Program overview

Program length: 12 weeks
Class size: 1 student
Location: Rochester, Minnesota
Affiliated school: Winona State University-Rochester

The Alcohol and Drug Counselor Internship is a 12-week, 472-hour program at the Saint Marys Campus of Mayo Clinic Hospital — Rochester. Students will have the opportunity to observe and participate in activities associated with the twelve core functions of alcohol and drug treatment.

While students will have exposure to most services offered through Mayo Clinic Addiction Services, their time will be focused primarily on the Intensive Addictions Program (IAP), which provides a residential level of care for individuals diagnosed with a primary substance use disorder.

After a robust shadowing and orientation phase, students will co-facilitate therapeutic groups, contribute as multidisciplinary team members in staff meetings, and engage in other patient care activities as assigned.

Graduation and certification

Upon successful completion of the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Internship and the requirements of the program at Winona State University-Rochester, you will receive your Addictions Counseling Certificate, after which you may pursue the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) credential through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.

Application process

The program begins in May and runs through July.  

Interested individuals should contact the Addiction Counseling Program at Winona State University-Rochester for further details about the admissions process.

Prerequisites

Eligible students must be:

• Enrolled in the Addiction Counseling Program at Winona State University-Rochester
• Completed all Addictions Counseling Program courses as outlined by Winona State University-Rochester 

Non-U.S. citizen applicants

Admission to Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences is open to U.S. workers in the four categories below. Therefore, visa sponsorship is not available.

1. U.S. citizens
2. U.S. nationals
3. Lawful permanent residents
4. Asylees and refugees

Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT). Scores from the speaking portion of the exam are given particular consideration in admission decisions. Learn more about the exam and register online at the Educational Testing Service.

The Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences code for the TOEFL iBT is 5784.

Educational transcripts from schools outside the U.S. must be translated (if they are not already in English) and evaluated for U.S. equivalence by an accredited credential evaluation service company prior to submission. Please refer to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services for a list of qualified companies. The applicant pays for the examination and credential-evaluation services.

How to apply

Winona State University-Rochester manages the process for placement in the Mayo Clinic Alcohol and Drug Counselor Internship. Please contact Winona State University-Rochester for further information.

Interview process

Applicants considered for acceptance may be invited for an interview with the program director, assistant program director, medical director, and/or selected faculty. These interviews may be conducted in-person or virtually, depending on the needs of faculty and the applicant.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition is paid to the Winona State University-Rochester. Mayo Clinic charges no additional fees for the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Internship. You are responsible for your living accommodations and transportation.

Curriculum

One week of orientation will be followed by two weeks of shadowing, during which you will have the opportunity to observe a wide range of patient care activities across levels of care, including admissions, orientations, assessments, and group therapy sessions. Your shadowing experience will be structured to encourage active engagement and facilitate learning.

During the remaining nine weeks of your internship experience, you will be responsible for the following activities:

• Preparing for and co-facilitating of therapeutic groups
• Assisting with admission and orientation processes
• Participating as a multidisciplinary team member in staff meetings
• Applying theoretical knowledge to daily clinical experiences
• Completing all required reading and assignments
• Attending and actively participating in all educational activities, including supervision and educational in-services

Schedule

Students will be scheduled for 40 hours per week of clinical experience, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Accreditation information

See accreditation information for Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.