SUNY Sullivan is offering full scholarships to eligible New York State residents to complete the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counseling Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in combination with the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) program. This online program is supported by the New York State Opioid Settlement Fund, overseen by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). These scholarships pave the way for students to become certified CASACs, addressing a critical need in the efforts to address addiction across New York State. Scholarship funding covers the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, and the CASAC credential application and exam fees, and provides stipends to students during corresponding internships to the program.
The college’s Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counseling AAS program is designed to prepare students for careers in assisting individuals struggling with addiction. As an approved training provider by OASAS, SUNY Sullivan’s program includes the necessary 350-hour educational training and initial field placement hours required for CASAC-Trainee certification, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for professional practice.
Students enrolled in this program pursue an AAS degree in Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counseling, which combines major-specific courses with a Liberal Arts foundation. This curriculum not only equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for addiction counseling but also prepares them for further advanced degrees. OASAS oversees substance use disorder treatment in New York State, ensuring that the training provided aligns with state standards and needs.
Interested individuals may visit the SUNY Sullivan website for more information regarding eligibility: https://sunysullivan.edu/casac-scholarships/.
After these priority populations, eligibility extends to individuals working within the addictions services profession (prevention, treatment, recovery, and/or harm reduction) in eligible non-OASAS settings such as OMH and DOH programs not listed above. Additionally, individuals or students interested in working in eligible OASAS, OMH, or DOH settings will also be considered for scholarships.
“The job prospects for students who earn the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, specifically becoming a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T), are promising as there is a huge need for these services,” said Saira Zaman, Associate Professor in the Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at SUNY Sullivan. “The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that vacancies in this field will continue to increase. This training increases the likelihood of finding jobs as it opens up opportunities to work in several settings such as government agencies, hospitals, and community-based treatment programs. This field can be highly fulfilling since it provides an opportunity to have a positive life-altering influence on the lives of others.”
The urgency of SUNY Sullivan’s initiative is underscored by the severe opioid crisis facing Sullivan County. According to the NYS Overdose Death Dashboard Sullivan County had an alarming opioid overdose death rate of 63.7 per 100,000 residents in 2020. This rate was nearly double that of the next-highest county and triple the statewide rate, highlighting the critical need for skilled addiction counselors. In 2022, the county reported 64 overdoses, including 5.1 fatalities, further emphasizing the importance of this initiative.
To find out more, please contact the Office of Admissions at 845-434-5750 x4387 or send an email to admissions@sunysullivan.edu.
