Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School: Accreditation and Programs

The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School stands as a distinguished institution dedicated to shaping future leaders in addiction and mental health counseling. As part of the renowned Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, a leading nonprofit provider of addiction treatment and recovery services, the school offers a transformative educational experience deeply rooted in clinical practice and academic excellence. This article delves into the school's accreditation, programs, and the unique environment it provides for students passionate about making a difference.

About the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School

Located in Center City and St. Paul, Minnesota, the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. It is important to note that registration is not an endorsement of the institution, and credits earned may not transfer to all other institutions.

The Graduate School has a distinct and singular focus: training addiction counselors who will lead the treatment and recovery field. As a student in our accredited addiction studies programs, you will benefit from low student-to-faculty ratios. The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School's world-class faculty members bring first-hand knowledge from years of clinical experience, research, and teaching, ensuring that our students get the most out of our innovative curricula. Addiction treatment centers across the nation recruit our graduates.

Accreditation: A Mark of Quality

Accreditation is a critical factor when choosing a graduate program. It signifies that the program meets specific quality standards set by an external accrediting agency. The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School holds several accreditations, demonstrating its commitment to providing high-quality education.

The Master of Arts in Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Learn more about CACREP Accreditation. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program does not guarantee licensure. However, CACREP standards typically meet minimum educational and experiential requirements for state licensure, and some states require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program in order to be eligible for licensure. Please note that Licensing requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change.

Comprehensive Program Overview

The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School offers master’s programs in addiction counseling. These programs are designed to blend rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical training.

Both of our CACREP-accredited counseling programs are based in addiction studies and the treatment of substance use disorders, but also include intensive coursework and emphases on mental health and co-occurring disorders. Graduates of the Master of Arts program meet requirements for licensure in Minnesota for alcohol and drug addiction counseling. Licensing requirements are complex and vary from state to state. We encourage all applicants to check with their respective states on specific licensure requirements.

Academic Excellence and Clinical Integration

Students benefit from supervised practice at the Foundation’s treatment centers and over 100 external clinical placement sites across the country, including Mayo Clinic, Rainbow Health, and the Salvation Army. This provides invaluable real-world experience and allows students to apply their knowledge in diverse settings.

Flexible Learning Options

Whether you prefer in-person learning at our Center City or St. Paul campuses or need the flexibility of an online program, we offer options that fit your lifestyle. This flexibility makes the program accessible to a wider range of students with varying needs and commitments.

Campus Life and Living

Students studying on campus enjoy a serene, suburban setting in Center City or an urban experience in St. Paul. While the school does not offer on-campus housing, students often find comfortable accommodations nearby. The school’s emphasis on wellness, community service, and Twelve Step principles creates a holistic and mission-driven student lifestyle. The community values empathy, diversity, and social justice, fostering a learning environment where every student is respected and supported.

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Why Choose Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School?

If you're seeking a graduate program that combines academic rigor, real-world clinical experience, and a deep commitment to healing and recovery, the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School is an ideal choice. The school's focus on addiction studies, combined with its strong clinical training and flexible learning options, makes it a unique and valuable option for aspiring addiction counselors.

Additional Resources: Addiction Studies Programs at Other Institutions

While the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School provides a specialized focus, many other institutions offer accredited programs in addiction studies and related fields. Here is a glimpse of some of them:

Casper College (WY)

Accredited Programs: Addictionology
Degrees: AS, AA
Contact: Diana Quealy-Berge, PhD, (307) 268-2590
NASAC Accreditation Dates: 6/30/2013 - 12/31/2026

Clark College (WA)

Accredited Programs: Addiction Counselor Education
Degrees: Certificate, AAS, AA
Contact: Marcia Roi, PhD, (360) 992-2171
NASAC Accreditation Dates: 1/1/2021 - 12/31/2028

College of Lake County (IL)

Accredited Programs: Addiction Counseling and Treatment
Degrees: AAS
Contact: Mick Cullen, LCSW, MA, CADC, (847) 543-2536
NASAC Accreditation Dates: 10/30/12 - 12/31/2026

Colorado State University (CO)

Accredited Programs: Addiction Counseling in Psychology
Degrees: MS
Contact: Bradley T. Conner, PhD, (970) 491-6197
NASAC Accreditation Dates: 6/10/2023 - 12/31/2028

Community College of Baltimore County (MD)

Accredited Programs: Human Services Counseling
Degrees: AAS
Contact: Theodore E. McCadden, Jr, DEd, LCADC, ICPS, (443) 840-3783
NASAC Accreditation Dates: 8/01/2017 - 12/31/2024

CUNY - Kingsborough Community College (NY)

Accredited Programs: Addiction Studies
Degrees: AS Certificate
Contact: Monica A.

