Why become a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist

Program Overview

The Breathing Association Integrated Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training combines the latest evidence-based research on pharmacotherapy, community health issues, practical insights into managing a practice, and specialized expertise in tobacco dependence counseling. Through a blend of interactive virtual sessions and self-paced online training modules, the Breathing Association program delivers cutting-edge, evidence-based continuing education in an enjoyable and immersive online format.

Program Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Tobacco Treatment Training Programs (CTTTP), the Breathing Association Integrated Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training adheres to the core competencies outlined by the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence (ATTUD), ensuring comprehensive education in tobacco treatment specialist skills.

National Certification

Achieving national recognition as a tobacco treatment professional is attainable through various pathways. Completion of the Breathing Association TTS Training satisfies the training prerequisite for these pathways. Additional requirements, such as examinations or documentation of tobacco treatment experience, may be necessary for national certification. For further details, please refer to the following organizations:

  1. Tobacco Treatment Certified Professional by the American Heart Association (CPAHA)
  2. National Certification in Nicotine and Tobacco Treatment (NCNTT) via NAADAC

Continuing Education Options

In the event that the comprehensive training does not fully meet your requirements or preferences, we offer a range of alternative options to further enhance your understanding of nicotine addiction and tobacco treatment.

  1. Combination Courses: Tailored to address specific areas of interest or expertise, our combination courses combine select modules from the training to provide a customized learning experience suited to your needs.
  2. Individual Training Modules: Alternatively, you can opt for individual educational modules focusing on distinct aspects of tobacco treatment and nicotine addiction. These standalone modules allow you to delve deeply into particular topics of interest at your own pace.

These supplementary options are designed to complement the training, providing flexibility and versatility in your pursuit of tobacco treatment knowledge and expertise. For further details on our additional education offerings, please contact our team.

Prerequisites

Participants in the course must confirm their tobacco-free status for at least six months before enrolling in the program.

While there are no other specific prerequisites for enrolling in the training, we recognize that some professionals may aspire to pursue more advanced certification or seek additional recognition for their continuing education efforts. For those individuals, certain prerequisites may apply depending on the certification or recognition they are aiming for.

For example, if you’re interested in obtaining Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS) certification or seeking recognition from other accrediting bodies, you may need to fulfill specific requirements such as education, training, experience, and possibly passing an examination.

We encourage individuals with aspirations for advanced certification or recognition to research the prerequisites and requirements of the specific certification or recognition program they are targeting. Our team is available to provide guidance and support in navigating these pathways and achieving your professional goals. Feel free to reach out to us for further information and assistance.

Program Cost

Registration for the virtual training costs $800, payable by credit card upon enrollment. Tuition covers access to all online and virtual sessions, a comprehensive TTS training manual, and processing of CE credits. Partial scholarships are available for eligible candidates, and group discounts are offered for multiple participants registering together from one organization. Contact us for more details.

Become A Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist

This 30+ hour curriculum will provide education on evidence-based clinical interventions for the treatment of tobacco dependence and prepares health care or related professionals to become certified in the treatment of tobacco dependence.

Nationally Accredited CTTTP Program

The Breathing Association is one of only 28 nationally accredited programs and the only online program in Ohio.

100% Self-Paced Online

Students have sixty days to complete learning modules; affording them enough time to work at their own pace.

Continuing Education Credits Available

Up to 30 or more Continuing education credits are available for respiratory therapists, nurses, counselors and social workers.

Continuing Professional Development

Continuing education credits for medical professional, respiratory therapists, nurses, counselors, social workers and other disciplines with an Ohio license may be available.

What’s New?

The Breathing Association has been certifying Tobacco Treatment Specialists for years, but we are making an exciting transition. Starting on July 1, 2025, we will shift from certifying specialists to offering a comprehensive training program. Here’s what you need to know:

Transition to National Certification: To enhance the credibility and standardization of the Tobacco Treatment Specialist role, we are aligning with national organizations like the American Heart Association and NAADAC. These bodies will provide unified certification and standardized testing to ensure consistent training across the board.

Pricing Update: We have adjusted our program fee to $800 per person to reflect this shift and to support the enhanced value of national certification.

Speakers Include:
Thomas Houston, MD
Gretchen Clark Hammond, PhD
Chizimuzo (Zim) Okoli, PhD
Iyaad Hasan DNP, MBA, APRN,

Course Curriculum

  • Tobacco Dependence Knowledge and Education
  • Pharmacotherapies for Tobacco Addictions
  • Smokeless Tobacco and Environmental Tobacco Smoke
  • Counseling Skills and Motivational Interviewing
  • Diversity and Specific Health Issues with Women
  • Assessment Interviewing
  • Treatment Planning
  • Conducting Group Sessions
  • Relapse Prevention
  • Diversity and Cultural Issues
  • Diversity: Tobacco and Mental Health or Substance Use Disorder
  • Documentation
  • Law and Ethics
  • Professional Resources & Professional Development
  • Brand new content:
    • Emerging Issues with E-Cigarette Use
    • Tobacco Dependence Treatment for Women
    • LGBTQ+ Smoking Cessation: Culturally Competent Care

Faculty

Thomas Houston, MD

Gretchen Clark Hammond, PhD

Chizimuzo (Zim) Okoli, PhD

Bruce Barcelo, MS, CTTS

Dorienna Alfred, PhD

RJ Sontag, MD

WHAT IS A TOBACCO TREATMENT SPECIALIST?

Certified  Tobacco Treatment Specialists, or CTTSs, are professionals who are specially trained to provide treatment for individuals seeking to stop using tobacco.

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Accredited status means that The Breathing Association program was thoroughly reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel of international experts who agree that this program meets the standards put forth by industry experts in your country.

Registration 

Pricing Update:

We have adjusted our program fee to $800 per person to reflect this shift and to support the enhanced value of national certification.