Internship
The DARC Internship is an intensive learning experience designed to blend theory with clinical practice. Students spend two consecutive semesters in an addictions treatment facility under the supervision of a clinical site supervisor and a DARC faculty member. Students spend 15 hours per week at the internship site and attend class once per week. The classroom component provides the opportunity for students to continue their investigation of the science and theory which guides and informs clinical practice. The classroom component also offers the opportunity for students to reflect on their own growth and development as counselors.
Admission Requirements and Process
Formal admission to the DARC Internship is limited and selective through an application and screening process. Application to the DARC Internship is separate from, and in addition to, application to Gateway Community College. Successfully completing the six DARC classes that constitute the Substance Abuse Training Certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into the Internship.
- Applicant must meet Gateway Community College before applying to the DARC program. A copy of college transcripts must be submitted with the application.
- Applications are accepted in April for admission to the Internship beginning the following fall.
- Applicants to the DARC Internship with any history of substance abuse/dependence must be free from alcohol/drug use for at least two years at the time the Internship begins
- Two letters of reference/recommendation must be sent to the DARC coordinator. Family members may not be used as references. References should be from a supervisor, teacher or someone else who can attest to character, reliability, fitness and potential as a counselor. Students are discouraged from using their former or current treatment providers as references.
- Applicant must have completed, or be enrolled in, DARC 101, 111, 112, 158 and ENG 120, before applying. Applicant must complete these 5 classes with a C or better to begin Internship.
- Applicant must ask their DARC 101 and DARC 111 instructors to complete a Counselor Readiness Tool (attached). Faculty will submit the completed forms directly to the coordinator.
- Applicant must submit a one-page typewritten personal statement describing her/his reasons for seeking admission to the DARC Internship. The statement should include all educational, work and volunteer experiences that support her/his candidacy; how the applicant plans to integrate an Associate Degree into career and educational objectives.
- Below please find the Criteria for Selection. Applications will be reviewed based on the first five Criteria for Selection. Individuals who meet the criteria will be invited for an interview. If an applicant’s file is incomplete it will not be considered.
- Interviews will take place during March and April at Gateway Community College . Applicants will be evaluated based on criteria 6 through 9 on the Criteria for Selection list. Interviews will be conducted by a team selected from staff and faculty, professionals in the community, current Internship students and alumni. Questions are knowledge-based and taken from the DARC 101 and 111 course work, students who do not demonstrate knowledge of the subject area may not be accepted for the Internship even if s/he has successfully completed the pre-requisite classes.
- Students accepted into the Internship will be notified by mail.
Criteria for Selection*
- Academic Performance: To assess past and potential performance in an academic setting, college transcripts and final grades in DARC 101 and 111 will be considered. Students must earn a C or better in all DARC courses in order to be considered for Internship. Students who earn less than a C in any of the DARC courses (and ENG 101), will need to retake the class and earn a C or better in order to be considered for the Internship.
- Quality of Written Skills: The applicant’s written statement will be reviewed. The candidate must possess skills necessary to communicate in a college classroom and to meet the needs of supervisors, colleagues and clients. Student must complete English 101 (Composition) with a C or better.
- DARC Instructor Evaluations: A written evaluation completed by the DARC 101 and 111 instructors will be reviewed. Performance in DARC 101 and 111, including interest, participation and classroom behavior will be considered.
- Quality of Recommendations: Attention is given to the relationship of the evaluator and the applicant, as well as the strength of the recommendation. Students are encouraged to select a variety of people to provide references.
- Relevant Experience: Experiences that will be evaluated include work experience, volunteer efforts and life experience. The intention is to assess past accomplishments that indicate the potential for success as a counselor. Being in recovery is NOT a criterion for selection.
- Verbal Communication/General Presentation: The individual considering a career as a counselor must possess the ability to formulate thoughts in an orderly manner and communicate with a wide variety of people, with a professional demeanor. These skills must be demonstrated in the interview and during the first year DARC courses.
- Motivation: The applicant must demonstrate motivation for learning as well as a goal and a plan for using the education gained in the program to become an effective counselor.
- Maturity: While difficult to judge, the level of emotional maturity is closely considered. Chronological age is not a factor, rather demonstration of an ability to accept responsibility, emotional regulation, the ability to tolerate and utilize feedback and ability to follow through with commitments is evaluated.
- Understanding of the Program: The applicant must understand the commitment required to successfully complete the program. The candidate must recognize DARC as a two-year academic degree program. It is not a certification program nor is it an extension of treatment.
*Students who do not meet all of the Selection Criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in some rare circumstances may be admitted to the Internship while taking prerequisites concurrently.
Click here for an Application for Admission