Open a new career path and transform lives with a certificate in substance abuse

Earning a graduate certificate in substance abuse disorder enhances your expertise by providing specialized training in addiction treatment, intervention strategies and patient care. This graduate-level program equips health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed in order to support individuals struggling with substance use disorder and contribute to community-wide recovery efforts.

Key ways a certificate in substance abuse builds expertise

• Deep understanding of substance use disorders
  • Learn about the neurobiology of addiction and how substances affect brain function.
  • Explore the psychological, social and economic impacts of substance use.
• Advanced assessment and diagnosis skills
  • Gain proficiency in screening tools and diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders.
  • Develop the ability to recognize co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Evidence-based intervention strategies
  • Master motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and harm reduction approaches.
  • Learn to tailor treatment plans based on individual needs and backgrounds.
• Community and public health perspectives
  • Understand the broader implications of substance abuse on families, communities and society.
  • Learn about public health initiatives and policy frameworks for addiction treatment.
• Practical application of knowledge
  • The program includes real-world case studies and applied learning to reinforce clinical skills.
  • Training prepares students to work in healthcare settings, social services and rehabilitation centers.
• Flexible and career-focused learning
  • UNT Health’s fully online, asynchronous format allows professionals to advance their education while continuing to work.
  • Students who earn a grade of B or better in all four courses can apply the 12 credit hours toward the MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation at UNT Health.

Develop the skills needed in order to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals affected by substance use disorder. Apply today in order to take the next step in your career.

Yes, you can earn a SUD certificate while working full-time, thanks to the program’s fully online, asynchronous format. The flexibility of UNT Health’s Substance Use Disorder Graduate Certificate program allows busy professionals to continue their careers while advancing their education.

How the program supports working professionals

• 100% online and asynchronous
  • No required live sessions: Complete coursework at your own pace within each eight-week term.
  • Access course materials anytime, which makes it easier to balance work, education and personal commitments.
• Manageable course load
  • The program consists of four didactic courses of three credits each.
  • Weekly assignments and discussions are designed in order to fit into a working professional’s schedule.
• Career-enhancing curriculum
  • The coursework is immediately applicable, helping you improve your skills and knowledge in real time.
  • Gain expertise in assessment, intervention and treatment strategies that you can use in your current role.
• Supportive learning environment
  • Engage with faculty who are experts in substance use disorder treatment and also understand the demands of working professionals.
  • Connect with peers in the healthcare field, thus expanding your professional network and career opportunities.
• Apply credits toward an advanced degree
  • If you choose to pursue further education, then the 12 credit hours from this certificate can be applied toward UNT Health’s MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation, provided you earn a grade of B or better and are admitted into the master’s program.

Earning a certificate in substance abuse while working full-time is possible with UNT Health’s flexible, online program. Apply today in order to start building your expertise while maintaining your career.

Earning a graduate certificate in substance use disorder expands career opportunities by equipping professionals with specialized skills in addiction treatment and intervention. Because SUD continues to impact communities, the demand for trained professionals in healthcare, counseling and social services continues to grow. This certificate enhances your qualifications, therefore making you a more competitive candidate in various settings.

Key career benefits of a certificate in substance use

• In-demand specialization
  • Employers seek professionals with expertise in substance use disorder assessment and treatment.
  • Expanding healthcare policies and funding for addiction treatment have created more job opportunities in sites such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers and community health organizations.
• Competitive advantage in the job market
  • This certificate sets you apart from candidates without formal training in substance use disorder interventions.
  • Having graduate-level training particularly demonstrates advanced knowledge, which may qualify you for leadership roles.
• Pathway to career advancement
  • Nurses, social workers and counselors can increase their earning potential with specialized substance abuse training.
  • Professionals may use this certificate in order to transition into substance abuse counseling, mental health services or public health leadership.
• Eligibility for higher-level roles
  • The certificate provides valuable credentials for careers in spaces such as:
    • Hospitals and health care settings (e.g. addiction treatment teams)
    • Rehabilitation and recovery centers
    • Community outreach programs
    • Correctional health settings
    • Mental health counseling and behavioral health services
• Opportunity to apply credits toward an MSN
  • If you’re admitted into UNT Health’s MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation program, then the 12 credit hours from this certificate can be applied toward the degree (with a grade of B or better).

