Next Available Training Sessions: January 12-15, 2026 and May 4-7, 2026

  • Course Format:
    The course will be conducted remotely via Zoom, providing a flexible, interactive learning experience.
  • Course Duration:
    The training runs from Monday to Thursday, comprising four comprehensive, day-long seminars.
  • Cost:
    • Total Fee: $1,250 for the 4-day consecutive training.
  • Cancellation Policy:
    • 30+ days before the start date: Full refund of tuition charges.
    • 1-30 days before the start date: Refund of tuition minus a $100 registration fee.
    • Within 24 hours of the course start: Credit toward a future seminar.

Register

  • Go to registration website to start the process
  • Option 1: Credit Card
    Register and make payment securely via credit card for immediate confirmation.
  • Option 2: Check Payment
    To pay by check, please make the check payable to The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and mail it to the following address:
    • Attention: Sarah Evers-Casey
      University of Pennsylvania
      3750 Market Street, 6th Floor
      Philadelphia, PA 19104
  • Confirmation:
    Upon receiving your registration and payment, a confirmation email will be sent to you. For any inquiries, please call 888-PENN-STOP.

Accreditation

Our Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training Program is accredited by the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence (ATTUD). This accreditation ensures that our program meets the highest standards in tobacco use treatment education.

This rigorous program is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the essential competencies and skills needed for effective tobacco dependence treatment. The curriculum aligns with the ATTUD Core Competencies and focuses on improving patient care and counseling outcomes.

The Penn Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training Program utilizes a comprehensive, multi-modal approach to learning. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills through interactive and practical experiences, ensuring proficiency in tobacco dependence treatment. The program combines dynamic didactic lectures featuring multimedia presentations, video analyses, and interactive audience feedback. It also includes immersive clinical practice where students apply treatment strategies in real-world scenarios through standardized patient interactions, followed by comprehensive assessments and personalized feedback.

For further information, please contact us at PennStop@uphs.upenn.edu or register for upcoming training sessions.

Program Curriculum & Sample Schedules

The Biological Basis of Nicotine Dependence

Description: A comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms of nicotine addiction is critical for healthcare professionals involved in tobacco treatment. This seminar aims to deepen participants' understanding of addiction biology and its integration into clinical practice.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

  • Characterize the neurophysiological distortions leading to tobacco dependence.
  • Identify key neurological targets for pharmacotherapeutic and behavioral interventions.
  • Explain the chronic illness model in tobacco treatment.
  • Discuss biological variations in treatment responses.

Cognitive Management of Tobacco Dependence

Description: This seminar focuses on the cognitive and behavioral frameworks essential for managing tobacco dependence. It introduces effective strategies for overcoming patient ambivalence and resistance to change, empowering clinicians to facilitate long-term behavioral change.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

  • Identify relevant behavioral theories for managing tobacco dependence.
  • Integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing techniques into practice.
  • Address patient ambivalence using evidence-based strategies.
  • Apply adult learning models to tobacco treatment.

Advanced Pharmacologic Management of Tobacco Dependence

Description:
This seminar provides an in-depth exploration of pharmacotherapy options for tobacco cessation, with a focus on integrating current research into practice. Participants will also explore emerging therapies and manage complex medication regimens in diverse patient populations.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the pharmacological properties of nicotine delivery devices.
  • Incorporate evidence-based pharmacotherapy guidelines into treatment plans.
  • Assess the risk profiles of pharmacotherapies in different patient groups.
  • Address questions surrounding non-approved cessation methods.

Social, Environmental, and Political Influences on Smoking

Description

To address the complex nature of tobacco dependence, this seminar explores the broader social, environmental, and political factors that impact treatment outcomes. A deeper understanding of these influences will allow clinicians to better advocate for patients and engage in effective tobacco control policies.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize the social biases and cultural norms influencing tobacco treatment decisions.
  • Understand the impact of policy and funding decisions on tobacco use.
  • Distinguish between effective and ineffective methods of promoting tobacco treatment.

Contact Us

For additional information or to inquire about the program, please feel free to reach out to us:

Email: PennStop@uphs.upenn.edu

Phone: 888-PENN-STOP

Mailing Address:
University of Pennsylvania
3750 Market Street, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104

We look forward to assisting you with any questions you may have about our Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training Program.

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