Are you interested in helping people overcome addiction but don’t have time to go to college?
How about starting a career as a professional recovery coach in Minnesota?
This career requires no college training and immerses you in addiction treatment.
Will you get to help people?
Absolutely!
Even better, you can use this job as a springboard for other potential positions.
How do you get started?
Read the steps below to learn more about this powerful career opportunity.
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Steps to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Minnesota
Minnesota currently doesn’t require a college education for its professional recovery specialists.
Does that mean you can simply walk into a rehab facility and get a job right out of high school?
Not quite!
Most rehab facilities require specific certifications for their recovery experts.
In this way, they know that their team is capable of handling unique challenges.
Are there many options to consider?
Yes, but we can help you understand how this process works.
The steps below are specific to Minnesota Certification Board, the leading alcohol and drug certification team in Minnesota.
Their certification process includes multiple levels and will prepare you for this career more effectively.
Step One: Earn Your High School Diploma
If you haven’t finished high school yet, stay on track and graduate ASAP!
All addiction treatment facilities will demand at least a high school degree before hiring anyone.
What if you dropped out or never finished your studies?
You can take a GED test instead.
This test gives you the equivalent of a high school diploma and can be taken in many locations in Minnesota.
Step Two: Earn Your CPRS
After finishing high school, you can earn your Certified Peer Recovery Specialist or CPRS certification.
It’s required for entry-level careers and shows basic competency in peer recovery.
During this certification, you’ll get 46 hours of training and must pass the IC&RC Peer Recovery Exam.
You must also live or work in Minnesota at least 51% of the time.
The fee for this certification is $150 and includes processing fees, exams, and one year of certification.
Before your year has passed, you must renew your certificate for an extra $75.
After that, you renew your test every two years for $150.
What if you fail the test?
Don’t worry: you can take it again for $125.
You can take it as often as you need to pass.
Step Three: Earn Your CPRSR
If you want to become a supervisor or advance in your career, you can also earn a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Reciprocal or CPRSR certification.
This certification requires 500 hours of work experience, 46 hours of training, and 25 hours of supervision.
You must also pass the IC&RC Peer Recovery Exam and live or work in Minnesota at least 51% of the time.
The fees for this certification are the same as the CPRS and can help you get better jobs within this field.
For example, you can earn more money as a supervisor or become a peer advisor manager.
Some people may even use this certification to open a professional recovery business.
Note:
you can upgrade from a CPRS to a CPRSR if you have the required work hours and pay a $30 fee.
Step Four: Find Work
Once you’ve earned your CPRS or CPRSR, you can start looking for work.
There are many addiction treatment facilities where you can start your career, as well as hospitals.
Create a resume that highlights your skills and abilities and includes your certifications.
Try to volunteer at recovery centers if you have limited experience to boost your resume.
Schools in Minnesota
Currently, Minnesota doesn’t have any university programs focused on professional recovery training.
However, there is at least one program that can help you start a job in this field.
This program can teach you the basics of this career and advance your career.
Recovery Coach Academy 
Started by Minnesota Recovery Connection, this 46-hour program provides one-on-one support for budding recovery coaches.
It’s helped over 1,000 people start a new career since 2011.
It costs about $850 and includes not just 46 hours but training manuals, lunch, beverages, and snacks.
It is available in Saint Paul and does include potential scholarship options.
Recovery Coach Representative Schools in Minnesota – Summary Table
Top 1 Schools in Minnesota
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Recovery Coach Academy | 800 Transfer Rd., Ste. 31 Saint Paul, MN 55114, USA |
Salary
A typical recovery coach earns $34,337 in the United States on average.
By comparison, a Minnesota recovery expert will earn an average of $35,189.
That makes this a good state to start this career!
That said, there are ways to increase your salary.
For example, starting a supervisor tradition can help you consistently earn more money than in an entry-level position.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Professional Recovery Coachs in Minnesota
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $36,583 |
| St. Paul | $36,583 |
| Duluth | $32,878 |
| Rochester | $34,423 |
| Ada | $31,700 |
| Belgrade | $32,624 |
| Carlton | $32,733 |
| Ely | $32,569 |
| Saint Cloud | $32,933 |
| Burnsville | $36,480 |
Regional Salary in Minnesota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 160 | $53,970 | - NA - | $81,890 | $24,250 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | 170 | $57,590 | - NA - | $105,850 | $23,220 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 3,620 | $52,220 | - NA - | $76,400 | $27,940 |
| Rochester, MN | 80 | $45,420 | - NA - | $73,570 | $26,320 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 170 | $49,190 | - NA - | $87,730 | $24,960 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get my certification renewed in Minnesota?
Yes, you need to pay regular recertification fees to remain an active professional recovery expert in Minnesota.
The CPRS and CPRSR require $75 annual or $150 biennial fees.
You simply have to pay this fee and take a short test to prove your knowledge.
In this way, you can keep your certification active and avoid running into financial or career problems.
Who does this job fit in Minnesota?
Becoming a professional recovery coach is a great option for people who want to make a difference in the world.
This career path includes hands-on support that makes a real difference for people with an addiction.
Often, people with a history of addiction go into this field to give back after suffering from this affliction.
Is this a well-paying job for Minnesota?
The average wage in Minnesota is $74,000, which is much higher than the $35,189 earned by professional recovery coaches.
However, people earning this wage typically have advanced college degrees and high debt, which you won’t have when you start this career.
Where can I get a job like this in Minnesota?
Minnesota has many recovery centers where you can find work.
These include Alina Health in Cambridge, Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment in Duluth, Eden House in Minneapolis, Lakeplace Retreat Center in Bovey, Meadow Creek in Pine City, and New Beginnings in Waverly.
Each facility hires professional recovery coaches to help their patients thrive.
