International Organization Credentials One of the Fastest Growing Professions!

HARRISBURG, PA – January 18, 2010 – IC&RC announced that the number of professionals who hold its credentials has crossed the 40,000 mark. That number is expected to continue to increase, with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) naming substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling as one of the fastest growing professions. In its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, the DOL reported that there are 86,100 substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors in 2008, and they projected growth of 21 percent in the next 10 years.

“We’re proud to reach that milestone, especially at such an exciting time in the organization’s history,” explains Mary Jo Mather, Executive Director of IC&RC. “It’s even more remarkable when you look at those statistics – up to half of all substance abuse professionals hold IC&RC certificates.”

A 2007 report by the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) found that 38 states/boards – or 74 percent – exclusively use the IC&RC & Other Drug Abuse Counselor (AODA)standards for certification and competency exams. Another 20 percent allow the IC&RC exam as an option.

“Consumers who seek treatment or prevention programs deserve to know that their counselor, preventionist or other specialist has met the most rigorous competency demands,” explains Rhonda Messamore, Executive Director of CAADAC and President of IC&RC. “The public can be assured that they will receive the utmost professional and cutting edge-care if their provider has achieved a professional designation that IC&RC offers.”

“As society becomes more knowledgeable about addiction, more people are seeking treatment. Furthermore, drug offenders are increasingly being sent to treatment programs rather than to jail,” the DOL wrote. The report states that “projected job growth varies by specialty, but job opportunities should be favorable because job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs, especially in rural areas.”

The government report especially mentions the value of certification:  “Usually, becoming certified is voluntary, but having certification may enhance one’s job prospects.”

“For almost three decades, IC&RC has furthered the substance abuse profession through credentialing,” says Mather. “Certification ensures that practitioners have the skills, knowledge, and training necessary to best serve their clients – and our communities. Our exams are constantly updated, based on the latest research and evaluated by leaders in the field.”

The career is attractive, due to several factors. The Occupational Outlook Handbook cites stable salaries and career advancement:

• “Median annual wages of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors in May 2008 were $37,030. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,410 and $47,290. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,240, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $59,460. ”
• “Prospects for advancement vary by counseling field. Counselors also may become supervisors or administrators in their agencies. Some counselors move into research, consulting, or college teaching or go into private or group practice. Some may choose to pursue a doctoral degree to improve their chances for advancement.”

IC&RC sets the international standards for competency-based certification programs through testing and credentialing of addiction professionals. Incorporated in 1981, IC&RC represents 73 member boards, including 42 states, the District of Columbia, two U.S. territories, and 13 countries worldwide, as well as affiliations with the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and Marines.

IC&RC’s credentials include Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Counselor (AODA), Advanced Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Counselor (AAODA), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP), Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP), and Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional Diplomate (CCDPD).