North Dakota Scholarship Opens Door to Careers in Addiction Counseling

University of Mary offers multiple qualifying undergraduate and graduate pathways; applications due Aug. 14

BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakotans interested in pursuing a career in addiction counseling have a limited-time opportunity to receive financial assistance through the North Dakota Addiction Counseling Scholarship, offered by the Training Academy for Addiction Professionals (TAAP). Applications are being accepted through Friday, Aug. 14, at 5 p.m. CDT, and multiple University of Mary undergraduate and graduate programs qualify.

The scholarship is designed to strengthen North Dakota's behavioral health workforce by supporting students pursuing addiction counseling licensure. In exchange, recipients commit to becoming licensed addiction counselors and practicing in North Dakota for five years after completing their education.

Eligible applicants include students entering their junior or senior year in an addiction counseling program or another licensure-track field, non-degree students completing coursework required for North Dakota licensure, and students pursuing a master's degree in addiction counseling.

"Recovery is possible, and every addiction counselor we prepare represents another opportunity to bring hope, healing, and dignity to individuals and families across North Dakota," said Heidi Nieuwsma, chair of the University of Mary's Department of Social Work and program director of Addiction Counseling. "This scholarship helps students answer that calling by making the path to licensure more affordable, but with applications closing Aug. 14, prospective students should act quickly."

The University of Mary offers one of the state's most comprehensive addiction counseling education offerings. Qualifying programs include the online Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling; Bachelor of Science in Social Work combined with addiction counseling courses available online or on campus; Master of Science in Counseling with an Addiction Concentration; the Addiction Counseling Certificate; and the Master of Social Work combined with addiction counseling coursework.

Designed to meet students wherever they are in their educational or professional journey, the university's programs are taught by licensed practitioners and aligned with North Dakota's licensure requirements. Students may choose online or on-campus learning options depending on the program.

Applicants selected for interviews must be available between Aug. 17 and 20. Scholarship contracts are expected to be issued during the week of Aug. 24 so tuition can be processed before the start of fall classes.

Prospective students can apply for the scholarship at ndtaap.org. Those interested in determining which University of Mary program best fits their licensure goals before the application deadline are encouraged to contact Michael Raber at [email protected], (701) 355-8383; or visit enroll.umary.edu/apply.

With flexible undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and non-degree options, the University of Mary prepares future addiction counselors to meet one of North Dakota's most pressing behavioral health needs while serving individuals, families, and communities across the state.