![]() |
NASAC is an academic accreditation organization for higher education addiction studies programs. Accreditation is awarded to institutions that meet and maintain a set of credentials. NASAC accreditation is specialized and not institutional— and designed to help addiction and counselor faculty members prepare for institutional, regional accreditation like the Higher Learning Commission accreditation process, which reviews an entire university or college.
![]() |
Dr. Kirk Bowden |
“We work diligently to develop coursework that is relevant and up-to-date, to meet the needs of students who are entering into the field— as well as career professionals who are seeking continuing education opportunities,” said Kirk Bowden, who serves as Rio Salado's Faculty Chair for this program.
Dr. Bowden is a national leader in the Addiction and Substance Use Disorders field, who works with a team of faculty members who are also experts in the field, to create engaging educational content to help professionals stay informed and connected.
Rio Salado serves as one of Arizona’s top educators of addictions counseling professionals, offering online classes, certificates and an associate degree in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders.
Rio Salado also offers a series of non-credit, online seminars to help addictions and counseling professionals stay informed about the latest industry developments and strategies, and to meet continuing education requirements. Look for spring offerings soon.
“Many of our students are parents, teachers and social workers, who, through their daily lives and jobs, encounter people with addiction issues,” Bowden said. “They complete our seminars and courses for a variety of reasons. As such, we are committed to providing quality instruction that will educate and empower professionals and students alike,” said Bowden.
![]() |
For more information about Rio Salado’s Behavioral Health/Addictions and Substance Use Disorders programs, visit www.riosalado.edu/ASD or call an academic advisor at 480-517-8580.