Frequently Asked Questions
How many courses are in the program?
There program consists of six 3-credit courses.
What courses will be offered during the upcoming semesters for this program?
The schedule of online courses is as follows:
- Spring 2008
- SW 195: Problems of Substance Abuse and Addiction
- SW 295-1: Bio/Psycho/Social Factors in Addiction
- SW 295-2: Substance Abuse Prevention
- SW 395-1: Addiction Treatment I
- SW 495: Addiction Treatment II
- Summer 2008
- SW 195: Problems of Substance Abuse and Addiction
- SW 295-2: Substance abuse Prevention
- Fall 2008
- SW 195: Problems of Substance Abuse and Addiction
- SW 295-1: Bio Psycho Social Factors of Addiction
- SW 295-2: Substance Abuse Prevention
- SW 395-1: Addiction Treatment I
- SW 395-2: Individual and Group Addiction Treatment
- SW 495: Addiction Treatment II
How many courses may I register for at the same time?
The Course Description page identifies all of the courses that are offered as well as required prerequisite courses. Students who have completed the required prerequisite courses may register for as many courses as they can accommodate in their schedule.
How do I register for one of the Addiction Counselor Training Program courses?
Registration can be completed online, by U.S. Mail, or by telephone. The point of contact for registration assistance is Candice Merrill, candice.merrill@umontana.edu or 406.243.6431. Directions on how to register appear on the registration form on this website.
Registration for these courses can not be completed via the University's CyberBear program.
May I substitute another course I have taken for one of the prerequisite courses?
Contact Ms. Meri Shadley by telephone at 775.682.8557 or by emailing mshadley@unr.edu to discuss and obtain permission for substituting courses you have taken for the stated prerequisite course(s).
I am registering for these courses at the University of Montana. Why do they appear to be taught at the University of Nevada Reno?
The University of Montana and the University of Nevada have entered into a cooperative agreement that allows U of M students to participate in the Addiction Counselor Training program. This agreement also allows students to earn U of M credits, which may be applied toward graduation from The University of Montana.
Will these credits show up on my University of Montana transcript?
All grades and credits earned upon the completion of these courses will become part of the student's permanent University of Montana transcript. Students may request an official transcrpit from the Registrar's Office.
Are these courses transferable to another university?
Similar to any other credits earned at the University of Montana, these credits are recorded on the official transcript and are eligible to receive transfer credit. It is always the discretion of the school to which you are proposing transfer to accept any completed class for transferable credit(s).
How much will each course cost?
The cost for each course will be $715.
Will financial aid cover the cost of these online courses?
Although financial aid may cover the cost of online courses, the student will have to make the initial payment at the time of registration and then get reimbursed from their financial aid account. Students should contact the Financial Aid office to advise them that they are taking courses through Continuing Education. This will assure that the number of credits taken through Continuing Education are applied to the aggregate number of credits needed to obtain student financial aid.
The Office of Financial Aid at The University of Montana can be contacted at 406.243.5373.
Is there any classroom component to any of the online courses?
There is no traditional classroom component for any of these courses.
Are there any specific dates and times I must be logged on and participating in discussions?
There are no specific times that you will be required to be online. You will, however, be expected to comply with weekly due dates and times for assignments.
Where will I go to take my tests for the course?
All the information concerning the taking of tests from these courses can be obtained at http://extendedstudies.unr.edu/ilearn_exam.htm. Any questions you may have concerning the taking of your examinations may also be referred to Dr. Tim Conley.
Who will be the advisor for these courses?
Dr. Conley's office is located at 115 Rankin Hall on The University of Montana-Missoula campus. He can be reached by telephone at 406.243.5557 or by email at timothy.conley@umontana.edu. You can view Dr. Conley's vitae here. He will periodically offer group advising time slots to students registering for or planning to register for these courses.
What do the initials L.A.C. stand for?
These initials stand for Licensed Addictions Counselor in the State of Montana. This is the professional license issued by the State Department of Labor and Industry. More information concerning this credential and how it is acquired can be obtained in the Resources section of this website.
Will I be able to find a career in this profession?
The prospects for employment are good. This is one the fastest growing professions in the country. Throughout the last decade of brain research, the recognition of co occurring disorders and the advent of pharmacological strategies to be used in concert with traditional therapy have greatly enhanced the profession. These factors coupled with the "graying" of the present work force have both NAADAC and MADDAC concerned over who will constitute the future work force.
The Montana Career Resources Network and Montana Career information System-Licensed Counselors notes in its discussion of the future employability for Licensed Addictions Counselors that:
"In Montana, addictions counselor employment is expected to grow faster then the state average. Nationally, the number of jobs for addictions counselors is expected to increase faster than average through 2014. Demand is expected to be strong for addictions counselors. A few states have recently passed laws requiring counseling instead of jail for people caught with drugs. This shift will require more substance abuse counselors in those states. In addition, some insurance companies are paying for their subscribers to see counselors." http://mcis.dli.mt.gov/licocc_display.asp?id=017-01
What is the pay for a Licensed Addiction Counselor?
The Internet web site Salary Wizard.com notes that an average starting pay for addiction counselors in throughout Montana is $29,810.00 per year, plus benefits. The "Montana Career Resource Network and Montana Career Information System – Licensed Occupations" reports that median annual wage for Licensed Addiction Counselors in Montana is $34,440.00 per year, plus benefits.
Will the hours from the courses I am registering for apply towards my qualifications as an LAC?
Yes. The academic and experience requirements for obtaining an LAC are located in the Resources section as Montana Licensed Addiction Counselor Application. Once inside the site, you will need to click on "License Application" to view all of the requirements.
What is NAADAC?
This is the acronym for the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors. Information concerning this organization and its national counselor certification programs are located in the Resources section.
What is MAADAC?
This is the acronym for the Montana Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors. This organization is the local affiliate of NAADAC and provides input and feedback to concerned legislative and funding bodies regarding the alcohol and drug abuse in Montana. The organization also provides local training for counselors and students. In spring 2008, MADDAC and NADDAC will provide training on substance abuse and its relationship to Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. This conference will be held at the Grant Creek Inn at Missoula from April 10-12, 2008. Further information concerning this event and the credits towards the LAC can be obtained from MADDAC' President Pete Formaz at peteformaz@hotmail.com. This will be an excellent networking opportunity.
What is the "Mountain West Addiction Technology Transfer Center"?
The "Mountain West Addiction Technology Transfer Center" (MWATTC) is an internet site funded by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The site was developed to be a source of addiction-related information for the public and the community of addiction professionals to enhance the quality for addiction treatment and recovery service within the Western region of the United States. More information concerning the MWATTC can be obtained by accessing the internet link under the Resources section of this website.
Who do I talk to with more specific questions?
Dr. Tim Conley is the advisor for this program, and he can be reached at timothy.conley@umontana.edu or by calling 406-243-5557. Please read all of the FAQs above including the appropriate contact people for certain specific questions (like registration and financial aid) before contacting him. He will be glad to discuss specific individual concerns with you then.