Academic and Career Plan

Academic and Career Plan

Institution

Name

Author Note

Academic and Career Plan

Introduction

The current education systems in the United States are aimed at incorporating academic and career planning (ACP) strategies to ensure students make the best choices for a successful career life. Academic and career planning involves all the stakeholders of education that is, students, adults/parents, teachers, and government education ministries in form of career developers that deploy the necessary skills for career choices to students (Unveils, N. A. A. D. A. C. & Dance, 2011). These strategies provide directives and instill a sense of worth to students in pursuit for a successful life. It allows students through the help of other education stakeholders develop their own visions for post-secondary success which they normally acquire by self exploration, career development and management, and proper planning skills. Unveils, N. A. A. D. A. C. & Dance (2011) indicates that the ACP equips students and their families with necessary tools to make informed decisions regarding their post-secondary education and careers for life. Resources employed through ACP ensure students are granted opportunities to reach their extreme potentials in academics thus enabling them graduate with attainable plans to reach their goals.

Degree Plan

Addiction Professional

According to Unveils, N. A. A. D. A. C. & Dance (2011), drug and substance abuse is an everyday problem that has engulfed the current US society and particularly in Louisiana state. With the majority susceptible group being the youths especially minors, this issue has impelled me to take a career has a licensed substance abuse counselor. According to the US National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), addiction professionals disseminate their services in outpatient care centres, juvenile detention facilities, prisons, and psychiatric and substance abuse centres. The association dictates the services provided by the addiction professionals such as determination of drug abuse prevention alternatives, drug use interventions through counseling, rehabilitation services and treatment (Unveils, N. A. A. D. A. C. & Dance, 2011). Also, the Louisiana Addiction Disorder Regulatory Authority transcend that counselors assist patients during recovery by offering both mental and psychological support. The field is governed by a code of ethics provided by NAADAC and drafted in 2016 that dictates the current addiction practices (Tomy & Pardede, 2019). For instance, the association spells out the principle of client welfare where addiction professionals are entitled to a paramount responsibility towards ensuring the safety of clients during service delivery (Unveils, N. A. A. D. A. C. & Dance, 2011). Likewise, the principle of informed consent applies whereby clients ought to be informed on the various treatment steps in a clear and understandable language regarding risks, limitations and reasonable alternatives of the treatment. The profession requires certification from the Louisiana Certified Addiction Professional credential which states that applicants should hold a bachelors degree or higher education level in a related field. Besides ethical codes, the association has a set of requirements for master’s degree aspirants in addiction profession. For instance, certification and licensure is obligatory. Specific courses are also outlined as per the Louisiana state counseling policies.

Review of the Degree Plans

According to the American Counselors Association (ACA) and the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP) there are mandatory programs for a master’s degree in addiction counseling. For instance, courses on adolescent addiction that preview on the prevention, treatment and intervention models for youths with substance abuse disorders (Tomy & Pardede, 2019). Additionally, marriage and family therapy, addiction studies and Co-occurring disorders courses are also a requirement by the Louisiana state. Moreover, psychopharmacology course which encompasses the physical, social and behavioral effects of addictive substances is paramount as well. Other subjects such as assessing of clients, counseling techniques, treatment methods, and group counseling strategies are also core to the profession. Also, programs like diagnosis of substance abuse disorders, and addiction and recovery process courses are key for certification.

On the other hand, the specialization programs required as an additional skill for the profession include, drug abuse counseling, alcohol abuse therapies, clinical counseling and rehabilitation counseling. According to the Louisiana Association for Addiction Professionals, for example, to become a Registered Addiction Counselor (RAC), one must have spent 3 years of work experience that encompass essential substance abuse counseling services (Tomy & Pardede, 2019).This would help earning of higher levels of licensure (Louisiana Addiction Counselor Requirements, 2014). Additionally, of the three years of full time work, at least 20 hours should have been spent in each function section. However, availability of a related associate degree in the same field reduces the work requirement to 5000 practicum hours.

Licensing Plan

Massella, Simons, Young, Haas & Toth, (2013) state that licensing or rather credentialing is a policy used by state, by a provision of the US Congress to regulate the level of professionalism in the country. Through the onset of healthcare reforms in the state, the need for licensure has been called for, thus requiring setting up of criteria to determine the requirements of each profession (Massella et al., 2013). There are several bills that have been passed over the years that relate to credentialing of the addiction counselors in every state (Simons, Haas, Massella, Young & Toth, 2017). These policies are inclusive of professional licensing requirements, exempt of addiction counselors from licensing, and expanding the scope of work of addiction professionals among others (Simons et al., 2017). However, these requirements vary depending on every state in the US. The NAADAC has established licensure policies that addiction professionals must uphold and meet to obtain a service license (Unveils, N. A. A. D. A. C. & Dance, 2011). For instance, passing a licensure exam, being a bachelor degree holder in counseling or any other related field, and evidence of supervised work experience.