These institutions, among others, offer various programs and degrees in addiction-related fields. Each program has its unique focus and requirements, so prospective students should carefully research their options to find the best fit for their career goals.

Understanding Accreditation in Detail

Accreditation is a process of external quality review created and used by higher education to scrutinize colleges, universities, and educational programs for quality assurance and quality improvement. In the United States, this review is carried out by private, nonprofit organizations designed specifically for this purpose. These organizations develop standards and review procedures, accredit institutions and programs that meet those standards, and continually reassess the standards and procedures as needed.

Types of Accreditation

There are two primary types of educational accreditation: institutional and programmatic.

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Institutional accreditation reviews the overall quality and integrity of an institution. It assesses the institution's mission, governance, resources, and effectiveness in achieving its educational goals. Institutional accreditation is often a requirement for institutions to be eligible for federal funding and for students to receive federal financial aid.
Programmatic accreditation focuses on the quality of specific academic programs within an institution. It evaluates the curriculum, faculty, resources, and outcomes of a particular program to ensure that it meets the standards of the profession or field. Programmatic accreditation is often sought by programs in specialized fields, such as counseling, nursing, engineering, and business.

Benefits of Accreditation

Accreditation provides several benefits to students, institutions, and the public:

Quality Assurance: Accreditation assures students and the public that an institution or program has met certain standards of quality and is committed to continuous improvement.
Transferability of Credits: Accreditation can facilitate the transfer of credits between institutions, as many colleges and universities will only accept credits from accredited institutions.
Eligibility for Financial Aid: Accreditation is often a requirement for institutions to be eligible for federal and state financial aid programs.
Professional Licensure and Certification: Graduation from an accredited program may be required for eligibility for professional licensure or certification in certain fields.
Employer Recognition: Employers often prefer to hire graduates from accredited programs, as it indicates that the graduate has received a high-quality education and is prepared for the demands of the profession.

The Role of CACREP

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is a specialized accrediting body that focuses on counseling and related educational programs. CACREP accreditation is widely recognized as the gold standard for counseling programs, and it is often required for graduates to be eligible for licensure as professional counselors.

CACREP-accredited programs undergo a rigorous review process that assesses the program's curriculum, faculty, resources, and outcomes. The standards for CACREP accreditation are based on the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are essential for effective counseling practice.

Accreditation and Licensure

While accreditation is an important indicator of program quality, it is not a guarantee of licensure. Licensure requirements vary from state to state, and some states may have additional requirements beyond graduation from an accredited program.

It is essential for students to research the licensure requirements in the state where they plan to practice and to choose a program that meets those requirements. Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs typically meet the minimum educational requirements for licensure in most states, but they may need to complete additional supervised experience or pass a licensing exam.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Program

Choosing the right graduate program is a significant decision that can have a lasting impact on your career. It is essential to carefully consider your goals, interests, and values when selecting a program.

Factors to Consider

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a graduate program in addiction counseling:

Accreditation: Is the program accredited by CACREP or another recognized accrediting body?
Curriculum: Does the curriculum cover the topics and skills that are essential for effective addiction counseling practice?
Faculty: Are the faculty members experienced and knowledgeable in the field of addiction counseling?
Clinical Training: Does the program offer opportunities for supervised clinical training in diverse settings?
Learning Environment: Does the program foster a supportive and collaborative learning environment?
Location and Flexibility: Does the program offer flexible learning options that fit your lifestyle and location?
Cost and Financial Aid: What is the cost of the program, and are there financial aid options available?
Licensure Requirements: Does the program meet the licensure requirements in the state where you plan to practice?

Researching Programs

Once you have identified some potential programs, it is essential to research them thoroughly. Visit the program's website, review the curriculum and faculty profiles, and contact the admissions office to ask questions.

You may also want to talk to current students or alumni of the program to get their perspective on the program's strengths and weaknesses. If possible, visit the campus and attend a class to get a feel for the learning environment.

Making Your Decision

After you have gathered all the information you need, it is time to make your decision. Choose the program that you believe will best prepare you for a successful career in addiction counseling.

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