Addictions Certificate (LADC) Internship
The Addictions Certificate Internship offers a unique, hands-on learning opportunity for students pursuing careers in substance use disorder counseling and addiction treatment. Designed to bridge academic knowledge with real-world practice, this internship provides direct experience working with diverse populations affected by addiction. Students gain valuable skills in assessment, treatment planning, and intervention strategies while adhering to ethical standards and culturally competent practices.
General Internship Information
- Internships are a total of 880 hours across two semesters for a total of 24 semester credits. Students may earn internship hours by participating in direct and indirect client services, attending required seminars each semester, completing required academic course work, attending professional workshops/conferences/webinars and shadowing community agencies.
- Internship placement may be arranged in a variety of substance abuse treatment settings including traditional substance abuse treatment centers, hospitals, correctional facilities and half way houses.
- Students may intern at their place of employment if working within the field of alcohol and drug counseling.
- The internship orientation course is designed to assist students in designing a resume, setting up an interview and securing an internship placement while preparing the student for internship.
- During the internship, faculty will assist students in completing the licensure requirements for the LADC (filling out the application and taking the exam.)
Prerequisites for Internship
- A cumulative GPA of 2.50.
- All addictions certificate coursework must be completed and reflect a letter grade of “C” or higher.
- Completion of an internship interview with the Addictions Program Coordinator.
- Students must be free of substance use issues for at least two years prior to starting their internship. Examples include currently receiving substance abuse treatment or substance use that has negatively affected the student’s academic or professional performance.
- Receive a cleared background study through Minnesota Department of Human Services (MNDHS) Background Studies Division.
- Students with a criminal history will initiate a MNDHS background check prior to registering for SOWK 4887: Addictions Internship Orientation with the exception of those individuals who have received a clearance determination from MNDHS.
Background Studies
All student interns will complete a Minnesota background study, initiated by the internship placement site, to receive clearance to work with individuals.
If a student intern receives a disqualification and needs to request reconsideration, the decision to accept the intern rests with the internship placement site. Some sites may offer support to student interns throughout the appeals process, however, most placement sites require a cleared MNDHS background studies determination. The Addictions Program Coordinator will offer guidance and support to all students navigating the reconsideration process, ensuring they have the resources needed to successfully address any concerns related to their internship placement.
For questions, please contact amanda.longie@bemidjistate.edu or dhs.netstudy2@state.mn.us.
Registration
| Type of Internship | LADC | Dual (SOWK and LADC) |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | SOWK 4971: Addictions Certificate Internship (12 credits) | SOWK 4970: Social Work Internship (6 credits) SOWK 4971 Addictions Certificate Internship (6 credits) |
| Second Semester | SOWK 4972: Addictions Certificate Internship (12 credits) | SOWK 4970: Social Work Internship I (6 credits) SOWK 4971 Addictions Certificate Internship II(6 credits) |
| Hours | 880 | 880 |
Forms & Resources
- Addictions Internship Learning Goals Guide: A helpful guide of all tasks related to the 12 core functions to utilize for the supervisor and student intern during the internship process.
- LADC Intern Midterm & Final Evaluation Form: Internship supervisors complete this evaluation form prior to the Midterm (440 hour) and Final Site Visit.
- Internship Site Information Form: Students complete this form prior to the start of an internship.
- LADC Application: The LADC application with instructions. Most students will fill out Method D.
- Apply for Temporary Permit: Educational requirements and Temporary Permit Application.
- The LADC Licensure Process: Detailed information regarding online and in person licensing exams, how to register for the exam, costs of licensure, and step by step instructions to apply for licensure.
Career Outlook
As of Dec 9, 2019, the average annual pay for the LADC jobs category in Minnesota is $53,077 a year.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $100,292 and as low as $27,780, the majority of salaries within the LADC jobs category currently range between $42,847 (25th percentile) to $61,211 (75th percentile) in Minnesota.
Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the LADC job market in both Minnesota and the surrounding area is very active. Minnesota ranks number 27 out of 50 states nationwide for LADC job salaries.