Sample Agenda:

Health professionals who treat people for tobacco dependence including physicians, physician's assistants, nurses, mental health counselors, respiratory therapists, health educators, pharmacists, dentists, psychologists, dietitians or others with an interest in tobacco and health can benefit from this training. The training will prepare participants to provide their patients/clients with effective evidenced-based interventions for tobacco dependence. 

Florida State University College of Medicine Area Health Education Center is a Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, and Respiratory Care approved provider of continuing education. CE Broker Provider ID #50-21016. This program meets the requirements for up to 24 contact hours. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES) to receive up to 24 total Category I contact education contact hours. Provider ID# 122098. FSU College of Medicine AHEC is a designated provider of continuing education hours for Florida Certification Board for Recovery Peer Specialists. Provider #: 5156-A.

Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training: FAQ

Is your TTS training accredited?

Yes, the FSU College of Medicine AHEC Tobacco Program is an internationally recognized training program that is accredited by the Council for Tobacco Treatment Training Programs (CTTTP).

How much does the training cost?

Generally, the training costs $500 for Florida Residents and $750 for out-of-state residents. In addition to the training and training materials, your registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks for all three days.

Is there a test?

Yes, there is a pre-test and a post-test. The pre-test is administered first thing on the first day of the training.  You will not be evaluated on your pre-test.

The post-test is administered electronically: At the conclusion of the training, you will receive a unique link to the exam via email.

You will have 30 days from the last day of the training to complete the exam and must score 70% or above to pass the course and to receive your TTS credentials. You will receive your score immediately after submitting your answers. You are allowed a one-time retake of the exam if you score below 70% as long as it’s completed within 30 days from the last day of the training. 

Questions about the test, contact Karen Geletko 850-645-1490, karen.geletko@med.fsul.edu

Is the test open-book?

Yes. You are allowed to use your training binder, notes and any materials received at the training during the exam. However, you must sign a statement of ethical practice stating that you will not make copies, take screen shots, or record paper notes of any of the test questions or responses; will not share recollections of specific test items or responses with anyone; and will complete the test independently, without any form of assistance from other people.

Does completing the TTS training mean I am certified?

No, completing the TTS training means you are a credentialed tobacco treatment specialist, but you are not certified.

The training meets 24 of the 40 total education hours required for certification with the state of Florida (CTTS), and all required education hours for the National Certificate (NCTTP).  You must also complete clinical hours to become a CTTS or to earn a NCTTP.

Can I treat tobacco dependence without being certified?

Yes.

How do I get certified? What is the difference between a TTS, CTTS, and NCTTP?

TTS

Tobacco Treatment Specialist, or TTS, is a “professional who possesses the skills, knowledge, and training to provide effective, evidence-based interventions for tobacco dependence.” You meet the qualifications to use the credentials “TTS” if you complete a TTS training with the FSU AHEC.

CTTS

Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists (CTTS) are professionals in the state of Florida who are specially trained to provide treatment for individuals seeking to stop using tobacco.

Certification as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist is available in the State of Florida through the Florida Certification Board. You can apply to be a CTTS after you finish your TTS training and complete a certain number of hours of clinical experience. The number of hours is based on education level. You will also need to pass a state certification exam. Every year, you must complete 10 continuing education hours and renew your certification.

For more information on earning your CTTS, visit the Florida Certification Board Website: http://flcertificationboard.org/certifications/certified-tobacco-treatment-specialist-ctts

NCTTP

The National Certificate in Tobacco Treatment Practice (NCTTP) is a certificate available across the U.S. for individuals who have clinical experience in treating tobacco dependence in addition to completing an accredited TTS training.

The National Certificate is available through the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). You can apply for your NCTTP after you become a TTS, and complete a certain number of hours of clinical experience after training. The number of hours is based on education level. You will also need to pass a certificate exam.

For more information on earning your NCTTP, visit https://www.naadac.org/NCTTP

Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists (CTTS) are professionals who are specially trained to provide treatment for individuals seeking to stop using tobacco.

Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists:

1. Understand the science behind tobacco addiction, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and effective treatments for tobacco use
2. Provide clear and accurate information about the causes and consequences of tobacco use
3. Develop individualized treatment plans using comprehensive, evidence-based assessments and treatment strategies including:
   • Clear and accurate information about effective medications
   • Effective, practical, cognitive-behavioral strategies for quitting and staying quit
4. Provide effective treatment for all forms of tobacco and nicotine use
5. Work with a variety of specific populations including those with specific health issues
6. Use specific, well-accepted methods for tracking individual progress, record keeping, program documentation, outcome measurement and reporting
7. Serve as educational resources for organizations, healthcare providers, and the general public regarding tobacco use treatment issues

Jorge J. Garcia MD; Clinical Assistant Professor; University of Miami

I want to take this opportunity to thank and complement each of you for the quality of training that you all provided at the recent conference which I attended in Tallahassee for Tobacco Treatment Specialist. The material that was covered was comprehensive and presented in a clear, concise, and well organized fashion. The speakers were all very knowledgeable, they covered their topics thoroughly and the slide presentations were very informative and visually appealing. I learned a lot and feel that my fund of knowledge and ability to evaluate and manage tobacco users was significantly enhanced by my attendance to this training. I also found very helpful the exercises that we performed with the other attendees. The syllabus, venue and organization were excellent. Of note was the unusual access to the speakers throughout the conference and the spirit of camaraderie that developed. Look forward to participating in future activities.

Mary P. Martinasek PhD, CPH, CHES; Dept. of Health Sciences and Human Performance; University of Tampa

Please thank all the speakers for a great 3-day training in tobacco cessation. It was well organized and I really appreciate the information. You all are the experienced experts in tobacco cessation and I learned many new approaches and tips!

Nancy Zoffer; Respiratory Therapist; Tampa General Hospital

I just want to let you know I took away so much great information. I left Tallahassee feeling great about the training I just received. You all should be proud of the comprehensive, informative program you put together. A lot of hard work went into it and it showed. I came back to the Tampa Bay area telling all my colleagues what a positive experience I had. I would recommend anyone in the healthcare industry to take your training.

Kim Pacewicz, Lung Health Navigator, Martin Health System, Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center

I just wanted to truly thank all of you for your time and the dedication you put into this program. As an oncology certified nurse I have been through many training courses and this one was amazing. I learned so much and got a lot out of it that I will be utilizing in our lung health program. Sitting in class from 8-6 isn't easy but I did not look at my watch once and say "when is this over"! It's entertaining, all speakers are so well versed and experienced it was motivating to me as a professional. I was honored to be a part of the Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training.

Lourdes Castaneda, Program Manager, Social Services, Miami University 

         I want to thank you and the team for such a wonderful experience and insight. I have learned and gained so much from attending the training. Your teams dedication and passion is visible, it just motivated me to be more of an advocate to assist all in need of our services.

Robert F. Thomas, Health Services Manager, Tobacco Prevention Program, Florida Department of Health Duval

I am still enjoying my enhanced knowledge and I have been asked to speak somewhere EVERY month since my training. I have so much more confidence now when I am asked to speak. The training helped me to connect the dots.