An increased demand for services in the area of chemical dependency counseling and a greater emphasis on alcohol and drug abuse education has created positions in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and government and social service agencies. The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that employment opportunities in the field are expected to grow at a faster than average rate through the year 2010. Through the A.A.S. Chemical Dependency degree program at Finger Lakes, you can prepare for entry-level positions in the field or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling at Finger Lakes Community College educates and trains you to work as a counselor with alcoholics and addicts by combining academic background with extensive field experience. The program prepares you to sit for the Chemical Dependency Counseling examination and utilizes the technically-advanced Educational Technology Classrooms and videos.

In addition, the College offers honors courses that provide enhanced educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified students enrolled in this degree program, as well as all other qualified FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.

A required 300 hours of field experience in settings such as the Canandaigua Veteran's Administration Hospital, Geneva General Hospital, Finger Lakes Alcoholism Counseling and Referral Agency (FLACRA), Park Ridge Chemical Dependency (PRCD), Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic, and the Council on Alcoholism provide you with extensive experience in the field before graduating. Field trips to Tully Hill Treatment Center, PRCD and FLACRA, along with workshops and trainings in the area provide additional information and networking opportunities for students

Graduates from the program have found employment as entry-level substance abuse counselors at all area treatment centers upon graduation, while others have successfully transferred to baccalaureate programs in counseling, health science, and social work at four-year institutions such as SUNY College at Brockport, Nazareth College of Rochester, and Syracuse University to name a few*. Some graduates complete master in social work (M.S.W.) programs after earning their four-year degrees.

In addition, an alumni group for Chemical Dependency Counseling program graduates provides fellowship and networking opportunities.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, median annual earnings of substance abuse counselors in the year 2000 were $28,510. Those employed in the local government and hospital segments of the industry are reported to have the highest annual earnings of approximately $31,600.

* This is a sampling of some of the four-year colleges and universities to which our students have transferred. Please consult your advisor or the Center for Advisement and Personal Development for a complete listing of transfer agreements between Finger Lakes Community College and four-year institutions

Students interested in transferring to pursue a higher degree in chemical dependency counseling or human services who meet the specific criteria may be eligible for the Ontario County Council of Social Agencies Members (OCCSAM) Scholarship. Contact a member of the Chemical Dependency Counseling Department or Financial Aid Office for more details.