Strengthen your job prospects as well as stand out in the growing field of substance abuse treatment. Apply today in order to gain specialized training that opens doors to new career opportunities.

A SUD certificate prepares professionals for roles in settings such as healthcare, mental health services, rehabilitation and public health. Many positions require specialized training in substance use disorder assessment, intervention and treatment, making a program such as UNT Health’s Substance Use Disorder Graduate Certificate an asset for career advancement.

Key roles that benefit from a certificate in substance abuse

• Health care and nursing professions
  • Substance abuse nurse supporting patients in detox and recovery settings
  • Addiction treatment-focused nurses providing medical as well as behavioral care for individuals with substance use disorders
  • Correctional health nurse working in prisons and detention centers to address addiction-related health issues
  • Public health nurse developing community-based programs for substance use prevention and education
• Mental health and counseling careers
  • Substance abuse counselor guiding patients through recovery and also offering therapy and support
  • Licensed chemical dependency counselor specializing in substance use disorder treatment (state-specific licensing is additionally required)
  • Mental health therapist integrating addiction treatment into broader therapy practices
  • Behavioral health specialist assisting individuals dealing with both mental health challenges and substance use disorders
• Rehabilitation and social services
  • Case manager for addiction recovery coordinating patient care and connecting individuals with necessary services
  • Social worker (e.g. LMSW, LCSW) providing support and resources for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder
  • Community outreach specialist working with organizations such as nonprofits and government agencies to develop prevention programs
• Policy and public health roles
  • Public health educator developing programs to raise awareness and prevent substance abuse
  • Substance use researcher conducting studies on addiction treatment effectiveness
  • Program director for addiction treatment centers overseeing clinical and community-based treatment programs

In short, a certificate in substance abuse can open doors to specialized roles in health care, mental health and rehabilitation services. Apply today in order to take the next step toward a fulfilling career in addiction treatment.

Yes, earning a graduate certificate in SUD can position you for leadership roles in health care, mental health services, rehabilitation and public health. In fact, this credential demonstrates specialized expertise in addiction treatment, which makes you a strong candidate for supervisory and managerial positions in various settings.

How a certificate in substance use supports leadership advancement

• Advanced knowledge and specialized expertise
  • Leaders in substance use treatment need in-depth knowledge in areas such as addiction science, intervention strategies and treatment planning.
  • The program covers neurobiology, assessment and intervention techniques, thus preparing graduates for higher-level decision-making roles.
• Eligibility for leadership and management roles
  • Many organizations require advanced training in substance use disorder treatment for program directors, clinical supervisors and public health managers.
  • This certificate strengthens your qualifications for positions such as:
    • Substance abuse program director managing addiction treatment services in settings such as hospitals, clinics or rehabilitation centers
    • Clinical supervisor for addiction treatment programs overseeing treatment teams and also ensuring compliance with best practices
    • Correctional health supervisor leading addiction recovery programs in correctional facilities
    • Community health program manager developing and implementing substance use disorder prevention initiatives
• Career advancement through higher credentials
  • Those seeking executive roles in addiction treatment may use this certificate as a stepping stone toward advanced degrees in public health, nursing or social work.
  • In fact, students who earn a grade of B or better in all four courses can apply the 12 credit hours toward UNT Health’s MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation once they are admitted to the master’s program.

Gain the expertise needed in order to lead and innovate in the field of substance use disorder treatment. Apply today in order to position yourself for leadership roles in health care and addiction recovery.

A SUD graduate certificate is widely recognized by organizations in sectors such as health care, mental health services, rehabilitation, public health and social work. Employers value this credential because it demonstrates specialized knowledge in substance use disorder assessment, intervention and treatment.

