Smoking and vaping cessation training for healthcare workers
Healthcare workers have an important role in helping someone quit smoking or vaping. Research shows that advice from a health professional can increase a person’s chances of successfully quitting.
Did you know?
Training health professionals in smoking and vaping cessation leads to higher quit rates and better health outcomes for patients.
Structured training helps ensure practice remains aligned with current evidence and strengthens confidence in delivering brief, effective cessation conversations in busy clinical and community settings.
Explore the range of smoking cessation training available for healthcare workers below.
Smoking and vaping cessation e-learning modules
Developed by the Cancer Institute NSW and collaborators, these interactive modules provide practical, evidence-based guidance to support quitting smoking and vaping conversations.
Through real-life scenarios, quizzes and activities, you'll build the skills and confidence to support people to quit. There are nine modules available, including a general module and modules tailored to specific settings such as cardiac care, cancer care and mental health. Choose the module or modules most relevant to your role and the people you support.
What you’ll learn
- Stay up to date with the latest evidence on smoking and vaping cessation.
- Apply the Ask, Advise, Help model in everyday practice.
- Build confidence in having brief and effective quit conversations.
- Refer people to appropriate cessation support services such as Quitline, iCanQuit.com.au and Pave quit vaping app.
How to access the modules
You can complete the modules online at your own pace.
If you work for NSW Health, it’s recommended that you complete the modules through My Health Learning so they are recorded in your learning history. You’ll receive a certificate on completion, and the modules may contribute towards your Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Visit the modules page to access the online modules and My Health Learning links, or search for "Brief smoking and vaping cessation advice" in My Health Learning.
Statewide smoking cessation trainers
Trainers provide statewide face-to-face and free webinar-based smoking and vaping cessation training for health workers across NSW.
Training topics include:
- Smoking cessation in pregnancy workshop
- Smoking cessation training for clinicians working with priority populations
- Managing nicotine dependence in an inpatient setting
- E-cigarettes and vaping devices
- Nicotine replacement therapy
- Updates on prescription quit medicines.
For more information, visit Smoking Cessation Training - St Vincent's Hospital Sydney.
Tools for health professionals
NSW Health website has information on guidance, clinical tools, and resources to support health workers to routinely identify, manage, and support people who smoke or vape to quit.
Quit Centre (Cancer Council Victoria)
The National Quit Training and Resource Centre (Quit Centre) provides best-practice support for health professionals across Australia.
Quit Centre offers:
- Online training
- Education and events
- Clinical resources and guidance
Call NSW Quitline for advice on helping your clients quit.