D13: Smoke-freed in 3 weeks

Close-up of a woman lighting a cigarette outdoors with a lighter, smoke visible.

Course Overview

CE Hours

3 CE Credits

Course Description

Smoke-Free in 3 Weeks is a structured, science-based program designed to help individuals stop smoking and remain tobacco-free. Organized across three weeks and beyond, the course guides learners through getting ready to quit, designing a personalized stop-smoking plan, navigating their first smoke-free day, and building a sustainable tobacco-free lifestyle. Topics include nicotine addiction, reasons for quitting, nicotine replacement therapy, behavioral strategies, craving management, relapse prevention, and long-term support resources.

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  1. Explain why nicotine is a powerful and addictive drug and describe its effects on the body
  2. Identify personal and situational reasons for quitting tobacco use
  3. Design a personalized stop-smoking plan including a quit date, environmental changes, and a support network
  4. Describe the FDA-approved pharmacotherapy options for smoking cessation and explain how they are used
  5. Identify behavioral strategies for managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms
  6. Explain the cold turkey approach to quitting and how it compares to nicotine replacement therapy
  7. Describe common relapse triggers and strategies for preventing and responding to relapse
  8. Apply course content to assist patients or clients in developing their own smoke-free plans

Course Format and Faculty

Course Format:

Online linked resources and lectures available anytime, 24/7. Includes one multiple-choice exam taken at the end of the course. A passing grade of 75% is required. Upon passing, learners may print their certificate immediately.

Course Developers and Instructors:

R. Klimes, PhD, MPH (Johns Hopkins University) is a scholar and author in health-related research, health behaviors, ethics, end-of-life care, and overall wellness. He has written numerous research reports and books and has held academic and leadership roles in higher education and public health internationally.

Course Time:

About three hours for online study, test taking with course evaluation feedback and certificate printing.