Louisiana Addiction Counselors Licensure

According to the Louisiana Certified Addiction Professional act and the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, there are established requirements that determine the criteria for credentialing addiction professionals. There are three classes of credentialing as stipulated by these two bodies, that is, Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Registered Addiction Counselor (RAC), and Certified Addiction Counselor and each requires an examination followed by a period of monitored work. The individual who applies for licensing must provide satisfactory information to the Louisiana Licensing Board regarding an attainment of a bachelor’s degree or higher level in counseling or any other mental health profession (Louisiana Addiction Counselor Requirements, 2014). Also, the aspirant must have had 200 hours of experience in handling substance abuse disorder related topics of which six must entail ethics and another six encompassing HIV infection. The board also requires the individual to have spent at least 2000 hours of supervised work experience in substance abuse disorder treatment of which 600 must be in direct contact with the client.

Additionally, the Louisiana Licensing Board requires the individuals to possess a clean record of criminal activities such that, one may not have had convictions of five or more criminal offenses within the period ending before the state regulation. Accreditation, on the other hand, ensures master’s students receive quality education and may be assigned to a national or regional level (LACR, 2014). According to the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council, each counseling program has its own accreditation. In terms of internship, trainees may provide counseling services with a Counselor in Training (CIT) credential where they apply the learned substance abuse work. CITs work under a clinical supervisor and ay hold their status for a period of six years. Candidates for licensure are entitled to an examination at all levels. The exam, which is the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC &RC), requires an authorization from the regulatory body. Conversely, there is an application fee for acquiring licensure for each level of credential (LACR, 2014). In every stage, for instance, a reference is compulsory which is charged at a fee of $111. The average application fee is $186 inclusive of background check and credential upgrade fees. There are other fields like addiction technician specialists that should be credentialed to ascertain the level of skills and proficiency in handling clients (LACR, 2014). Likewise, areas like forensic psychology also have their measure of requirements regarding licensure.

Career Plan

Career Goals

Career goals intercept personal expectations and achievements that an individual lives and strives for. They are targets that define the course of a person’s career. For a perfect career goal, it must follow the principle of SMART goals, where they are Specific, Measurable, Action-Based, Relevant, and Timed-driven (Tomy & Pardede, 2019). In this light, I aim to acquire a master’s degree and get ready to reapply for an exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in three-year time. Behavior analysis will ensure I assist clients overcome problems, reduce stress, achieve their personal goals and live a quality life. It is an effective method of confronting lack of social skills and a way to reduce aggression and self-harming habits. With this level of education, my scope of work is enlarged to integrate other careers such as psychological assistant, Special Education Assistant in public schools, and social workers (Tomy & Pardede, 2019). Also, mental health clinics are perfect fields for interacting and assisting clients to enable them deal with personal, social and academic problems. After five years of experience while working as a BCBA in a mental health clinic, I will be obtaining my Ph. D in Psychology. According to the American Psychology Association, it is recommended for doctorate students to enroll in accredited programs that indicate that the course undertaken meets the appropriate standards and quality (Tomy & Pardede, 2019). The Ph. D will assist my licensure as a psychologist and with the masters degree I hold in BCBA, the program will take a shorter while. In ten years time, I will be working in my own private practice as a Psychologist. Obtaining a Ph. D in psychology allows me to acquire both license and the right proficiency to operate my psychology firm. According to Tomy & Pardede (2019), a psychological research carried out proved that the psychology industry is highly paying especially the private sector. There is more experience due to the high flow of clients and a salary of more than $116 dollars is achieved. It is my aim that my practice will impact the society more significantly.

Credentialing for further Education

According to Fenning & May (2013), the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) states that to be licensed as a master’s degree holder in BCBA, one must hold a degree in behavior analysis, possess behavior-analytic content, exhibit modest experience, and have instances of supervised work related to behavior analysis. Also, as stated by the board, an application fee applies of close to $510 inclusive of examination appointment fee, examination retake application, and the certification application (Fenning & May, 2013). Likewise, the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists a Ph. D in psychology requires certification upon completion of the doctoral course in psychology and paying off the fees indicated.

Areas of Deficiency in Career Goals Completion

After a myriad of researches carried out on aspects limiting career development and achievement, there are several factors that have been linked some of which are risk factors thus can be countered. First, lack of enough skills which is commonly limited by the capacity of knowledge in that particular career (Meyers, van Woerkom, de Reuver, Bakk & Oberski, 2015). Secondly, Meyers et al. (2015) indicate that inadequate access to resources necessary to circumvent the plight to goal achievement is a causal force too. For instance, an inadequate finance to cater for the education expenses is a common limiting factor to many individuals in various professions. Conversely, lack of proper training may fail to showcase appropriate capabilities for goal achievement. In an attempt to confront these factors, it is appropriate to skew procedures that may yield positive results. Taking up extra courses related to the field of specialization will boost the skill of an individual. For instance, one may decide to take up a master’s degree or doctorate that may bring him closer to his objective. Also, keeping an open-mind and willingness to learn new things is also a significant step in skill acquiring. Alternatively, in cases of lack of finances to support the career goals, it is essential to look out for scholarship options. Currently, with availability of the required educational achievements, scholarships are transforming the lives of many. Likewise, training is a crucial aspect that not only boosts skills but, also increases experiences. Attending fairs and exhibitions, seminars and sharing ideas with people are perfect training options.

