Preparatory Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate

The Preparatory Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate at Oakton College is your gateway to a meaningful career helping others overcome addiction. This 25-credit program is perfect for those starting their education or returning to upskill and advance their careers. 

Designed to fit your schedule, this program offers the flexibility and support you need to succeed while preparing you for a rewarding future as a certified substance abuse counselor.

This program focuses on practical, real-world skills, combining coursework with observation hours and hands-on experience. Upon completing the program, you’ll be eligible to apply for the Illinois Certification Board CADC Certification, a crucial credential for advancing in this in-demand field.

This certificate equips you with the expertise to access these opportunities, increase your earning potential and make a lasting difference in your community.

Whether you’re new to higher education or looking to enhance your career, Oakton’s program is designed to help you achieve your goals. Take the first step toward a fulfilling career by enrolling in the Preparatory Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate today.

Degrees and Certificates

Substance Abuse Counseling

Oakton College's Substance Abuse Counseling Program is designed to prepare you for employment as an alcohol and other drugs (AOD) counselor. Our program also provides counseling education and training for social services and human services professionals concerned with individuals and their families.
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Advanced Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate

Through this program, you’ll gain the tools and knowledge to help individuals and families struggling with addiction. The curriculum covers essential topics like counseling techniques, family systems theories, and practical skills through hands-on experience.


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What's Next?

We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.

An Oakton College Professor teaching a course on-campus.

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Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.

99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.

To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.

We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.

Learn more about your options for paying for your education

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As your community college, we serve students from various backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as easy and as clear as possible for everyone.

We can help you get started on a degree or certificate. Applying to Oakton is fast and easy.

Your first step before you begin your studies is filling out an admission application and completing your enrollment process.

Get Started at Oakton
Oakton College students celebrate graduating in full regalia.

Meet Your Faculty and Experts

Oakton's professors and lecturers are experts in their fields with advanced degrees and years of real-world experience. 

In addition to classroom learning, students receive support from our panel of expert advisors.

Bakahia Madison, LCPC
Chair and Professor
M.A. Roosevelt University
Psy.D. Illinois School of Professional Psychology
bmadison@oakton.edu
847.635.1845
Office: 2727, Des Plaines

Meet our part time faculty:

Anthony Bertram, LCSW, CADC, CODP
Lecturer
B.C.J. Marian University
M.S.W. Loyola University, Chicago
abertram@oakton.edu
874.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie

Richard Lyon, M.A., LCPC, CADC, CAMS-II
Lecturer
rlyon@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie

Carolyn Ransom-Champion, Ed.D, CADC
Lecturer
B.A. National-Louis University
Ed. D, Argosy University, Chicago
cchampion@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie

Cathy Willis
Lecturer
B.A. National-Louis University
M.A. Northeastern Illinois University
cwillis@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie

Dr. Karen White, Ed.D, CADC
Executive Director of T.E.E.C.H

Jim Eaglin, CADC
Program Director, Family Behavioral Health Center

Edward A. Halverson, CADC
Director of DUI Services
Arlington Center for Recovery

Nicole Espinoza, LCSW
Social Services Coordinator
Health and Human Services Department
Village of Arlington Heights

Kate Mahoney, CADC
Director
Peer Services

Dr. Bakahia Madison, Psy D, LCPC
Chair and Professor
Oakton College

Jim Humenink, MA, LCSW
Executive Director
Northwest CASA (Coalition Against Sexual Assault)

Marc J. Battista
Associate Vice President of Workforce Education
Dean of Business & Career Technologies
Oakton College

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