Aims Community College launched a continuing education certificate program for those wanting to become a recovery coach.
Aims Community College Recovery Coach Program Launches to Combat Rising Addiction Rates
August 14, 2024
The Recovery Professional program provides learners with the skills and knowledge needed to help others on their recovery journey. A recovery coach removes barriers and guides individuals pursuing or already on the path to overcoming addiction to alcohol and drugs.
This training prepares students to be skilled professionals dedicated to transforming lives affected by addiction. After completing the courses, students can move forward to receive the CCAR Recovery Coach Professional (RCP) designation.
The first class begins on September 24 on the Aims Loveland Campus. Courses include:
- Recovery Professional Introduction Course
- CCAR Recovery Coach Academy Course
- CCAR Ethical Considerations
- CCAR Spirituality for Recovery Coaches
Students can take classes separately or as a full program for $1,999. Payment plans are available. Apply for a continuing education scholarship by August 18 at aims.co/ced-scholarship.
Ciara Cooper, the instructor for the program, is an experienced professional in this area. She started her career in corporate training and moved into addiction counseling five years ago, founding Mod Coaching Org. “I had my own journey through recovery,” she said. “I realized I wanted to do something that positively impacted the world versus helping people sell more widgets to the masses. I was really lucky enough to take a lot of my experience in corporate training, adult education, coaching and development that fit perfectly in recovery coaching.”
She has found her passion in passing information and skills to more people. “The ability to bring it to other people, train them and give them opportunities to do the same thing has been incredibly meaningful.”
Cooper looks forward to teaching these classes this fall and getting more people into the field.
“We're trying to give these students not only a clear path on what the next steps are for their career success, but what the best fit is for personal goals.”
The classes also serve as a bridge into the community to start as a professional recovery coach.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. There is an 18 percent projected growth in substance use disorder and mental health employment by 2032. In addition, Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) has increased members' access to peer services. Cooper believes this change has “blown up the industry in Colorado.”
Visit aims.co/recovery for more information and to register.
