COD launches first Veterans Counseling Certificate program in state

College of DuPage is currently accepting registration for its new Veterans Counseling certificate, the first program of its kind in Illinois.

The 26-credit-hour program provides specialized training for individuals working with veterans, and is funded through a Congressional grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Starting fall 2011 semester, this program meets a growing demand for professionals trained to handle the unique issues faced by those who serve our country.

The new certificate program includes a required 300-hour clinical fieldwork experience, qualifying students for entry-level position upon completion. The certificate also assists students transferring to four-year institutions, as well as individuals with post-graduate degrees who seeking to improve their credentials.

The program is comprised of four existing Human Services courses and five new courses: Assessment of Trauma for Veteran Population; Assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Co-Morbid Disorders; Treatment Approaches for Veteran Population and Families; Individual and Group Counseling Focused on Veteran Population; and Assessment for Appropriate Referral Focusing on Veterans Population.

For more information, contact the Human Services department at (630) 942-2103 or (630) 942-2043, or visit: http://www.cod.edu/humanservices/veterans.htm