF)

Additional Resources

Explore the resources and next steps below. Your academic advisor will help you know what to complete and when.

US Citizenship
US Citizenship is required to sit for this licensure exam.

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students (age requirements apply)

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