Advanced Rheumatology Course
- Overview
Advanced Rheumatology Course (ARC) is a comprehensive, innovative online course designed to build an in-depth knowledge of rheumatology. This flexible and affordable tool allows physicians, fellows-in-training, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other clinicians to build competence in the care of persons with rheumatic diseases while providing high-quality integration into a rheumatology practice.
Nineteen modules are organized into three tracks (adult, pediatric and combined) with audio slide presentations, clinical pearls, references, challenges and assessments. With 12 months to complete the course, the online format allows registrants to participate from home, work or while traveling. They must receive a pass rate of 70% or greater on each module assessment tests. Once an individual has successfully passed each module assessment within their registered track, they will receive a "Certificate of Participation".
- LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this course the participant should be able to:
- Assess, manage, and evaluate patients with rheumatic diseases.
- Describe the scope of practice of the nurse practitioner and physician assistant in the management of rheumatic diseases.
- Describe the impact of rheumatic diseases on individuals and society.
+ Needs Assessment
- Needs Assessment
- Supporters
The ARHP thanks the following organizations for their support of the Advanced Rheumatology Course:
Abbott
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
UCB
Pfizer Inc.
Lilly USA, LLC.
- Course Dates
Release date: November 1, 2011 Expiration date: November 1, 2014
The modules consist of several components.
- First, a pre-test or a pre-assessment of your knowledge about a specific topic in rheumatology is completed. Case studies allow for the person to enter in their own response and then learn how experts in the field would respond.
- Second, the lecture presentation includes audio-annotated Powerpoint slides. Each of the audio-annotations vary in length from 30 to 120 minutes.
- Third, clinical tip sheets (also known as clinical pearls) can be printed out for use in a clinic or practice setting.
- And fourth, a post-test allows the individual to test their knowledge of what they have learned.
Current references are included for each module. The individual can spend as much time as they prefer on a given module and can complete each module in increments of time based on their personal schedule.
Modules
Here is a listing of the 19 modules. Click each module to view the learning objectives and current authors.
CORE Modules
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+ Musculoskeletal structure and function, inflammation and immunity
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+ Rheumatic disease classification and clinical decision-making
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+ Laboratory evaluation
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+ Musculoskeletal imaging studies
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+ Documentation, Coding, and Practice Issues
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+ Therapeutic interventions and resources
ADULT Modules
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+ Osteoarthritis
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+ Rheumatoid arthritis
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+ Lupus
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+ Scleroderma, Myositis and Sjögren's syndrome
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+ Vasculitis, arteritis and PMR
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+ Crystal-induced arthropathies
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+ Pain syndromes
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+ Spondylarthropathies
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+ Infectious processes
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+ Metabolic Bone Disorders
PEDIATRIC Modules
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+ Chronic Arthropathies of Childhood
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+ Pediatric connective tissue diseases
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+ Other pediatric conditions
Registration Fees
Three purchase options available.
"I completed the combined track and was very satisfied, rating it five out of five stars."- Rita Volochayev, PhD, CRNP, Bethesda, MD. Read More.
JOIN ARHP BEFORE REGISTERING AND RECEIVE THE DISCOUNT RATE. MEMBERSHIP FEE RANGES FROM $30 - $130, AND YOU RECEIVE ALL MEMBER BENEFITS. |
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#1 Track Fee– one participant. |
ACR & ARHP Member |
Nonmember |
Pediatric Track– includes modules 1-6 and 17-19 | $900 |
$1200 |
Adult Track – includes modules 1-16 | $1200 |
$1500 |
Combined Adult and Pediatric Track – includes all 19 modules | $1500 |
$1800 |
#2 Group Track Fees – three or more participants from the same university, institute or facility with one payer. Cannot register online, fax forms to (404) 633-1870. You do not need to be a member! |
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Pediatric Track– includes modules 1-6 and 17-19 | $700 |
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Adult Track – includes modules 1-16 | $900 |
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Combined Adult and Pediatric Track – includes all 19 modules | $1100 |
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#3 Individual Module Fee – can be used as a training tool, CME not available. |
$100 |
$150 |
To register for the program, click here.
