Course Overview
The Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs is the ideal path for those wanting to work in the Alcohol & Other Drugs sector. You’ll learn how to provide foundational skills and services to those who experience issues relating to alcohol & other drug use, including developing and reviewing treatment plans, advanced interventions, counselling, and more.
Who's It For?
This course is suitable for people from all sorts of backgrounds, including those seeking a fresh start in a rewarding profession or wanting to acquire specialised counselling skills as an adjunct or extension to their core profession. It is for those who want to work directly with people through addiction and recovery and are drawn to the counselling side of that work.
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Drug and Alcohol Community Support Worker
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Community Worker
- Outreach Officer (Alcohol and Other Drugs)
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor
What You'll Learn
- Develop and review treatment plans as a client's circumstances change
- Deliver advanced interventions suited to each person's situation
- Establish and maintain a counselling relationship
- Apply the major counselling theories and approaches in practice
- Recognise the responsibilities that come with counselling someone
- Work with clients whose needs extend beyond their substance use
- Provide foundational skills and services to those experiencing issues relating to alcohol & other drug use
Recognition
Study Method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Duration Study Load
18 months full-time. Part-time and self-paced options are also available.
Delivery
The Diploma of Alcohol & Other Drugs is delivered entirely online, allowing students to study from home anywhere in Australia and progress through their studies at their own pace.
Practical components can be completed through:
- Online group workshops via Zoom/Skype
- Uploading a video demonstration of skills
- One-on-one or small group sessions with a private assessor (available in numerous regional areas across Australia)
- Regular seminars held in most capital cities throughout Australia
Entry Requirements
You are able to gain entry to the Diploma of Alcohol & Other Drugs if you have:
- Completed Year 12, or
- Completed a Certificate III qualification, or
- At least 3 years of sufficient life experience (work or study), if over 21 years of age.
Course Features
Delivered fully online with self-paced, flexible learning
Specialist counselling and community services education provider with over 30 years of experience
Unlimited access to a toll-free Study Assistance Line (9am–5pm EST, Monday to Friday) staffed by degree-qualified Education Advisers
Access to the My.AIPC Student Portal for downloading workbooks, completing and uploading activities, accessing the Knowledge Base, and more
Regular seminars in most capital cities with qualified lecturers and casework sessions
Private assessors available in numerous regional areas across Australia
Work Placement
Several units require practical demonstration of skills. Students must demonstrate counselling and intervention techniques with real people. Options for completing practical components include:
- Online group workshops (via Zoom/Skype)
- Video recording a demonstration of skills
- One-on-one or small group sessions with a private assessor
- Seminars held in capital cities
Students must also complete HLTAID011 Provide First Aid through an external appropriate training organisation and provide a Statement of Attainment for credit transfer. Students will need the physical capacity to undertake CPR for at least two minutes kneeling on the floor.
Recognition Of Prior Learning
Certificate IV graduates in Alcohol and Other Drugs receive 10 units of credit towards the Diploma, which cuts the study time roughly in half. Credit transfer is also available for HLTAID011 Provide First Aid upon submission of a Statement of Attainment from an appropriate external training organisation.
Professional Recognition
NRT – This is a nationally recognised training program in Australia (qualification code CHC53215), ensuring quality, status and integrity.
Graduates can also apply for membership of the Alcohol and Other Drugs College through the Australian Counselling Association (entry requirements apply).
Assessment
Assessment includes written activities submitted via the My.AIPC Student Portal and practical demonstration of skills in several units. Practical assessments can be completed via online group workshop (Zoom/Skype), video demonstration, or sessions with a private assessor or at seminars.
Subjects
About Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
The Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC) is Australia’s largest and longest-established educator of Counsellors. Our specialist training programs include our acclaimed Diploma of Counselling, Bachelor of Counselling, and Master of Counselling. All our programs are government and industry-accredited.
We are an organisation founded on the principle of enabling people to help others. At the very heart of our logo, designed three decades ago, is the statement “Caring for people.” That’s the core of what we do, and that’s why our work matters.
RTO Provider Number: 0670 | Institute of Higher Education: Provider ID PRV12083.
