The Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) and Trainee Program is offered as an 18-month evening program that meets three nights per week for three semesters and partial summer study. A total of 33 credits is required. Students learn the theoretical foundations of alcoholism and substance abuse and will develop skills in counseling techniques, assessment, case management, discharge planning and professional/ethical responsibilities.
The NY State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) governs and administers the CASAC written and oral exams. In order to take CASAC tests, the student must have a minimum of 350 education hours in specific areas and in 3 years full-time employment as a substance abuse counselor in an approved OASAS agency. If the candidate obtains a bachelor's degree in human services, then the employment requirement is reduced to two years. New York City College of Technology is a certified OASAS training provider. It is recommended that students review the OASAS CASAC and CASAC In-Training requirements at http://www.oasas.ny.gov/sqa/credentialing prior to applying to the College.
Candidates Employed as Substance Abuse Counselors
The CASAC program at City Tech is intended for those who are working or have worked in the substance abuse field as counselors for 6000 hours, have the equivalent of 3 years of full-time employment, and have not earned a degree in human services and are not students of the Human Services Department. The 27-credit course of study meets the OASAS educational requirements. Courses are completed on Saturdays over a period of approximately 18 months. The credits can then be applied to the baccalaureate degree in human services with formal application to NYCCT Admissions Office. CASAC enrollment requires proficiency in reading and writing on the CUNY skill assessment test and the TABE. Scholarships may be available. Contact the Continuing Education Department at 718.552.1157 for a CASAC Credit-Bearing Application. Also, workers may be eligible for the CASAC In-Training Certification by reviewing the NY State OASAS website.
Non-Substance Abuse Counselors
For those who are not working as practitioners in the field of substance abuse, it is recommended that they formally apply to the human services degree program at City Tech through the Admissions Office, the Namm Building, room N/G 15 at 718.260.5250, Students can then opt to take courses towards their degree and a portion of the required CASAC educational hours simultaneously. Human services-related courses, as well as a documented 4000 hours of work history, can be applied to OASAS for CASAC test application approval or CASAC in-training status.
CASAC In-Training Certificate/All Certificate and HUS Majors
Students may also be eligible for a CASAC In-Training Certificate from OASAS prior to completing a certificate or degree. CASAC potential applicants will be approved by OASAS for the CASAC.
In-Training Certificate if they have completed:
This certificate is valid for only 5 years since it is expected that the candidate will complete the remaining CASAC requirements within that time period. Contact OASAS for more information.
Non-Credit Bearing Workshops
Candidates who have a human services-related degree, a CASAC, or need general Non-Credit Bearing CASAC Hours can apply to City Tech's Continuing Education Department. These courses can also be used towards the 2 yr/40 hr OASAS re-credentialing requirement. Call Continuing Education Department at 718.552.1157 and request a brochure on the non-credit bearing CASAC Workshops.
