
Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training
Degree Type
15-credit Technical Certificate
Program Code
40-550-CA
Time to Degree
Less than 1 year
Start Date
August
How You'll Learn
Hybrid
8-Week Courses
Start your career in substance use disorder counseling or build on your existing education with this certificate. Designed for those new to the field as well as individuals pursuing the Substance Abuse Counselor–In Training (SAC-IT) credential, this program provides the essential knowledge and skills to get started quickly. You’ll explore counseling theory, substance use disorders, case management, and foundational interviewing, assessment and treatment techniques.
The program meets educational requirements for the Substance Abuse Counselor-in-Training credential established by the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
How To Apply
- Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an Enrollment Counselor.
Program Details
Contact Us
Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.
High School Eligibility
This program is available only to high school graduates.
Financial Aid
This certificate does not qualify for financial aid. To qualify for most federal financial aid, a student must be enrolled in a technical diploma or associate degree program.
Potential Careers
Enjoy helping others solve problems? Detail oriented and a good listener? You may be perfect for a career counseling people dealing with substance abouse issues. Those in this profession should hold high ethical standards and demonstrate maturity, self-awareness and an appreciation of diverse perspectives.
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Intake Specialist
- Case Aide
- Recovery Support Specialist
- Substance Abuse Counselor
What Makes This Program Unique
- This course accommodates both working professionals and traditional students by offering evening classes in a hybrid format - online and in-person on the Downtown Waukesha campus.
- This certificate is the first step in a flexible, stackable pathway leading to the Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) credential and the Substance Use Disorder Counseling Associate Degree, and it meets the initial educational requirements set by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Similar Programs
Related Certificates
Program Pathway
Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.
Substance Use Disorder Counseling Pathway
Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous ollege coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.
More Credit Opportunities
High School Dual Credit
Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.
Credit for Prior Learning
You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

