Welcome to the Information Page for the Duke-UNC Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training Scholarship Program

Program Sponsor:

Training Provided by:

About the Scholarship Program

The Tennessee Department of Health, Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program is working to advance the use of evidence-based, standard-of-care tobacco/nicotine dependency treatment for all Tennesseans.

The Tennessee Department of Health is seeking medical, behavioral, and public health professionals, as well as anyone else providing service to individuals with tobacco use disorder to apply for a “No Cost” Scholarship for Comprehensive Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training provided by Duke-UNC TTS.

Anyone wanting to gain knowledge and expertise to make a difference in the lives of Tennesseans with tobacco/nicotine dependence is encouraged to apply!

The course is 100% online and interactive for the best learning experience.

Individuals receiving this scholarship must commit to completing all requirements of the Duke-UNC TTS Training Program. Please see the full training details in the gray box below.

Individuals who receive this scholarship and participate in the training agree to provide the following services for their clients:

Tobacco/Nicotine Use Assessment
Treatment Plan Recommendations and Education
Resources for Regular Follow-Up Coaching & Counseling
Resources for FREE NRT- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (Patches, Gum, Lozenges)

This training scholarship is available exclusively to Tennessee residents who are currently working, or planning to work, in tobacco prevention.

Scholarships are available for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 training sessions. Please see below for more details about session dates and requirements.

Questions about the scholarship application process? Please email Corrie Groesbeck at Corrie.Groesbeck@tn.gov.

About the Duke-UNC Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) Training Program

The Duke-UNC Comprehensive TTS Program combines findings from the most current evidence-based research on pharmacotherapy, population-based issues, practical guidance on running a practice, and targeted skills in tobacco dependence counseling. Through a combination of interactive, virtual sessions and online self-paced training, Duke-UNC TTS offers leading-edge, evidence-based continuing education in a fun and engaging online experience.

Program Accreditation
The Duke-UNC TTS Program is fully accredited by the Council for Tobacco Treatment Training Programs, and the training provides education in all core competencies for tobacco treatment specialists as set forth by the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence (ATTUD).

National Certification

There are several pathways to national recognition as a tobacco treatment professional. Completion of the Duke-UNC TTS training program fulfills the training requirement for any of these pathways; other requirements, such as an exam and/or documentation of tobacco treatment work experience, may be required to complete these national recognition programs.. Please visit our Certification page for more information about these pathways.

Tobacco Treatment

Tobacco Treatment Certified Professional by the American Heart Association (CPAHA)
National Certification in Nicotine and Tobacco Treatment (NCNTT) via NAADAC

Prerequisites

Course participants must attest to being tobacco free for at least 6 months prior to participating in the program.

Credit

The Duke-UNC Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training Program has been designated as a jointly accredited activity by Duke Continuing Education and Professional Development for 30 CE hours. More info >>

OUR UNIQUE FORMAT

Our TTS training experience consists of two main elements--self-paced, video modules and 4 half-day, live sessions via Zoom--spread out over a two-week period to allow maximum flexibility for busy healthcare professionals.

FALL 2026 SCHEDULE*

Pre-Course Video Modules:

4 hours, self-paced

Oct. 26, 2026: Virtual Training Session 1

12:00pm-5:00pm ET (Zoom)

Oct. 27, 2026: Virtual Training Session 2

12:00pm-5:00pm ET (Zoom)

Mid-Course Video Modules:

4 hours, self-paced

Nov. 2, 2026: Virtual Training Session 3

12:00pm-5:00pm ET (Zoom)

Nov. 3, 2026: Virtual Training Session 4

12:00pm-5:00pm ET (Zoom)

Post-course:

Evaluation and Certificates

*Click HERE to view a sample

course agenda (Note: Times on the sample agenda are ET.)

How Do I Apply for a Scholarship?

Please complete the Scholarship Application Form here or via the QR code. Tennessee DOH will notify applicants of acceptance to the program within one week. Questions about the scholarship application should be directed to Corrie Groesbeck at Corrie.Groesbeck@tn.gov.

The deadline to apply for a Fall 2026 TTS training scholarship is September 28, 2026.
The deadline to apply for a Spring 2027 TTS training scholarship is January 29, 2027.

I Submitted My Scholarship Application. What Happens Next?

TN DOH will notify you of your scholarship application status within two weeks of submitting your application. If you receive a scholarship, the email will outline next steps for registration.

Contact

For information about the Tennessee DOH Scholarship Program, please email Corrie Groesbeck at Corrie.Groesbeck@tn.gov.
For information about the Duke-UNC TTS Training Program, please contact Jennifer Greyber at cttsprogram@duke.edu or 919-668-5042.