How to Become a Substance Abuse Nurse
Substance abuse nurses treat patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). The steps to become a substance abuse nurse include education, testing, and licensing, after which substance abuse nurses can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a substance abuse nurse, and where to start.
Become a Substance Abuse Nurse in 6 Steps
To become a substance abuse nurse, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue higher education and certification in a specialty.
4
Apply for Substance Abuse Nurse Jobs
Once a new RN has a valid license, they may apply for substance abuse nurse jobs in the state of their licensure, and many substance abuse nurse employers are happy to hire new graduates.
5
Earn Substance Abuse Nurse Certification
After some bedside experience, substance abuse nurses may pursue specialty certification in their field through the Addictions Nursing Certification Board (ANCB). While not required for work in this field, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers.
Schooling Requirements for Substance Abuse Nurses
Substance abuse nurses may work as RNs or pursue advanced degrees, like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). While most positions don’t require high-level degrees, they may offer higher compensation and more opportunities for professional advancement.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is the quickest option to become a substance abuse nurse with no previous university education. ADN degrees can take 18 months to two years to complete and may require some prerequisites before an application can be accepted.
Time to Complete
18 months to 2 years
Clinical Hours
190 to 900*
Pros
- Earn a nursing degree in less than two years
- Less competitive than a BSN
- Lower cost than a BSN
Cons
- May limit job opportunities compared to a BSN
- Must obtain a BSN before pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Central New Mexico Community College, Teaching and Learning in Nursing
Substance abuse nurses with an ADN may receive lower pay and may not have their first choice of positions compared to those with a BSN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) gives future substance abuse nurses a well-rounded education experience. Typically completed over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
Clinical Hours
160 to 750*
Pros
- More likely to pass NCLEX on the first attempt (82.32% with a BSN vs. 77.91% with an ADN)
- Easier to find work in highly specialized environments like gerontology or neonatology
- Higher salary than an ADN
Cons
- Takes longer to complete than an ADN
- More competitive than an ADN
- More expensive than an ADN
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Forbes Advisor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
A BSN prepares future substance abuse nurses to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, can be earned in two years, but many students continue to work throughout the program, which increases time to completion.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. This program takes longer than an MSN but may offer higher salaries and more opportunities.
Substance Abuse Nurse Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Substance abuse nurses must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Some substance abuse nurse positions require certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Additionally, substance abuse nurses may choose to pursue specialty certifications through the Addictions Nursing Certification Board, like the Certified Addiction Registered Nurse (CARN) or the Certified Addiction Registered Nurse – Advanced Practice (CARN‐AP).
Where Do Substance Abuse Nurses Work?
Substance abuse nurses can find employment in a few different settings. These may include:
- Inpatient treatment centers
- Community health centers
- Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals
- Offices of physicians
- Outpatient mental health clinics
- General medical and surgical hospitals
FAQs: How to Become a Substance Abuse Nurse
1. What education is needed to become a substance abuse nurse?
Substance abuse nurses must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. They can pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2.How many years does it take to become a substance abuse nurse?
The time it takes to become a substance abuse nurse depends on which degree one pursues, but may take anywhere from two to four years for an undergraduate degree.
3. What are the steps to become a substance abuse nurse?
To become a substance abuse nurse, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may apply to substance abuse nurse positions and pursue specialty certification and higher education.
4. How much do substance abuse nurses make an hour?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse nurses earn an average of $45.42 per hour, which equals about $94,480 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.
