Program Overview

Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training

The Tobacco Treatment Specialist training is designed to train multidisciplinary clinicians who work in various health care and community settings, including primary care, behavioral health, addictions, and rehabilitation settings, public housing, oncology settings, and worksite wellness.

Training Overview

The four-day MUSC Tobacco Treatment Specialist training meets all of the requirements set forth in the U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines as well as the standards for competencies for tobacco treatment specialists developed by the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence (ATTUD). The training is also fully accredited by the Council for Tobacco Treatment Training Programs (CTTTP).

Training Topics

National experts provide unique and cutting-edge training on the following topics:

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for smoking cessation
• Evidence-based practices and recommendations for e-cigarettes
• New and alternative tobacco products
• Culturally competent counseling for tobacco treatment

Training Details: Winter 2026

Date & Location

The training will take place from February 24 to 27, 2026, at the Hollings Cancer Center Room 120 in Charleston, SC.

Registration Fee

The registration fee is $1,200, with reduced fees available for students and trainees.

Target Audience

Health care professionals working in various settings are uniquely positioned to treat people for tobacco dependence, including:

• Nurses and nurse practitioners
• Physicians
• Dentists
• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Physician assistants
• Respiratory therapists
• Mental health professionals
• Health educators
• Addiction professionals
• Certified counselors and therapists
• Social workers
• Others with an interest in decreasing tobacco use in their community

Objectives

At the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Provide clear and accurate information about tobacco use, strategies for quitting, the scope of the health impact on the population, the causes and consequences of tobacco use
• Demonstrate effective application of counseling theories and strategies to establish a collaborative relationship and facilitate client involvement in treatment and commitment to change
• Conduct an assessment interview to obtain comprehensive and accurate data needed for treatment planning
• Demonstrate the ability to develop an individualized treatment plan using evidence-based treatment strategies
• Provide clear and accurate information about pharmacotherapy options available and their therapeutic use
• Offer methods to reduce relapse and provide ongoing support for tobacco-dependent persons
• Demonstrate competence in working with population subgroups and those who have specific health issues
• Describe and use methods for tracking individual progress, record keeping, program documentation, outcome measurement, and reporting
• Utilize resources available for client support and for professional education or consultation
• Consistently use a code of ethics and adhere to government regulations specific to the health care or work site setting
• Assume responsibility for continued professional development and contributing to the development of others

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CMEs are available for the following professionals:

• Physicians
• Nurses
• Respiratory Therapists
• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors
• Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES)
• Family and Marriage Counselors