Organizations that recognize this certificate in substance use

• Healthcare institutions
  • Hospitals and medical centers: addiction treatment teams within emergency departments, behavioral health units and specialized addiction medicine programs
  • Primary care clinics: integrated care settings that address both physical health and substance use disorders
  • Correctional health facilities: prisons and detention centers seeking professionals trained in addiction treatment and recovery
• Substance use treatment and rehabilitation centers
  • Inpatient rehabilitation facilities: centers offering detoxification, medical supervision and therapy
  • Outpatient treatment programs: facilities that provide therapy and support for individuals in recovery
  • Medication-assisted treatment clinics: organizations specializing in evidence-based treatments such as methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone
• Community and public health agencies
  • State and local health departments: agencies developing addiction prevention and intervention programs
  • Nonprofit organizations: groups focused on substance abuse education, harm reduction and recovery support
  • Government-funded prevention programs: federal and state initiatives addressing addiction at the community level
• Mental health and social services
  • Behavioral health organizations: facilities offering counseling, case management and peer support
  • Social work agencies: organizations providing recovery services, as well as housing assistance and family support programs
  • Employee assistance programs: workplace-based programs offering substance abuse counseling and referrals
• Higher education and research institutions
  • Universities and colleges: schools integrating addiction counseling into programs such as nursing, social work and public health
  • Research institutions: organizations conducting studies on substance use disorder treatment and prevention

This certificate can enhance your career in substance abuse treatment and intervention because of its recognition from healthcare, mental health and public health organizations. Apply today in order to take the next step toward professional growth.

Yes, earning a certificate in substance abuse allows professionals to specialize in areas such as addiction treatment, mental health care and public health. UNT Health’s program provides foundational expertise while offering flexibility to focus on specific populations, treatment methods or settings.

Specialization options with a SUD certificate

• Clinical and medical specializations
  • Substance abuse nursing: Focus on treating patients in settings such as detox centers, hospitals or correctional facilities.
  • Medication-assisted treatment specialist: Work with opioid addiction treatment programs that use pharmaceuticals such as methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone.
  • Dual diagnosis treatment: Address co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in places such as psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health clinics.
• Counseling and therapy specializations
  • Substance abuse counselor: Guide individuals through recovery planning, relapse prevention and therapy.
  • Adolescent and youth addiction specialist: Focus on early intervention and prevention programs for young people.
  • Relationship counseling: Help families navigate codependency, enabling behaviors and group-based recovery approaches.
• Community and public health specializations
  • Community outreach and prevention: Develop education programs, harm reduction initiatives and awareness campaigns.
  • Policy and advocacy in addiction treatment: Work with government agencies to shape initiatives such as substance use disorder policies and funding programs.
  • Workplace substance use intervention: Implement employee assistance programs to support professionals facing addiction.
• Specialized populations
  • Veterans and military substance abuse treatment: Address unique addiction challenges among veterans such as PTSD-related substance use.
  • Correctional health and criminal justice: Provide addiction counseling and rehabilitation services in settings such as prisons and re-entry programs.
  • Care for underserved populations: Deliver culturally competent treatment for communities with fewer resources.

A substance abuse certificate helps you develop expertise in your chosen area of addiction treatment. Apply today in order to take the next step toward specialization in substance use disorder care.

The graduate certificate in substance abuse disorder program equips graduates with both practical skills and evidence-based strategies to address the complexities of SUD in real-world settings. This program prepares professionals to navigate challenges such as assessment, treatment, policy and patient care.

Key ways graduates are prepared for real-world challenges

• Evidence-based treatment and intervention strategies
  • Learn proven approaches such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and harm reduction techniques.
  • Gain the ability to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to different patient needs.
  • Understand medication-assisted treatment and its role in managing opioid and alcohol use disorders.
• Addressing complex patient needs
  • Train in recognizing co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, PTSD and anxiety.
  • Learn to work with special populations such as adolescents, veterans and individuals in correctional settings.
  • Develop the skills to provide effective care for distinct communities.
• Crisis management and ethical decision-making
  • Gain expertise in handling overdose situations, relapse crises and high-risk patient scenarios.
  • Learn to navigate legal and ethical challenges in addiction treatment such as confidentiality, patient rights and mandatory reporting.
  • Understand how to apply harm reduction principles in real-world healthcare and community settings.
• Community and public health perspectives
  • Explore the social, economic and systemic factors influencing substance use disorder.
  • Learn strategies to develop and implement prevention programs in settings such as schools, workplaces and public health agencies.
  • Understand policy frameworks shaping addiction treatment, including government-funded recovery initiatives.
• Real-world application through case studies and scenario-based learning
  • The curriculum incorporates real-life case studies in order to help students apply theoretical knowledge to actual patient situations.
  • Engage in scenario-based problem-solving in order to prepare for professional challenges in hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centers.
  • Gain skills that immediately translate into either your current role or a future career in addiction treatment.

