The DARC program at MCC provides students with education and training for those seeking employment, job advancement and increased marketability in the substance abuse profession. Many students go on to bachelor and master degree programs. Students receive education and training in the professional techniques of counseling with a disciplined background in the biopsychosocial disease process of addiction, environmental and familial risk factors, public health issues, continuum of care, counselor code of ethics and more. Students have the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a one year internship experience that allows students to further develop their skills and marketability. (click on DARC Internship page on menu for more details).
The DARC program is an academic degree program not a certification process. Students completing all the requirements will receive an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in DARC. Students who complete all of the DARC courses will have met all the current CT Certification Board (CCB) education/training requirements in preparation for credentialing as an addictions counselor in the state of CT. While in the internship portion of their degree students are encouraged to apply to the CCB for their C.I.T. – Counselor In Training – credential. This credential helps students to understand better the certification process and helps students to better market themselves as addiction professionals ‘in the making’. After completing the DARC program students will also be required, by the CCB, to complete work hours necessary for credentialing as a certified addiction counselor. More information on CIT and the certification process of an addiction professional can be obtained on the CCB website http://www.ctcertboard.org