Basic Skills for Working with Smokers (BSWS) is a self-paced, online course we offer here at UMass Chan Medical School’s CTTRT. The course provides participants with an overview of the theory and practice of evidence-based treatment for tobacco dependence. It was designed for any professional who works with clients or patients who want to quit smoking. There are nine modules in the course. Each module is designed to provide participants with information that will enable them to assist their clients to quit tobacco. Here are some of the questions that our past course participants had before they registered for the course.
Why should I attend your tobacco treatment online course?
We’ve offered Basic Skills for Working with Smokers (BSWS) online course since 2003. During this period, over 7, 000 participants have taken the course. 94% of the participants noted that the course increased their ability to intervene appropriately and work effectively with tobacco users. The course was also among the first tobacco treatment online courses to be offered in the country.
Do I need to have experience in online learning to attend this course?
No previous online learning experience is needed to attend the course. The course is self-paced, and we have made every effort to make it easy to navigate and user friendly. We also have a helpdesk that’s available 24/7, 365 days a year and they're able to assist participants with any technical issues.
Who attends the course?
The course is designed for any professional who wants to help their client stop smoking. Most participants who have attended our course work in healthcare setting. See the graph included for a break-down on who attended the course in the past year.
How long does it take to complete the course?
The course constitute of nine modules with exercises, knowledge checks and quizzes that are embedded within the modules. It takes between 10 – 12 hours to complete the course. However, each participant is different and the amount of time it takes to complete the course depends on the participant. Tobacco treatment experience, and comfort level of online learning affects the amount of time it takes to complete the course. Note that you'll have a minimum of 6 months access to the course. This is a substancial period of time in which to complete the course.
You don’t offer the Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that I need. Should I still take the course?
If your professional organization or licensing institution is not listed under the course CEUs, that we offer, contact them directly. Ask them if they will accept your general certificate of completion upon attending and completing the online course. Most professional organizations will request that you provide them with the course goals and objectives. This will enable them to determine if they will issue you the continuing education units that you need.
What do participants say about your course?
Video: Basic Skills for Working with Smokers (BSWS) Course
How do I register for the course?
For more information and to register for Basic Skills for Working with Smokers online course, visit the course information page.
I’m not in the US. Can I register and take this tobacco treatment online course?
Yes. We have had many international trainees attend the online course from various countries around the world. Smoking rates and types of tobacco used vary regionally. This course offers a grounding in evidence-based treatment that may be tailored to your population.
I have a question about the course that hasn’t been covered above
You can ask your question by leaving a comment in the comments section below. You may also check ou the course information page, course FAQ page or contact us here.
