Addictions Counselling

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  • Bachelor of Health Sciences

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  • Lethbridge

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Program description

The Bachelor of Health Sciences program in addictions counselling at the University of Lethbridge is the only undergraduate Canadian program of its kind. The program gives students the knowledge they need to guide people through the addiction recovery process. In their fourth year of studies, students will complete two 13-week internships, offering them valuable clinical experience to prepare them for their careers.

The program provides students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed for a role in treatment, prevention, and health promotion wherever addiction affects people's lives. It focuses on a range of addictive behaviours and intervention strategies, including substance abuse, problem gambling, and sexual or eating disorders. The program includes a thorough study of current issues in addictions, and an intensive training in counselling skills.

Graduates from this four-year program earn a Bachelor of Health Sciences with a major in addictions counselling.

Possible careers

  • Abuse issues counsellor
  • Addictions counsellor
  • Assessment & treatment planner
  • Behavioural disorders counsellor
  • Case studies counsellor
  • Counselling approaches & theory specialist
  • Counselling ethics specialist
  • Crisis counsellor
  • Drugs, alcohol & gambling counsellor
  • Medical & emergency practices specialist
  • Mental health worker
  • Psychiatric assistant
  • Social service worker
  • Special populations counsellor
  • Substance abuse counsellor

Admission requirements

General-ALL-ALL

​For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:

This course
  • English Language Arts 30-1
Three of these courses
  • Aboriginal Studies 30
  • Art 30 or Art 31
  • Biology 30
  • Chemistry 30
  • Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
  • Dance 35
  • Drama 30
  • Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
  • Mathematics 31
  • Physics 30
  • Science 30
  • Social Studies 30-1
  • Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
  • One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional
  • That has not already been used
  • May be from the list above
  • Must be at the 30 level
  • Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
  • Cannot be a Special Project

 

First year cost estimator

For Addictions Counselling

Let us help you understand your tuition and fees for your first year at the University of Lethbridge.

Sample classes

  • ADCS 1000 - Introduction to Addiction Studies
  • ADCS 2245 - Assessment of Addictions
  • ADCS 3150 - Adult Psychopathology
  • ADCS 3420 - Ethics in Addictions Counselling

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Additional information

Alberta Health Services Addictions Counselling Bursary
Four bursaries | $2,500 (disbursed $1,500 the first year and $1,000 the second year)

Alberta Blue Cross 50th Anniversary Health Sciences Award
$1,250

June 1