Career Resources

Professional Societies and Mentors

According to Ansmann et al. (2014), the department of Labor of the United States, through the National Career Development Association (NCDA) attributes professional societies and mentors as crucial parameters necessary for effective professional and career growth. Professional societies for instance, provide training grounds for various professions, and operate under an ethical code that ensures actions of these specialists are ethical. Through the gaps and opportunities identified by these societies, I will obtain various ideas on what is essential in my plight to achieve goals (Ansmann et al., 2014). Mentors on the other hand are human figures that provide direction and keep people on their success tracks. They provide advice that will enhance my career progression and promotion. Mentors provide guidance through hard situations that will help me cope with issues such as communication, networking and decision-making (Fenning & May, 2013). They are known for developing a career baseline thus will help keep me on toes and grounded towards accomplishing my goal. Additionally, mentors usually, are career coaches and therefore, they will help champion my career towards success.

Conclusion

Ideally, a life without a plan is like a dark hole without an end where even a hope of light is unpredictable. Therefore, it is empirical to embrace an academic career plan that will insure our life objectives and provide a course towards achievement of the same. Academic career planning ensures we make informed and best choices that drive us towards success. ACP enhances development of visions through self-exploration, career development, and effective planning. A degree plan provides detailed steps that individuals will take towards goal achievement. It encompasses educational requirements, and regulation policies such as licensure that contribute to professionalism. Conversely, career goals are signs of already made targets that are bound to be accomplished; however, target setting is not enough. There is need to evaluate obscene deficiencies that hinder career growth and hence examining available remedies to curb their effects. For instance, factors such as inadequate skills may be rectified through taking up more courses to boost knowledge capacities. Also, availability of career resources such as mentors and professional societies help induce more focus towards career development. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to stand up to their choices and strive towards attainment of the same to ensure personal and state success at large.

References

Ansmann, L., Flickinger, T. E., Barello, S., Kunneman, M., Mantwill, S., Quilligan, S., … & Aelbrecht, K. (2014). Career development for early career academics: Benefits of networking and the role of professional societies. Patient education and counseling, 97(1), 132-134.

Fenning, B. E., & May, L. N. (2013). “Where there is a will, there is an A”: examining the roles of self-efficacy and self-concept in college students’ current educational attainment and career planning. Social Psychology of Education, 16(4), 635-650.

Louisiana Addiction Counselor Requirements. (2014). Licensure and Certification in LA. Retrieved from https://counselor-license.com/state-licensure/louisiana/

Massella, J., Simons, L., Young, J., Haas, D., & Toth, P. W. (2013). A pilot study of addiction professionals’ views of certification. Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment, 12(4), 201-212.

Meyers, M. C., van Woerkom, M., de Reuver, R. S., Bakk, Z., & Oberski, D. L. (2015). Enhancing psychological capital and personal growth initiative: Working on strengths or deficiencies. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 62(1), 50.

Morgen, K., Miller, G., & Stretch, L. S. (2012). Addiction counseling licensure issues for licensed professional counselors. The Professional Counselor, 2(1), 58-65.

Simons, L., Haas, D., Massella, J., Young, J., & Toth, P. (2017). The value of certification in the era of licensure: An exploratory study of professional identity development in alcohol and drug professionals. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 35(2), 130-150.

Tomy, S., & Pardede, E. (2019). Map My Career: Career Planning Tool to Improve Student Satisfaction. IEEE Access, 7, 132950-132965.

Unveils, N. A. A. D. A. C., & Dance, V. (2011). NAADAC. Change, 21(3).

Addiction Counselor Licensing Requirements

An individual who applies for a license as an Addiction Counselor must meet the following requirements:

1. Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual has:

(A) Received a bachelor’s degree or higher in addiction counseling or other allied mental health profession (social work, mental health counseling, psychology), including at least 200 hours of substance use disorder related topics, 6 hours of which must be related to ethics and 6 hours related to HIV/AIDS.  If not received with degree, these hours can be obtained as advanced coursework outside of the school setting.

(B) Completed 2,000 hours of supervised work experience in substance use disorders, with 600 hours being direct client work, prior to taking the examination for this credential.

2. Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board via a state and federal level criminal offender record information search that the individual does not have:

(A) Convictions of five or more criminal offenses within a 30-month period ending two years or less prior to the date of the board’s determination (or state regulation).

(B) A conviction of a violent felony within three years prior to the date of the board’s determination (or state regulation).

(C) A conviction related to a controlled substance within three years prior to the date of the board’s determination (or state regulation).

3. Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual has not been the subject of a disciplinary action by a licensing or certification agency of another state or jurisdiction on the grounds that the individual was not able to practice without endangering the public.
4. Pass an examination established by the board that is commensurate with this level of credential.
5. Submit a completed application to the board for review.
6. Pay the fee established by the board.

NAADAC Model of State Licensure. (2011). Licensing of Addiction Professionals in States. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.naadac.org/assets/2416/naadac_model_state_licensure_bill.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjGr83orIXpAhWGShUIHbAhCt4QFjAAegQIBBAC&usg=AOvVaw0NOd6Wq7jWVMzLMuR9ZYgg