Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certificate

The Tobacco Treatment Specialist certificate program trains healthcare practitioners as Tobacco Treatment Specialists (TTS). A TTS earns the skills, knowledge and training to provide effective, evidence-based interventions for tobacco dependence in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community health centers, educational settings, social services, tobacco treatment centers, telemedicine, mental health centers and more. The TTS not only in provides treatment but educates patients and other professionals on tobacco dependence treatments.

Program Type: Certificate program

Program Dates: February 2, 2026 (Registration Opens December 1, 2025)
Program Cost: $625 Healthcare Professional, $525 Duquesne University Preceptor and Alumni

Delivery Format: 9 hours home study (web-based), 8 hours live (in-person via zoom)

Target Audience: Professionals in the following fields: education, dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, social work

Advantages of TTS certification include:

Recognition of comprehensive skill set and prestige.
Improved employability and career advancement opportunity.
Competitive advantage over non-certified healthcare professionals.

The program is taught through self-paced, online modules focusing on skills needed to effectively treat tobacco dependence and culminates in a one-day live training. Through the expertise of the course coordinators, participants develop and practice skills including motivational interviewing, medication management, and other evidence-based strategies to support effective treatment.

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to participants who successfully complete all program components, as well as an evaluation form.

Accreditation

The Council for Tobacco Treatment Training Programs (CTTTP) accredits the program, which meets all the requirements set forth in the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence, as well as the national competencies for Tobacco Treatment Specialists. This program is accredited by the CTTTP.

Degree

Certificate

School

School of Pharmacy

Academic Department

Pharmacy Practice

Duration

9 Hours of Home Study, 8 Hours of Live Virtual Seminar

Required Credit Hours

17 Contact Hours

Faculty

Jamie L. McConaha, PharmD, NCTTP, BCACP, CDCES

Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Duquesne University School of Pharmacy

Christine K. O'Neil, BS, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP, FCCP, FASCP, TTS

Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Duquesne University School of Pharmacy

Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certificate