Online education may benefit individuals who wish to become counselors

Online education may benefit individuals who wish to become counselors

Counselors have the potential to earn more than $82,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Students and professionals will find that some online schools are adding programs that focus on specific areas of this occupation.

For instance, Union College recently announced it will add a chemical dependency counselor certificate to its offerings. All of the courses for the new curriculum are provided online.

The goal of the chemical dependency counselor certificate is to provide enrollees with the skills they need in order to assist in alleviating the symptoms of individuals who experience substance abuse. Through this program, individuals will also receive training that is designed to prepare them for certification in this field.

Jerry Jackson, dean of the school's enrollment management, said that the online education is intended for students and professionals "who want to enhance or advance their careers and who value convenience."

Individuals who wish to obtain a certificate in chemical dependency will discover that this specific area of counseling is expected to generate many job opportunities. According to the BLS, positions for these professionals will increase by 21 percent over the next eight years.

By Stephanie Hughes