Join ARHP to Receive the Member Registration Discount
If you are not a member but are interested in receiving the member discount prices and additional ARHP member benefits, join today!
- CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION INFORMATION
Estimated time to complete:
Core and Pediatric Modules– total 18.5 hours 6.5 hours for the audio-annotation presentations for the core modules 3 hours for the audio-annotation presentations for the pediatric modules 9 hours of challenge and assessment (9 modules @ 1 hour/each)
Core and Adult Modules– total 31.5 hours 6.5 hours for the audio-annotation presentations for the core modules 9 hours for the audio-annotation presentations for the adult modules 16 hours of challenge and assessment (16 modules @ 1 hour/each)
Combined Core, Adult and Pediatric Modules– total 37.5 hours 6.5 hours for the audio-annotation presentations for the core modules 3 hours for the audio-annotation presentations for the pediatric modules 9 hours for the audio-annotation presentations for the adult modules 19 hours of challenge and assessment (19 modules @ 1 hour/each)
- CME
Designation Statement: The ACR designates this enduring material for a maximum of 37.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Accreditation Statement: "The ACR/ARHP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians."
Health Professionals: Participants may claim hours to receive a Certificate of Participation for an activity designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
- EDITORIAL TEAM
2012-2014 Editorial Team Members are Scientific Editor, Debra Bancroft Rizzo, MSN, FNP-C, and Managing Editor, Anneke Smith.
+ Conflict of Interest / Disclosure Statements
- Conflict of Interest / Disclosure Statements
- Supporters
The ARHP thanks the following organizations for their support of the Advanced Rheumatology Course:
Abbott
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
UCB
Pfizer Inc.
Lilly USA, LLC.
Additional Information
For additional information about the Advanced Rheumatology Course, formerly the Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Postgraduate Rheumatology Training Program; contact , ARHP
Register
- Click here to register online.
- Click here
to register by fax or mail.
Registrants must receive a pass rate of 70% or greater on each module assessment tests. Tracks must be completed within one year of registering for the course. Once an individual has successfully passed each module assessment within their registered track, they will receive a "Certificate of Participation".
For additional information, contact ARHP staff at (404) 633-3777 X808.
Advance Your Career, Enhance Your Skills: "I greatly appreciated this efficiently packaged online course; the quality x-ray images were especially helpful in illustrating different conditions." Siok-Hian Tay Kelley, MS, NP, Daly City, Ca. Read other testimonials. |
Graduates Share Their Experience!
2012 Grads
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2011 Grads
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2010 Grads
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2009 Grads ![]()
2012 Graduate
Madhu Arora
Albuquerque, NM
"I am an Assistant Professor in Internal Medicine at the University of New Mexico; I wanted to do a Fellowship in Rheumatology for many years. Project ECHO in New Mexico sponsored me with the opportunity to do the Advanced Rheumatology Course. I have felt blessed since then to be able to co-manage complex rheumatological diseases with Dr. Arthur D. Bankhurst, University of New Mexico Medical Center. I've developed the expertise to take care of common rheumatological diseases and have started to inject the different joints with more confidence and dexterity. About 2 months ago I aspirated and injected the first MTP joint in a patient with presumed gout and was so thrilled to find crystals and effect good relief! I do also supervise residents in our program and together we have decreased the number of referrals we make to the Rheumatology Clinic. I would highly recommend this course to Internists and all Mid-Level Practitioners who have a special interest in Rheumatology or who would like to be able to provide advanced care for their patients with Rheumatological diseases".
2011 Graduate
Erika Lucero, PA
Embudo, NM
"Now I feel competent to treat and educate patients in this specialty field. My colleagues in our community health center regularly refer patients to me, and I can help answer some of their questions with my notebook full of slides from the course. I would recommend the course to any provider in Family Practice, not just Rheumatology. I'd like to thank Project ECHO, University of New Mexico for sponsoring me".
