Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS)

Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS)

Core Trainings

The TTS Training program is an intensiv, evidence-based hybrid training program for people who want to work with tobacco-dependent clients.  Rethink Tobacco Indiana has trained more than 400 providers and utilizes the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s (UMass) TTS Training curriculum.  The curriculum addresses a set of core competencies for tobacco treatment specialists as defined by the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence (ATTUD). In addition, the curriculum is nationally accredited by the Council for Tobacco Treatment Training Programs (CTTTP).

Next Training

Oct. 21-23

TTS Q&A

  • A Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) is a professional who is specially trained to possess the skills and knowledge to provide effective, evidence-based interventions for tobacco dependence for all forms of tobacco and nicotine use.
  • Tobacco Treatment Specialists understand the science behind tobacco addiction, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and effective treatments for tobacco cessation.  They can develop individualized treatment plans using comprehensive, evidence-based assessments and treatment strategies.
  • Tobacco Treatment Specialists strive to maintain the highest level of professional competence as well as ethical professional and personal conduct by adhering to the Tobacco Treatment Provider Code of Ethics.

  • The training is designed for people who want to work with tobacco dependent clients or deliver treatment services within a healthcare or community setting; however, anyone who is interested is welcome to attend.
  • Target audiences for the training can include the following: physicians, advanced practice providers, mental health counselors, addiction counselors, social workers, nurses, pharmacists, peer recovery coaches, health educators, dental professionals, respiratory therapists, and community health workers.

  • Prior to attending TTS Part 2, participants must successfully complete the “TTS  Part 1” online course offered through the University of Massachusetts’.
  • Participants must be tobacco-free (including E-cigarettes) for six months prior to the training.
  • There is no minimum education level and no license/certification requirements to attend the TTS core training.

  • Successful completion of the TTS  Training qualifies participants to achieve additional certification. This additional certification has implications for future reimbursement of TTS services.
  • Two national certifications are available. It is advised that you  review the requirements for each, determining which is a better fit.
    • American Heart Association – Certified Professional by the American Heart Association (CPAHA) 
    • NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals – National Certification in Nicotine and Tobacco Treatment (NCNTT)
  • These national certification programs were created to standardize and unify tobacco competencies, knowledge, and skills on a national level and provide national, unified recognition of professionals who obtain these prestigious certifications.

I was working at a treatment facility on  “Family Day” and the first group was the family members, and we discussed co-dependency. Many of the families purchased cartons of cigarettes for those in treatment. My TTS training took over, and I discussed the addiction of cigarettes and implications of smoking on health. I cannot thank you enough for the [TTS] training and material.

Brian Bill, licensed mental health counselor, IU Health Employee Assistance Program

The opportunity to attend the TTS training has opened a new line of care I can provide. As people are in early recovery, they often talk about the changes they want to makemake.I feel better prepared to talk about smoking cessation programs they have at their disposal. Before the training, I wouldn t have had the confidence to have those conversations.

Kelly Bevelhimer, peer recovery coach, Indiana Addictions Issues Coalition

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