Chemical Dependency A.A.S.

Career Opportunities  |  Transfer Opportunities  | Degree Requirements | Apply for Admission
General Education Requirements | Articulation Agreements

The Program (HEGIS Code 5506)

The Chemical Dependency Program is designed to give students the academic background and practical skills necessary to work effectively with individuals with Substance Abuse Disorders and also for CASAC (Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Certification).  Graduates will be prepared to complete the written portion of the New York State Certification testing process and enter into the work force as a CASAC in training.

Learning Outcomes

Using New York State OASAS (Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services) standards and requirements, learning outcomes for the Chemical Dependency A.A.S degree are identified as:

• Build a psychological foundation for helping skills
• Understand the ethics and professionalism needed for effective treatment
• Develop an understanding of Chemical Dependency and Treatment Approaches
• Learn the basics of counseling (individual and group) and helping skills
• Becoming a professional in the field of Chemical Dependency

JCC Advantage

The program consists of 60 hours of academic credit.  It includes 18 hours in specific Chemical Dependency courses.  Important features of the program include one fieldwork placement in a variety of settings with the focus being Chemical Dependency Programs.  These settings allow students to gain practical experience.  Jefferson students benefit from a variety of fieldwork placement sites that include Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions (inpatient and outpatient), Samaritan Medical Center, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council, Fort Drum Behavioral Health as well as private counseling centers.

Career Opportunities:

Career opportunities in the field of Chemical Dependency are strong.  Graduates of this program find employment as entry level counselors, intake coordinators, administrative positions, relief staff as well as a variety of other positions available within a particular organization.  Earnings will vary with type of program, education, experience, and geographic location.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive an associate of applied science degree that prepares the graduate to join the Chemical Dependency workforce.  With changing job requirements in the field of Chemical Dependency, many students may decide to continue their educational studies in Chemical Dependency or in a related Bachelor’s degree program.

Transfer Opportunities: 

Graduates of Jefferson, will have many transfer opportunities to consider and will be able to choose from a wide variety of colleges and universities to pursue a baccalaureate degree.  Jefferson has partnered with some selected academic institutions to develop agreements that help students transfer smoothly.  These agreements assist students with selecting courses in their academic program that will transfer effectively to specific baccalaureate programs.  Colleges and Universities that accept this degree for transfer include:

SUNY Binghamton
Keuka College
Columbia College
SUNY Brockport
Cornell University
SUNY Cortland
SUNY Empire State College
Ithaca College
Syracuse University

For More Information

Gwendolyn Francis-Frey, Associate Professor of Early Childhood
gfrancis-frey@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2362

Ron Theobald, Instructor for Human Services
rtheobald@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2494

Application and Admissions Information
Office of Admissions
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2277 or Toll Free 1-888-435-6522