Tobacco Treatment Training and Certification

Maine is a Leader in Treatment Training & Interventions

Taking the lead in training and interventions throughout the state is part of continued efforts by the Partnership For A Tobacco-Free Maine to lead the nation in tobacco control. Part of teaching best practices in the delivery of brief interventions and treatments for tobacco dependence has been accomplished through trainings conducted by PTM's treatment initiative, Maine's Center for Tobacco Independence (CTI).

Participants of these training programs learn how to assess a tobacco user's readiness to change, deliver stage-appropriate interventions and support, and assist in creating a plan to quit.

Basic Skills Training

These training seminars teach attendees how to incorporate tobacco treatment messages into their professional practices. They learn from faculty who are leaders in the state and have extensive experience providing treatment for tobacco dependence. Covered topics include Tobacco Dependence, Medication Therapy, Theory in the Stages of Change, and How to Encourage Change and Conduct Brief Interventions. Click here for more information or to register.

Intensive Tobacco Treatment Training and Conference

The four-day Intensive Tobacco Treatment Training and Conference is offered each spring for those who would like to deliver a more intensive tobacco intervention treatment. This course is also a requirement to become a Maine Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. For more information please contact Becky Hendrix at 662-7122 or click here.

Clinical Outreach Program

PTM, through CTI's clinical outreach team, has successfully provided more than 1,000 physician offices and clinics with on-site tailored training around tobacco treatment and the resources available for tobacco users. For more information please contact Anthony Massarelli at 662-7140 or click here.

The Maine Helpers Program: Train-the Trainer!

Become a Certified Helpers Trainer (CHT). A CHT can be any health professional with at least an Associates Degree and tobacco-free for at least one year who has been trained and certified by the MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence. The certification period is 3 years.

CHTs are authorized to schedule and conduct their own Helper Training. Helpers Trainings provide practical skills and information to both non-clinical professionals and to non-professional lay helpers who have a desire to assist Maine residents with quitting the use of tobacco.

Target Audience: Non-clinical Healthcare Providers

For more information please contact Becky Hendrix at 662-7122 or click here.

Tobacco Treatment Webinars

The Center for Tobacco Independence, on behalf of the Partnership For A Tobacco-Free Maine, provides an annual series of webinars specially designed to address the interests and concerns of tobacco treatment providers. There is no charge for these trainings. Click here for more information about webinars.

Maine Tobacco Treatment Specialists

The Maine Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certification Program is governed by a commission of professionals with expertise and experience in addiction and substance abuse, counseling, and tobacco treatment who oversee the exam and certify qualified individuals as Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists (TTS-C).

The Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS-C) is a trained health professional who specializes in the treatment of tobacco dependence as part of his or her professional role. The TTS-C demonstrates the knowledge and skills to provide current and effective treatment for tobacco dependence. Certified individuals provide quality assurance to clients, third party payers, and employers. They also refer health care providers and ensure that best practice performance standards are being used.

Core Competencies for Tobacco Treatment

Specialist Training

Know the findings and recommendations of the Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guideline: Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence
Convey basic information about nicotine dependence
Conduct appropriate intake and assessment of tobacco users
Use behavioral counseling skills that are consistent with the Motivational Interviewing approach
Understand the appropriate use of tobacco medication therapies
Effectively treat tobacco users with other medical conditions
Understand how to work with health care systems, including mental health and substance abuse programs, to facilitate the delivery of optimal care for tobacco users
Provide individual tobacco treatment planning, relapse prevention and follow up
Learn how to evaluate and monitor tobacco treatment outcomes
Serve as a resource or mentor for other professionals in the arena of tobacco dependence and treatment

How to Become a Certified Maine Tobacco

Treatment Specialist

Hold a minimum of a 4-year degree in a health-related field (or a two year degree in respiratory therapy or nursing) with 240 hours experience in intensive tobacco treatment within the last 3 years.
Participate in and complete the Basic Skills Training.
Complete the 4-day Intensive Tobacco Treatment Training.
Pass the Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certification Exam.
Complete and present a case study before the Commission for Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certification.

Learn more about certification and re-certification and the case study process at The American Lung Association of New England.

Back to Top