If you feel compassion and empathy for people struggling with addiction and want to help, you might want to be a substance abuse counselor.
The pathway to this challenging and rewarding career can start with an associate degree in substance abuse counseling.
Once you've earned your associate degree, you can apply those credits toward a substance abuse counseling bachelor program and earn that degree while you work.
An online associate degree program will give you the basic knowledge and skills you need to get started as a substance abuse counselor.
Top Online Substance Abuse Counseling Associate Degree Programs
Read on for more details on some of the best online associate degree programs for substance abuse counseling.
1. Beal University
Beal University offers a 100% online associate degree in addiction counseling with classes starting every eight weeks.
The program includes a blend of synchronous and asynchronous classes and coursework that builds on live, in-class discussion.
The associate degree program lasts 20 months and enables you to learn directly from experienced addiction professionals.
Tuition for the program starts at $9,600 per semester, assuming full-time attendance. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
2. City Vision University
From City Vision University, you can get an online associate degree in addiction counseling that will prepare you to be a licensed counselor.
The program is 100% online with eight-week accelerated courses and can be completed in as little as two years.
City Vision's Christian-based program is specifically designed for students who want to work in rescue missions.
Tuition for the program starts at $800 per course or $8,000 per year for full-time study. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
3. HCI College
HCI College's online associate degree program in substance abuse counseling is perfect if you want to help people struggling with addiction.
The program blends synchronous and asynchronous classes and can be completed in as little as 24 months.
There is no requirement to attend classes on campus. Graduates receive their degree from HCI's West Palm Beach campus.
Tuition for the program starts at $784 per credit hour. Scholarships and other financial aid options are available for qualifying students.
4. Hilbert College
At Hilbert College, earn an associate degree in substance abuse entirely through online coursework.
Once you complete this program, you may begin a career in alcohol abuse counseling.
The program aligns New York's certification competencies, giving you up to 1,000 hours toward the 6,000-hour certification requirement.
All courses are asynchronous and last eight weeks. Hilbert also offers six start dates throughout the year for your convenience.
Tuition starts at $450 per credit hour, with plenty of scholarship and financial aid opportunities available for online students.
5. Jamestown Community College
Jamestown Community College has an associate degree program in addictions counseling that is 75% online.
This hybrid program includes a blend of online and in-person study, so you'll have to spend some time on campus in Jamestown, New York.
The program also includes a fieldwork requirement, which you can complete at a local facility with the help of your faculty advisor.
Tuition for the program starts at $227 per credit hour for New York residents or $454 per credit hour for out-of-state students.
6. Texas State Technical College
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) offers an online associate degree in chemical dependency counseling.
The flexible program is based on performance-based learning that allows you to move more quickly through material you already know.
While the program takes an estimated 20 months to complete, you might finish faster if you already have experience in the field.
Tuition starts at $232 per credit hour for Texas residents or $386 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Financial aid is available.
7. University of St. Thomas Houston
At University of St. Thomas Houston, you can earn an associate degree in drug and alcohol counseling 100% online.
The 60-credit-hour program takes approximately 20 months of study to complete, with each course comprising three credit hours.
Most courses are asynchronous, so you can earn your degree at your own pace when it best suits your schedule.
Tuition for the program starts at $200 per credit hour. Scholarships and financial aid are available for all qualifying students.
FAQs About Substance Abuse Counseling Associate Degree Programs
Keep reading for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about online substance abuse counseling degrees.
What Degree Is Best for a Substance Abuse Counselor?
To be an independent, licensed substance abuse counselor, you typically need at least a master's degree.
Many substance abuse counselors have a bachelor's or even an associate degree. Associate credits can be applied toward a bachelor's.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Associate Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling?
With an associate degree, you typically aren't eligible for a license to practice independently as a counselor.
However, you still have plenty of opportunities to work in substance abuse facilities or other care facilities.
Can You Get an Associate Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling Online?
Yes, you can. There are many associate degree programs available in which the majority of the coursework is online.
Some of these programs have clinical requirements that you'll have to complete in person, but you can usually do that locally.
Find the Right School for Substance Abuse Counseling Today
If you're interested in becoming a substance abuse counselor, get started with an online associate degree from an accredited university.
