AlbertaQuits Learning Series FAQ
1. What is the AlbertaQuits Learning Series?
The AlbertaQuits Learning Series consists of 11 learning units, available in self-study, online
and classroom formats. These units will provide healthcare professionals the awareness,
knowledge and skills needed to assess and assist their clients in reducing or stopping tobacco
use.
2. Why is it important to know more about providing tobacco interventions?
Research shows that receiving support and advice from a health professional specially trained
in tobacco cessation can double a tobacco user’s chances of successfully quitting. Current
evidence supports the implementation of the 5 A’s (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist and Arrange)
tobacco intervention approach for health professionals in any setting to identify and provide at
least minimal support for every tobacco user. A small effort can have a huge impact.
3. How do I know which learning units I should take?
Each learning unit in the series builds upon the learnings of the previous unit. The series
covers topics such as tobacco basics, tobacco cessation pharmacology, providing tobacco
interventions, and facilitating group cessation or workshops. Each unit is ‘stand alone’ so
health professionals can take them in order or select units based on their learning needs and
competencies they want to develop. For a flowchart of the learning units please see the
AlbertaQuits Infographic on www.albertaquits.ca/learning/index
4. What is the Certified Tobacco Educator (CTE) designation?
The Tobacco Reduction Program is pleased to partner with the Canadian Network for
Respiratory Care in the development of the Certified Tobacco Educator Competency
Framework and designation. Completing the following five learning units will allow health
professionals in Alberta to be eligible to write the credential exam: Tobacco Basics, Tobacco
Cessation Pharmacology, Intensive Tobacco Intervention, Applied Tobacco Intervention and
Foundational Health Educator Workshop. Previous TRAC/PCCLS/TEACH training may also be
considered as eligible tobacco training. Questions about eligible courses, exam dates and
costs can be directed to www.cnrchome.net or 1 (855) 355-4672.
5. I already have TRAC training – do I need to take any of these learning units?
The topics covered in TRAC are also covered in the new learning units but in more depth.
There is also additional information that was not part of the original learning objectives of
TRAC. You are welcome to complete any of the new learning units for new information, skill
development and/or as refresher training. If you want to facilitate learning units or offer client
group cessation and do not have previous facilitator training, the Foundational Health Educator
Workshop would be recommended. If you plan to write the CTE exam, TRAC training may be
considered as eligible tobacco training.
6. Can I use Learning Series units for continuing education credits?
When you complete an AlbertaQuits Learning Series unit you will receive a certificate of
completion with recognition of the hours completed that can be used to apply for continuing
education credits from your governing organization. Recognition of the Alberta Quits Learning
Series as continuing education hours is the sole responsibility of the participant and their
governing organization.
The Tobacco Cessation Pharmacology for the Mental Health Population and Tobacco
Cessation Pharmacology in Oncology learning units are accredited Group Learning Activity
(Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification program of The Royal College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
7. How do I take AlbertaQuits Learning Series Units?
A detailed description of all learning units and their learning objectives can be found at
www.albertaquits.ca/learning/index. Information on registration or taking the units on online
learning platforms is included at the end of each description.
8. How do I access AlbertaQuits Learning Series online learning units?
When you click on a link taking you to an e-learning platform (MyLearning/CDM/CLiC) you will need to
create a log-in the first time you visit the platform. Once you have logged into the platform search in the
course calendar using the word tobacco. This will bring up the list of available courses and you can
select the one you wish to enroll in. Each time you log-out of the course you will need to log-in again.
9. Is there a cost for the Learning Series Units?
The Learning Series units have no registration fees. Participants taking the Foundational
Health Educator Workshop are required to purchase a training manual from the Canadian
Network for Respiratory Care. Travel and expenses for those travelling to classroom training
will be the responsibility of the individual/work unit.
10. Will the classroom units be offered in all AHS zones?
Classroom learning units will be scheduled based on interest/need. Minimally they will be
offered in Edmonton and Calgary twice a year and the other zones as needed. Please check
our registration page regularly for updates as course dates and locations will be added on an
on-going basis.
11. Why am I having trouble viewing the Learning page on AlbertaQuits?
If you are using Internet Explorer and experiencing difficulty accessing the learning page this could be
the result of an outdated browser. The page is not compatible with Internet Explorer version 7 or lower.
If your browser version is less than Internet Explorer 11 please visit the Microsoft Windows Internet
Explorer download page to update to the latest version of your browser, otherwise use a different
browser (Chrome, Mozilla, Firefox, etc.). For AHS staff using a Windows platform such as Vista, XP or
any older version, you will not be able to update Internet Explorer to its latest version. Again, we
recommend switching browsers or contact your IT Service Desk.