Mar 29, 2024  
2020-21 Gaston College Catalog 
    
2020-21 Gaston College Catalog [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

Human Services Technology Substance Abuse, A.A.S. (A4538E)


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The Human Services/Substance Abuse concentration prepares students to assist in drug and alcohol counseling, prevention-oriented educational activities, rehabilitation with recovering clients, managing community-based programs, counseling in residential facilities, and pursuit of four-year degrees.

Course work includes classroom and experiential activities oriented toward an overview of chemical dependency, psychological/sociological process, the twelve Core Functions, intervention techniques with individuals in groups, and follow-up activities with recovering clients.

Graduates should qualify for positions as substance abuse counselors, DUI counselors, halfway house workers, residential facility employees, and substance education specialists.  With educational and clinical experiences, graduates can obtain certification by the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

  1. Analyze experiential learning in small groups and identify and explain the interactions of group members in group settings.
  2. Perform basic interviewing skills needed to function in a helping relationship using the Microskills Model.
  3. Demonstrate performance of counseling techniques.
  4. Assess crisis situations and respond with the appropriate differential techniques applicable to various crisis situations.
  5. Apply multicultural competence in service delivery.
  6. Apply the Ethical Principles of Conduct for a Substance Abuse Professional.
  7. Demonstrate competence in each of the 12 Core Functions of a Substance Abuse Professional:
  • Screening
  • Intake
  • Orientation
  • Assessment
  • Treatment Planning
  • Counseling
  • Case Management
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Client Education
  • Referrals
  • Report and Record Keeping
  • Consultation with Other Professionals

Course Selection Information

Students, to help you progress in your degree program, take prerequisite courses along with English and Math early in your academic career. This will align you for greater success in completing your program of study. Click on the courses listed below to ensure you are aware of prerequisites. The order shown below under the student program priorities is a guide.

Student Program Priorities:

  1. HSE 112 , PSY 150  
  2. HSE 110 , SAB 110  

Admission Information


Students applying for admission to the Gaston College Human Services Technology Program MUST meet all Gaston College admission requirements for GENERAL ADMISSION to the college. 

  1. Complete Residency Determination
  2. Submit a Gaston College Application
  3. Apply for financial aid
  4. Meet with an advisor and/or attend an information session
  5. Submit official high school (and college, if applicable) transcripts
  6. Provide proof of course placement requirements

Additional Program Requirements for Human Services Technology

  • Have grades of “C” or better in all required program courses.
  • Students are required to submit documentation of additional non-academic criteria which will include a valid Criminal Background Check (CBC). Students are to complete these requirements by registering and paying a fee to a third-party vendor. Instructions will be provided by the compliance specialist.

Clinical agencies reserve the right to deny a student access to the facility based on results of CBC. If a student is denied access to any clinical agency, the student may not be allowed to continue in the Human Services Technology Program. Detailed information regarding these agency requirements will be provided in HSE 110.

Total Credit Hours: 15


Total Credit Hours: 15


Total Credit Hours: 15


Total Credit Hours: 13


Total Credit Hours: 12


Total Program Hours: 70


Note(s):


*HSE 112 is an 8 week - first session prerequisite course for SAB 220.  SAB 220 is an 8 week - second session course.

To be eligible for WBL 111 and WBL 115, students must be planning to graduate within the next two semesters; register with the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board​ prior; recommended for placement by the Human Services Technology faculty, and have completed the following nine courses: HSE 110, HSE 112, HSE 123, HSE 225, PSY 150, SAB 110, SAB 135, SAB 210, and SAB 220, or receive Departmental approval to substitute course(s).

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