Prepare for the complexities of substance use disorder treatment with a program designed especially for practical application and professional impact. Apply today in order to build real-world expertise in addiction care.

Earning a certificate in substance abuse can enhance your earning potential in ways such as expanding career opportunities, qualifying you for higher-paying roles and increasing your value in specialized fields of addiction treatment and mental healthcare.

Key ways a certificate in SUD can increase earnings

• Higher-paying job opportunities
  • Many roles in substance use disorder treatment require specialized training, so professionals with a graduate-level certificate can qualify for higher salaries.
  • Potential career paths with competitive salaries include:
    • Substance abuse nurse: $75,000-$100,000-plus per year (depending on factors such as experience and location)
    • Licensed substance abuse counselor: $50,000-$80,000 per year 
    • Correctional health nurse: $70,000-$120,000 per year 
    • Behavioral health program manager: $85,000-$120,000 per year 
• Career advancement and leadership roles
  • Professionals with this certificate may be eligible for supervisory or managerial positions such as:
    • Substance abuse program director: $90,000-$130,000 per year 
    • Clinical supervisor in addiction treatment: $85,000-$120,000 per year 
    • Public health program director: $95,000-$140,000 per year
  • These roles typically offer higher salaries and additional benefits such as leadership bonuses.
• Competitive advantage in the job market
  • Employers may prioritize candidates with specialized training in substance use disorder treatment, making certificate-holding professionals more likely to:
    • Secure higher-paying positions than other applicants
    • Be considered for promotions and salary increases in their current workplace
• Pathway to further education and advanced degrees
  • The 12 credit hours earned in this certificate may be applied toward UNT Health’s MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation (if all courses are completed with a grade of B or better and the student is admitted to the master’s program). A master of science in nursing can lead to even higher salaries.

Enhance your qualifications, open doors to higher-paying roles and advance your career in substance use disorder treatment. Apply today in order to increase your earning potential in this growing field.

A SUD nurse salary is competitive within the healthcare field, often aligning with or exceeding salaries for other nursing and behavioral health roles. Nurses specializing in substance use disorder treatment may earn higher salaries because of the increasing demand for professionals trained in addiction care, detox treatment and recovery support.

Salary comparison: substance abuse nursing vs. other healthcare roles

Here is what some employment information websites list for average annual salaries. Of course, salaries also vary based on factors such as location, experience and the employing organization.

• Substance abuse nurse: $75,000-$100,000-plus
• Registered nurse (general practice): $81,220
• Mental health nurse: $77,000 
• Behavioral health specialist: $70,000
• Substance abuse counselor: $57,800
• Correctional health nurse: $80,000-$110,000
• Public health nurse: $79,000
• Nurse practitioner (addiction specialty): $110,000-$140,000

Key factors influencing salary:

• Specialization
  • Nurses with a certificate in substance abuse can qualify for higher-paying positions in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers and correctional facilities.
• Experience and location
  • Salaries increase with experience, and states with higher demand for addiction treatment specialists (e.g., California, Texas, New York) tend to offer higher wages.
• Advanced roles and leadership positions
  • Earning a substance abuse certificate can pave the way for higher-paying roles such as clinical supervisors, program directors and nurse practitioners specializing in addiction medicine.

SUD nurses play a critical role in addiction recovery and mental health treatment, and their salaries may reflect this growing demand. Apply today in order to gain specialized training and expand your earning potential.