Background: Online learning can be an excellent method for presenting clinical skills to address health behaviors.
Methods: Medical students pilot tested a skills-building course consisting of an online component and a practical application.
Results: A total of 38 students were registered, 25 (66%) completed the online component, and 22 (58%) completed both course components. Students reported they were adequately trained to administer the brief 5A intervention to patients who smoke and they intended to deliver the intervention routinely.
Conclusions: Online skills-building courses can have a positive effect on students' knowledge and skills and can be used across health behaviors promote healthy lifestyles.