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Heart Failure Program- On Demand

Start at any time / Self-Paced Online Registration

"I really enjoyed the course. It really has increased my knowledge of managing Heart Failure. It will be a tremendous asset to my work at the outpatient HF Clinic where I work. Highly recommend this course!" ~ Karen O.

Description of Program

Heart failure is a progressive, chronic condition characterized with higher rates of hospitalizations and readmissions within thirty days. Effective management of patients with heart failure requires a systematic, coordinated approach by health care providers. As the incidence and prevalence of patients with heart failure rises with age and underlying risk factors, the need exists for individuals to be knowledgeable of the disease process and the management. The program was designed utilizing the latest clinical guidelines and test plans for the certification examinations.

Information regarding heart failure nursing certification exam by the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) national certification exam can be obtained at https://www.aahfn.org/mpage/certificationboard

Who Should Enroll in this Program?

This program is designed for English-speaking nurses and pharmacists.  Other healthcare professionals who have, or want to prepare for, responsibility for monitoring and managing patients with heart failure may also be interested.

Program Content

The content is divided into modules. Each module utilizes instructor outlines, audio/video recordings, reading assignments, articles, web resources, case studies to augment the learning process. These methods provide the participant with flexibility in completing assignments and interacting with the faculty. Each module has accompanying study guide(s) with questions (such as multiple choice, essay) for participants to submit to faculty. Interaction with faculty may occur as feedback to study guides, within discussion boards, or via email. The modules cover physiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular system, patient assessment, diagnostic tests, pharmacology, dietary approaches, medical and surgical interventions, patient education, and out-patient programs.

A textbook is not required for this program.

Program Schedule

This independent study program is available on demand.  Completion of the program is required within one year of registration.

Learning Outcome

The learning outcome of this program is to enable the learner to manage patients with heart failure for optimal outcomes based on current clinical guidelines and best practice through interprofessional collaborative practice.

Program Objectives

At the conclusion of the program the participant will be able to:

  1. Describe the physiology and pathophysiology of heart failure.
  2. Discuss the clinical assessment and classifications of the patient with heart failure.
  3. Discuss the indications, dosing, adverse effects, and monitoring of drugs used to manage heart failure.
  4. Formulate effective teaching plans for the patients with heart failure.
  5. Discuss surgical and non-surgical cardiac interventions for patients with heart failure.
  6. Describe the administrative/operational components important in providing a quality heart failure service.
  7. Assimilate evidence based interprofessional collaborative practice.

Delivery of Content

The content is delivered asynchronous via the online learning management system, Blackboard. The internet provides an opportunity for interaction with program faculty while in the comfort of learning in your own home and office. Program staff are available during business hours by phone or email to assist participants with technical issues or concerns.

Note: Many businesses, especially government agencies or health institutions, utilize security firewalls. Access to web links within program and communication from the instructor, or other students may be blocked. We recommend not using your work email address for this course.

Contact Hours

40 contact hours (8 hours specific to Pharmacotherapeutics)

The University of Southern Indiana designates this activity for 40 contact hours with 8 contact hours related to pharmacotherapeutics for nurses. Eight hours of this content meets the pharmacology continuing education requirements for the renewal of the advanced practice registered nurse prescriptive authority license.

The University of Southern Indiana Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning designates this knowledge based Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) activity for 40 contact hours for completion of this program. Pharmacists who request to have their contact hours reported to the Certified Pharmacy Education Monitor (CPE) must indicate this request during registration and include the correct NABP e-PID# and Birthdate (mmdd).

The University of Southern Indiana Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning designates this activity for a maximum of 40.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Successful completion of this program does not guarantee expertise in the content. Clinical experience and judgment coupled with an understanding of the content are necessary to attain competency. Achieving certification via a designated professional organization is an additional step to demonstrate competency.

Criteria for Successful Completion

  • Submit registration and payment.
  • A certificate for contact hours will be awarded following successful completion of study guides for each module, receive a passing score of 70% or better on comprehensive final, and submission of program evaluation.

The certificate of completion will be sent via email immediately upon the completion of the program evaluation.

Faculty Name and Credentials

We strive to provide interprofessional education by utilizing a variety of content experts, instructors, contributors, and reviewers.

Allyson Alloway, PharmD, BCPS
Dawn Worman, DNP, RN, CVN-BC, NE-BC

Conflict of Interest Statement

No individual in a position to control content has any relevant financial relationships.

Accreditation Statements

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 40 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the University of Southern Indiana Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning (CHPLL). The CHPLL is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

State of Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana is an approved provider of continuing education for several professionals licensed in the state of Indiana, including social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and dental professionals.

State of California

The University of Southern Indiana is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Provider #13378.

Online Registration Form

To Register: Click on the link above. We recommend utilizing Chrome or Firefox with a computer or tablet to register for our programs.

Enrollment Cost

$600

The fee includes access to the program, along with all resources and handouts. A text, if applicable, is not included in the fee.

Pharmacists who request to have their contact hours reported to the Certified Pharmacy Education Monitor (CPE) must indicate this request during registration and include the correct NABP e-PID# and Birthdate (mmdd). NOTE: Reporting of CEs should be requested during registration. There is an additional $50 charge for reporting.

Physicians who request to have their contact hours reported must indicate this request during registration and include Birthdate (mmdd), licensing ID, and licensing state. NOTE: Reporting of CEs should be requested during registration. There is an additional $50 charge for reporting.

If registering by invoicing your employer, program access may be granted after payment is received. There is a $25.00 fee to invoice.

Refund Policy

A $50 administrative fee will be charged prior to accessing the program. No refund will be given after the program has been opened.

Questions? Call toll-free 1-877-USI-HLTH (874-4584) or 812-461-5217 or email usi1nhpcert@usi.edu

System Requirements for Online Learning