The two-part Cardiovascular Advanced Practice Series is designed to prepare nurse practitioners and physician assistants to take the Certified Cardiovascular Knowledge Examination offered by the American College of Cardiology® (ACC). This online, self-paced series provides didactic instruction to support in-person clinical fellowships and training. The information presented is in accordance with the 2020 cardiovascular advanced provider knowledge competencies defined by the ACC and American Heart Association.
We recommend that advanced practice providers complete Part 1 before beginning Part 2. You may register for Part 2 in its entirety or for any of the individual courses separately. Courses will be accessible for one year after registration.
Some sessions consist of multiple modules of approximately one hour each.
Part 2 – All Courses: $2,100
Registering for Part 2 gives advanced practice providers access to all nine courses that provide a comprehensive overview of cardiovascular care. Students earn a total of 20 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development. Register now via Canvas Catalog.
Individual Courses: $300 each
Students may choose to register for individual courses that focus on specific topics related to cardiovascular care. Contact hours vary depending on the number of one-hour modules in each course. Review the descriptions and click the links below to register for an individual course in Canvas Catalog.
The course is structured into two modules, beginning with fundamental electrophysiology before progressing to advanced topics such as medication and device management. It also addresses device-related complications, including lead extraction. Provides 2 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development. Register for Part 2 - Course 12.
Tissue oxygenation serves as the foundation for all advanced practice assessments. This two-module course guides learners through key aspects of tissue oxygenation in both restorative and preventive care. It also explores hemodynamic challenges associated with acute illnesses, including shock and sepsis. Provides 2 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development. Register for Part 2 - Course 13.
This five-module course explores the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacoeconomics of medications used in cardiovascular and acute care. Provides 5 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development. Register for Part 2 - Course 14.
This course consists of two modules. The first introduces heart failure classifications and reviews the hemodynamics of the cardiac cycle. The second focuses on the pathophysiologic patterns of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Provides 2 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development. Register for Part 2 - Course 15.
This course is delivered in two modules. The first addresses the diagnosis and management of cardiomyopathies, while the second focuses on the diagnosis and management of acute heart failure and the transition to chronic care management. Provides 2 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development. Register for Part 2 - Course 16.
This course covers airway assessment with a focus on emergency and difficult airway management. It also examines the pathophysiologic patterns related to non-invasive and mechanical ventilation, as well as circulatory support devices such as the intra-aortic balloon pump, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and ventricular assist devices (LVAD/RVAD). Provides 1 contact hour of nursing continuing professional development. Register for Part 2 - Course 17.
This course reviews the indications, contraindications, and urgency rating criteria for heart transplant candidates. It also covers pre- and post-transplant care, donor identification, pre-procurement management, and organ preservation. Provides 1 contact hour of nursing continuing professional development. Register for Part 2 - Course 18.
This three-module course begins with an overview of the historical development of this emerging cardiology specialty. The second session reviews the cardio-oncology guidelines established by the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology. The final module focuses on the role of imaging in diagnosing and managing cardiotoxicities. Provides 3 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development. Register for Part 2 - Course 19.
This two-module course provides an overview of congenital heart disease classifications and traces the timeline of common pediatric medical and surgical interventions since the early 1960s. It also examines the hemodynamic consequences of these repairs as patients transition into adulthood, with emphasis on assessment, diagnostics, and management. Provides 2 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development. Register for Part 2 - Course 20.
Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston is not affiliated with the American College of Cardiology, and the Cardiovascular Advanced Practice Series course has not been reviewed by the American College of Cardiology, nor is it endorsed or guaranteed by the American College of Cardiology as a preparation course for the Certified Cardiovascular Knowledge Examination.
