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An online degree can cost as little as $3,000 – or over $100,000. More than 12,000 online degrees and certificates – and no two charge the same tuition. Our affordability rankings reveal who offers the best – and worst – buys in online degrees.
 
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Healthcare & Nursing
Substance Abuse Counselor
Outlook & Growth
This career is expected to grow 34 percent—much faster than average—through 2016.
As society becomes more knowledgeable about addiction, it is increasingly common for people to seek treatment. Drug offenders are increasingly being sent to treatment programs rather than jail.
Opportunities are very good in substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling because relatively low wages and long hours make recruiting new entrants difficult.
Salary & Wages
In 2006, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors earned an average salary greater than $34,000. The middle 50 percent earned $27,000 to $43,000. The highest 10 percent earned more than $52,000. Among industries, insurance carriers and elementary and secondary schools paid the highest salaries to these counselors. Self-employed, private-practice counselors fared the best.
What is a Substance Abuse and Drug Addiction Counselor?
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors help people who have problems with alcohol, drugs, gambling and eating disorders. They counsel individuals who are addicted to drugs, helping them to identify behaviors and problems related to their addiction. Counseling can be done on an individual basis, but is frequently done in a group setting. These counselors will often also work with family members who are affected by the addictions of their loved ones. Counselors also conduct programs aimed at preventing addictions.
Counselors may work in a private practice, community health organization or hospital. Many counselors work in an office where they see clients throughout the day. Because privacy is essential for confidential and frank discussions with clients, counselors usually have private offices.
Education & Degree Path
For most licensed counselors in most states, a master’s degree is required. In some states, however, substance abuse counselors may only need a high school diploma and some college-level courses specific to drug counseling to begin work.
In New York, for example, limited formal education is required to specialize in drug and addiction counseling. New York requires only 350 clock hours of education in chemical dependency counseling. With that little education you must, however, complete a minimum of 6,000 hours (approximately three years) of supervised, full-time counseling experience in an approved work setting. A bachelor's degree with an approved human services major from an accredited college may be substituted for 2,000 hours of the 6,000 hour work experience. A master's (or higher) degree in human services from an accredited college may be substituted for the remaining 4,000 hours of work experience.
Licensing: Substance abuse and behavior disorder counselors are generally governed by a different state agency or board than other counselors. Criteria for licensure will vary greatly.
Entering the Field: Investigate the requirements for licensure for substance and/or behavioral disorder counseling in your state. Begin by taking the minimum education required to get your foot in the door to work as a drug or addiction counselor.
Several online colleges offer associate and bachelor's degrees in human services with specialties in psychology. Certificates that focus only on the psychology of addiction also are available. Make sure any online course of study you take will satisfy your state’s specific licensing requirements.
Career Changers: Because many states have low educational barriers to entering this area of counseling, it is a logical leap for any career changer interested in counseling. This is one area of counseling where you may be able to enter and establish yourself fairly quickly. Once employed as a drug counselor, you may choose to work toward an advanced counseling degree.

Find online degrees for Healthcare, Psychology and Human Services now. >>

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Salary and growth data source is the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information on careers in substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling, salaries, and job prospects visit: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Counselors and Occupational Employers Statistics, Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors.
 
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Q I’m looking for an online MBA. I’ve found several that fit my budget but none are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them? —Roberta, Gary, IN
A The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation. But not every student needs an AACSB-accredited MBA...
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Q I was laid off from my job as a real estate agent and want to be a high school math teacher, but my bachelor’s degree is in psychology. Do I need a new degree in education? Will an online bachelor’s in education qualify me to become a licensed teacher? —Willis, Houston, Texas
A If you didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree in education years ago and you now want to teach in the public schools, don’t fret. Every state maintains what are termed “alternative teacher certification” programs...
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Featured Programs
Ohio University-Main Campus
Ohio University’s online Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree program prepares professionals for leadership positions in contemporary health organizations in the U.S.  Graduates are highly valued for their ability to solve complex problems and meet organizational goals by combining their knowledge of the evolving health environment with their experience.  The program is designed for mid-career professionals, is offered entirely online and can be completed in two years.
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Northcentral University
Northcentral University, an innovator in 100% online education, offers master’s and doctoral programs in over 30 career relevant areas of specialization in Business & Technology Management, Education and Psychology, with no residencies required. Northcentral is regionally accredited and features a faculty of professional practitioners with the highest academic credentials to mentor relevant, real-world courses, one-on-one. Individual degree plans, monthly course starts, very competitive tuition and dedicated dissertation support make Northcentral an outstanding online graduate school.
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Military Resource Center
For active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and military families.
More than half of military students use online education. What do you need to know to find schools that best fit your needs? How can you find the best financial aid and scholarship package at your online school? Answers are here.

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The field of online education is growing and so is the need for teachers who can teach online. Check out our regularly updated list of online job opportunities, post your job availability, and visit our Online Resource Center, with tips, advice and free downloads for online educators.

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