The 3-credit undergraduate Practicum in Addiction Treatment or Prevention Services is an opportunity to add a service learning experience for those who have completed the Addiction Treatment Services (ATS) Minor/Certificate. The Practicum provides an experiential, hands-on opportunity in an accredited substance use disorders treatment program, prevention services agency, or an approved behavioral healthcare site where the student will be able to apply skills and knowledge learned in previous CASAT courses, as well as gain a better understanding of the services offered in the community.
The Practicum is particularly useful to students who intend to work as a Nevada Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor* (CADC) or plan to become involved in the behavioral or health sciences field, as placement sites are located in the Northern Nevada and offer the opportunity to meet other professionals in the field.
* Nevada Certification is only done through the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors. You can learn more by visiting Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors website.
Prerequisites: Students eligible for the Addiction Treatment Services Practicum must have completed the required six CASAT (CAS) Addiction Treatment Services courses listed below including CAS 355 NOT CAS 357*. Those students who have completed all courses with the exception of CAS 454 and are interested in pursuing a career in prevention are eligible for the Prevention Services Practicum. Any student taking CAS 357 in place of CAS 355 will be placed into a prevention practicum rather than counseling.
*CAS Courses: 154, 254, 255 or 257, 354, 355 (357) and 454
Screening Process
Eligible students complete an interview with CASAT’s Academic Coordinator and/or the practicum instructor to ensure the student is prepared, willing, and committed to completing the practicum. Site assignments are made by CASAT’s practicum coordinator and/or instructor based on student interest, site availability, major, skills, and scheduling realities. Students will be expected to contact their site supervisor prior to the beginning of the semester in order to complete appropriate volunteer requirements.
Student Requirements
Students will work an average of eight (8) hours at their field site (totaling 120 hours of work-based experience a semester) and attend one 90-minute group supervision course meeting a week.
Student Expectations
Students are expected to:
- Be responsible for knowing and following regulations regarding counseling in the agency;
- Maintain professional attire and demeanor;
- Know and adhere to all Ethical Standards of addiction counselors;
- Work ethically and respectfully with colleagues;
- Plan a work schedule with the field supervisor and adhere to that (or any agreed upon revision) schedule; and
- Follow the specific requirements of the assigned site.
Practicum Application Process
- Spring Semester applications are accepted November 1-15th
- Fall Semester applications are accepted April 1-15th
Please note: late applications will not be accepted unless approved by department Academic Manager
To submit your application, use the “Submit Application” button below.