Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Associate (AODA)

Program Description

Moraine Park’s AODA associate of applied science degree provides the foundational knowledge, skills and practical experience to prepare students to counsel and treat clients with substance use disorders. The program meets all educational requirements for counselor certification and prepares them for counselor certification examination. Upon completion of the associate degree in AODA, students are awarded 500 hours of clinical experience toward the required 4,000 hours of clinical experience needed for counselor certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor with the Department of Safety and Professional Services of the State of Wisconsin.

Graduates find employment as alcohol and other drug abuse associates/counselors. The associate of applied science degree meets the educational requirements for certification with the Department of Safety and Professional Services of the State of Wisconsin. Individuals in this AODA profession work with clients and their families to develop new lifestyles and coping methods for resolving personal conflicts without turning to alcohol and drugs for solutions.

Listening, negotiating, planning, writing and counseling skills and the ability to assist others are important personal attributes of AODA professionals.

Statewide Salary Range for Recent Graduates

$16,353 $31,198

Approximate Costs

• $122.20 per credit (resident)
• $183.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)
• *Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Program Outcomes

• Apply crisis intervention strategies.
• Assess clients for substance abuse disorders.
• Conduct clinical interviews.
• Demonstrate case management skills.
• Develop treatment plans.
• Maintain clinical records.
• Provide AODA education to clients.
• Provide counseling services to clients.
• Apply the ethical standards of the counselor code of conduct.
• Admit clients to appropriate levels of care.

Career Opportunities

• Substance Abuse Counselor (in training)
• House Manager CBRF
• Project Coordinator/County AODA Council
• AODA Intake Worker
• Crisis Worker
• Relief Worker
• Counselor Aide
• Human Service Worker
• Case Manager

Entrance Scores

Admission Process

• Submit the college admission application.   
• Submit the $30 one-time fee.   
• Submit high school and other official college transcripts.   
• Take the college assessment test (ACCUPLACER, ACT or other). The ACCUPLACER assessment can be taken at MPTC.   
• Meet with Admissions to discuss order of courses and prerequisites (required for this program).   
• Health Requirements need to be met and a Criminal Background Check is required.   
• Check with Admissions if any additional steps are required.   

Please visit the Admissions page for general information.