SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

CHAIR:  Dr Ryan Courtney, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW University, Sydney

The aim of the APSAD Smoking and Vaping Cessation Professionals Special Interest Group (ASVCP-SIG) is the promotion of optimal smoking and vaping cessation practice in Australasia by trained health professionals incorporating evidence-based practice with an ongoing learning objective. The ASVCP-SIG provides a forum for:

• Information sharing and dissemination on smoking and vaping cessation practice
• Identifying and discussing common points of interest
• Promotion of evidence-based smoking and vaping cessation interventions
• Networking
• Collaboration
• Advocacy
• Education

Who can register for the Smoking and Vaping Cessation Professionals Special Interest Group?

Membership is open to all financial members of APSAD who have an interest in nicotine addiction and smoking cessation.

What are the benefits of registering for the Smoking and Vaping Cessation Professionals Special Interest Group?

Registration entitles you to:

• Inclusion in the online Tobacco Treatment Specialist Finder (coming soon), so smokers and health professionals can find you.
• Member access to all back copies of the Journal of Smoking Cessation.
• Monthly webinar presentations
• Networking opportunities with access to the APSAD Smoking Cessation Listserv that will get you in touch with other tobacco treatment specialists to discuss smoking cessation related topics.
• Information about courses, conferences and health promotion events.
• Plus all other APSAD Membership benefits.

How to register for the Smoking and Vaping Cessation Professionals Special Interest Group

If you are already an APSAD member, download and complete the brief form, and you'll be added to the SIG membership and listserv.

The Smoking Cessation Professionals Special Interest Group recognises the RACGP Smoking cessation guidelines for Australian general practice.

APPLY FOR CREDENTIALLING AS A TOBACCO TREATMENT SPECIALIST

Who is a Tobacco Treatment Specialist?

A Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) is a professional with the skills, knowledge and training to provide effective, evidence-based interventions, education, research, health promotion and policy for tobacco dependence across a range of intensities. The TTS may be a psychologist, general practitioner, pharmacist, nurse, researcher, or drug and alcohol counsellor and may work in hospitals, community health centres, medical and dental practices, smoking clinics, telephone quitlines, drug and alcohol treatment programs and mental health centres or work independently. The TTS may engage not only in providing treatment but also in education and research activities about tobacco dependence.

Why apply for professional credentialling with ASCP?

Credentialling with ASCP is free for APSAD members and provides a mechanism to formally recognise tobacco treatment specialists working in Australasia. Once credentialled, tobacco treatment specialists receive a certificate of ASCP accreditation. TTS will be offered to list their details on the Tobacco Treatment Specialist Finder to facilitate the easy referral of clients, and to promote their practice/clinic.

Standards for Credentialling as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist

The following criteria must be met for this category:

• Current APSAD member
• A current registered qualification in nursing/ medicine/ pharmacy/ AOD/ physiotherapy/ psychology/ health education or relevant qualifications as deemed suitable by the committee.
• A minimum of 1 year’s work in the field of smoking cessation.
• Work a minimum of 4 hours per week or 16 hours per month of smoking cessation-related work (this includes research, education, training or treatment) per week. 
• Successful completion of a smoking cessation training course.
• Stated commitment to adhere to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.

How to apply for Tobacco Treatment Specialist Credentialling?

To be able to apply for credentialling, applicants must be current members of APSAD. If you are interested in applying for the TTS credential and are an existing APSAD member please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you are not currently a member, you can apply for membership and complete the TTS application form.

ASCP TTS Credentialled Members must earn a minimum of 10 CPD points annually and remain a financial member of APSAD to renew their ASCP Tobacco Treatment Specialist Credential. 

Evaluation of Applications

The ASCP-SIG Credentialling Committee approves applications in accordance with Membership Application Guidelines. The ASCP SIG Credentialling Committee comprises four members with qualifications and over five years' of experience in the delivery of smoking cessation interventions. The Credentialling Committee will assess all applications based on the information provided. The Committee reserves the right to seek additional material if necessary. The recommendations of the Committee are sent to SIG Co-chairs for approval. Successful applicants will receive a certificate of credentialling. Explanations for non-acceptance will be made and are provided to applicants when notified in writing of the outcome.

SMOKING CESSATION TRAINING COURSES / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Vaping Cessation Masterclass

Thursday 9 May 2024, F2F Avondale University Sydney campus or Live Online via Zoom

To enrol, or find out more about the course go to https://www.avondale.edu.au/study/apply/professional-development/vaping-cessation-masterclass/

Hosted and taught by Professor Renee Bittoun, along with clinical psychologist Melinda Barone.

Avondale’s teaching faculty has many years of experience in clinical practice and professional training regarding nicotine addiction, smoking and vaping cessation.

For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tackling Indigenous Smoking Training Information

Health Promotion Centre Smoking Cessation Course

For further information, visit their website.

Has developed a range of online training for professionals working in different settings. The training equips professionals with the skills, confidence and knowledge to provide smoking cessation care. Details can be found on their website https://www.quit.org.au/resources/quit-education/quit-training/

Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence (ATTUD)

Online international training is available for further information, Visit their website