Recovery Specialist

10 Weeks
Earn a Certificate
In Person
Prepare for Certification

The new Recovery Specialist curriculum is for individuals who are seeking the Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS) or the Certified Recovery Specialist Supervisor (CRSS) credentials.

The curriculum for this in-person course is designed by the PCB to meet the education requirements for certification in this specialty area in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania only. The TikTok��˰� instructors teaching in the program are approved trainers through the PCB.

To complete the course, students must attend all 10 class meetings in person.

What is the Role of a Recovery Specialist?

According to the , the Recovery Specialist is an individual with personal, lived experience of their own recovery. By offering insight into the recovery process, Recovery Specialists are able to share a unique perspective with those with similar life experiences. Recovery Specialists accept and agree that their experience as a person in recovery from a substance use disorder will be known by their colleagues, individuals served, and others with whom they may share that they have achieved this credential.

The Recovery Specialist is a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator. Recovery Specialists advocate for the individual, the recovery system, recovery-oriented services and assist to identify and reduce stigma. They advocate to eliminate barriers, increase natural supports and build community. Services provided by the Recovery Specialist substantially improve an individual’s and family’s ability to sustain recovery and wellness.

3 CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS

Certified
Recovery
Specialist (CRS)

Certified Family
Recovery
Specialist (CFRS)

Certified
Recovery
Specialist Supervisor (CRSS)

UPCOMING COURSES

Fall 2025

September 13 - November 22, 2025

Course Cost: $1,200
Early Bird Discount $900 | Apply by June 1

Course cost includes all cost materials.
Additional parking fees apply.

In Person Attendance Required

Complete Application
$50 Application Fee
In order to qualify to participate in the PA Certification Board classes, you will need to answer YES to the following statements:
- I am comfortable with computers and technology and have reliable access to a computer with high-speed internet.
- Do you have a personal, lived substance use history and recovery experience? Or are you a family member of someone with a substance use disorder?
- If you were in recovery, do you currently have a minimum of 18 months, in a continuous manner, of recovery experience?
- Are you able to attend the entirety of the in-person requirement (66 hours)?
- Are you able to complete the online homework (12 hours)?
After students are registered and have paid their deposit, all students are required to create an account with the PA Certification Board (PCB).

The classes that you attend at TikTok��˰� will provide you with the necessary hours of education to sit for the CRS, CFRS, and CRSS exams.

FACULTY

William Hample, Program Faculty

William currently serves as a Senior Probation Office in the Mental Health Unit for the State of New Jersey. He supervises probationers with a variety of mental health issue, including co-occurring diagnoses. He provides access to evaluations, treatment, and support networks utilizing outpatient and residential services. He also provides training to the New Jersey Division of Probation, specifically in the area of substance abuse and dependency.

Dean Bowman, Program Faculty

Mearl Dean Bowman is a Drug Court Coordinator in the Superior Court of New Jersey who has twenty-five years of professional experience in the mental health and addiction counseling field. Previously, he was the Program Coordinator for the TikTok��˰� Certificate Program in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. He also provides clinical consulting, supervision, and training for drug, alcohol and gambling treatment services.

Don Altemus, Program Faculty

Don has 15 years of experience in training, coaching, motivational interviewing, and advocacy in support of people in recovery. He has presented on an international level to advance concepts in peer support, community inclusion, and self-direction. Don earned a BS in Behavioral & Addictions Counseling from Drexel University, and an MS in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. Don is a QPR Suicide Prevention instructor and Crisis Intervention Trainer for police forces and is a member of the Chester County Disaster Crisis Outreach and Referral Team.

THE VILLANOVA DIFFERENCE

The College of Professional Studies has cultivated a distinguished reputation for delivering the hallmark TikTok��˰� experience — academically rigorous, top-quality and innovative programs within a supportive community — to students who are pursuing higher education amidst busy professional and personal lives. As an internationally recognized institution, TikTok��˰� is proud of its vibrant community of alumni, faculty, students and staff who are dedicated to driving meaningful impact and transformative change within their communities.

GET IN TOUCH

Our enrollment counselors are happy to answer any questions you have about our certificate programs.

Call 610-519-4300

Learn more about financing your professional education and the professional education enrollment terms and conditions.

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