Substance Use Disorder Counselor Pre-Apprenticeship
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
Pre-Apprenticeship
(SUD PRAP)
Pre-Apprenticeship participants complete three Substance Use Disorder-specific classes while still in high school and receive industry-specific hands-on training in a variety of career topics. SUD Pre-Apprenticeship participants graduate with three of the six classes required for MHACBO’s Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC) credential. Upon completion, they are eligible to enter UWH’s CADC Apprenticeship program — and can earn their CADC-I in less than 12 months after finishing high school!
Course Credits
The classroom portion of the SUD Counselor PRAP is taken as three Substance Use Disorder-specific courses during your junior or senior year of high school. These three courses are provided asynchronously online by United We Heal. Over the school year, pre-apprentices progress through a set of introductory subject areas:
- Counseling Ethics
- HIV/AIDS Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction
- Alcohol & Drug Pharmacology
Hands-On Training
The Substance Use Disorder Counselor Pre-Apprenticeship participants also have access to industry-specific online training for the 36 weeks they’re in the program. These trainings are self-paced, but we recommend completing one hour a week to stay on track. For the most part, apprentices complete the work on their own schedule with a few training sessions being held synchronously. Topics covered include:
- Program Orientation & Workplace Responsibilities in Oregon (4 weeks)
- Exploring Substance Use Disorder Careers (8 weeks)
- Field-Based Investigation (8 weeks)
- Substance Use Disorder Career Readiness (8 weeks)
- Capstone Project (8 weeks)
Costs
Substance Use Disorder Counselor Pre-Apprenticeship participants do not incur any costs! Through grant sources and other funding support, the education for the program is free to participants while still enrolled in high school. Additionally, pre-apprenticeship participants are eligible for needs-based financial stipends and support throughout their time in the program.
Interested in a High School Partnership Opportunity?
If you are an Oregon-based High School, we would love to connect and explore the possibility of offering this opportunity at your school.
Hiring? Why You Should Hire a SUD PRAP Graduate.
Substance Use Disorder Pre-Apprenticeship graduates have completed one year of behavioral health education, which includes three courses specific to SUD work and 36 weeks of career training. This program equips them with essential knowledge, experience, and industry-relevant skills, making them well prepared for entry-level roles supporting others on their recovery journey. They are eligible for CADC apprenticeable positions by bringing a competitive edge, a strong foundation, and readiness to contribute to the workforce. In addition, they will have already completed half of the education required to attain their CADC I.
If you would like to learn more and partner on your recruitment efforts, please email info@unitedwehealoregon.com.
Our Programs
Our programs emphasize hands-on training through paid employment while participants learn new skills, achieve industry-recognized certifications, and advance their careers, while minimizing student debt.
Our programs are strategically designed to pave a path for folks who previously didn’t have opportunities/access to step into the healthcare workforce. This ensures that individuals who would not otherwise have had opportunities to advance into higher paid and licensed occupations can do so, and that this will positively impact the ability to provide care that resonates with clients needs.
Qualified Mental Health Associate
The QMHA Apprenticeship supports individuals working in the industry through MHACBO’s non-degree pathway.
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor II
The CADC-II Apprenticeship helps individuals working in substance use counseling receive all of the experience necessary to receive their credential.
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor
The CADC Apprenticeship helps individuals working in substance use counseling receive all of the experience necessary to receive their credential.
Qualified Mental Health Professional
The QMHP Apprenticeship helps individuals working in behavioral health obtain their Master’s in Counseling degree for free while gaining their credential through on-the-job training.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
The CCMA Apprenticeship provides all of the education and training required to test for the CCMA exam.
These programs are funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Labor. We are equal opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aides and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. The sponsor will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older. The sponsor will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.
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