TOPICS > Tobacco
Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS)
How to Become a Certified Maine Tobacco Treatment Specialist
- Hold a minimum of a 2 year degree in a health-related field with 240 hours experience in intensive tobacco treatment within last 3 years. Participate in a Tobacco Intervention Basic Skill Training Workshop.
- Successfully complete the 2-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
Core Competencies
Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training
- Know the findings and recommendations of the 2000 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.
Re-Certification Maine Tobacco Treatment Specialist
Maine Commission for Tobacco Treatment Certification
The Commission for Tobacco Treatment Certification has determined that all certified tobacco treatment specialists are required to earn 9 hours of continuing education within their two-year certification period. The certification period will run from January to January for all specialists.
It is the responsibility of the TTS-C to keep track of all continuing education hours through documentation.
9 hours in tobacco treatment training core competencies:
- Up to 6 hours through attendance at tobacco treatment related conferences, workshops and seminars sponsored by professional organizations and agencies.
- 3 hours may be earned through tobacco training teaching.
- Up to 6 hours reading and critical review of journal articles from current peer-reviewed journals (within the last 12 months) such as Tobacco Control, Nicotine and Tobacco Research, The American Journal of Public Health, The Journal of the American Medical Association or the British Medical Journal.
Submit the following required documentation:
- The name, authors, source and date of the article and
the date article was read. - One paragraph that explains the content or findings and conclusions of the article.
- One paragraph that describes how the TTS-C will use this information to improve his/her tobacco treatment service delivery.
- Reviews should be submitted with Re-certification Application. It is expected that TTS-C will spend at least one hour per review and may earn a maximum of 6 hours for this category.
Up to 6 hours through on-line courses
- Course must be related to Tobacco Treatment Specialist core competencies. A transcript of the course must be submitted at the time of re-certification.
The American Lung Association of Maine, with oversight from the commission, will be responsible for developing and implementing the process for re-certification including the monitoring of continuing education hours. A notice will be sent to all specialists approximately 6 months prior to the end of the certification period to begin the re-certification process.
Case Study Process
Maine Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certification
Please read these instructions before beginning your case study.
- Choose a Client
For the purposes of the case study, it is important to select a client that has gone through a quit attempt. Your intervention needs to include assessment, treatment planning, implementation and follow up. Choose a challenging case that can demonstrate your knowledge and application of tobacco treatment principles and will provide you an opportunity to describe not only what you did for this client, but also what you might do differently as you reflect on the process. Your client’s success in quitting should not necessarily be a factor in your choice of client.
- Preparing Your Case Study
In preparing your case study address in detail the issues described in the outline provided. (see enclosed outline) Your case study must be at least 6 pages in length, typed, double-spaced. Please follow the outline exactly as presented on the scoring sheet. This is critical so that the members of the Commission will know what questions you are responding to. Please do NOT put your name on your case study so a blind review can be done. Please be sure to complete the cover sheet provided and include it with your case study!
- Review Process
Using a blind review your case study will be scored initially by the Commissioners according to how the issues in the outline were addressed. During the scheduled review, you will have an opportunity to orally address any concerns or questions the commissioners may have about your case study. The commissioners will reassess section scores integrating the information provided orally. Meeting with the Commissioners is intended to provide you with an opportunity to strengthen your score as gaps or unclear issues can then be clarified. You will be notified of the results of your Case Study Review within 2 weeks following your meeting.
- Scheduling Case Study Reviews
Case study reviews will be scheduled approximately 2 months following the exam. Your written case study must be submitted 1 month prior to your review appointment with the commission. For example: if your appointment is July 23, please submit your signed cover sheet, your completed case study and three photocopies of your case study by June 23.
Mail it to:
Tobacco Treatment Certification Commission
c/o American Lung Association of Maine
122 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330
You will then receive an email or phone message scheduling a date and time for your case study review. Reviews will be scheduled on a “first come first serve” basis unless otherwise specified.
Note: To pursue certification you must have attended PTM’s Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training within the last 2 years and must have completed the required number of hours of experience in intensive tobacco treatment counseling as defined below. Defined: Intensive tobacco treatment counseling needs to include a comprehensive assessment and treatment planning, implementation and follow up. Please review the sheet that defines the Practice Components of an Intensive Tobacco Treatment Intervention
Requirements:
- Minimum of a 2-year degree in a health-related field such as but not limited to health education, mental health or nursing (refer to application for complete listing).
- Documented 240 hours experience in intensive tobacco treatment in last three (3) years.
- Graduate of the 2-day Intensive TTS Training within last 2 years.
- Passing grade of 80% on the Tobacco Treatment Certification Exam.