2011 Graduate
Margaret Turk Wallach, PA-C
Hinsdale, IL
"Thank you for providing a comprehensive educational program. I am grateful for the sponsorship of Illinois Arthritis Center. The benefits gained are passed along to the patients, not only from knowledge gained, but also the references that continued to be shared. The case studies improved clinical skills, especially the image reading section, MSK exam and osteoporosis section. The clinical pearls are put to use, and the pearls that I can share with patients help to include them in the patient care team.
My "epiphany" moment came when I was able to diagnose on a medical mission trip, without images or labs, relying solely on history, exam and education gained with this program.
The on-line system of learning in modules made learning flexible to my schedule, and an organized reference. The best part of the program is that it enables me to better serve the patients, and encourage their active participation in their treatment. I look forward to more programs and encourage others to give their patients the benefits gained from this program".
2010 Graduate
Raymond Galley, MPH, PA-C
Santa Fe, NM
"I have been a Physician Assistant in Family Medicine for the past 28 years. In the fall of 2009 like my other colleagues I was struggling to get rheumatologic care for newly diagnosed patients and inherited patients with diagnosed disease.
Dr. Arthur D. Bankhurst, University of New Mexico Medical Center introduced me to the course along with project ECHO, a video interactive conference that provides consultation in rheumatology throughout the state of New Mexico. This didactic online course coupled with the video patient consults provided me with a new knowledge base and clinical skills without the usual learning expenses (i.e. travel, exorbitant tuition, and the complicated, time consuming logistics of higher education). I found the rheumatology modules challenging and interesting; I revisit the modules when a colleague consults with me and/or prior to presenting patients to the ECHO program. In retrospect to my work history of authoring journal articles for the AAPA, obtaining an MPH, and receiving various certifications, I can honestly say that the Advanced Rheumatology Course and project ECHO are the most efficient, clinically practical, cost saving educational measures I have embarked upon in my career".
2009 Graduate
Shannon L. Ghizzoni, PA-C, MA
Columbus, OH
“It provided a wonderful opportunity to learn the basic fundamentals and skills as I entered the field of Rheumatology; I especially enjoyed the musculoskeletal module because it refined my skills on reading imaging studies seen throughout rheumatology.”
2012 Graduate
Meredith A. Casey, MSN, FNP-C
Chicago, IL
“I had been working in primary care for 3.5 years before making the switch to Rheumatology. Unfortunately, it seems that both nursing and medical education is severely lacking in training for future careers in rheum. The plan for my training as a rheum NP consisted of reading some textbooks and OJT. I knew that I needed something more- and something directed at the APN level. Enter the Advanced Rheumatology Course! I loved the format of pre-test, lecture and post-test, it felt like a master's level course in the comfort of my home. I completed the course and noticed a massive increase in my level of knowledge and confidence in the clinic and in conferences. I would absolutely suggest any NP or PA, with interest in learning more about rheum, to take this course.”
2012 Graduate
Pranav Raman Chickermane
Mumbai, India
“It is an excellent online course, which helped me upgrade my knowledge and clinical acumen's. Overall, I am very satisfied with the course”.
Billie Atwood, MN
Kent, WA
I learned a lot and appreciate all the time an effort that went into the development of this excellent online educational program, thank you!
Shawna M. Blowe, NP
Glen Allen, VA
Great program!
Jon Bombero, PA-C
Naples, FL
A tool for the novice and great educational experience.
Manuel Chavez, BSN, MSN
El Paso, TX
In particular I enjoyed the musculoskeletal imaging studies (radiology) module, very informative.
Melissa M. Christensen, MPAS
Fargo, ND
I took the course after practicing in rheum for a few years; definitely think this will be great for new PA and NPs starting out in rheum! Thank you!
Mario A. Gutierrez, MD
Roswell, NM
An excellent course; increased my knowledge of rheumatologic conditions greatly and it will be very beneficial in my practice.
Kelle D. Harper, RN, MSN, FNP-BC
College Station, TX
Great start to help with specialty group training and assessment.
Laurie A. Hughell, PA-C, MPH
Des Moines, IA
I felt the radiology section presented very comprehensive, skilled information.
Sharath Kumar, MD
Kochi, India
A very useful online educational program.
Julie Schaeffer, BS
Oklahoma City, OK
Excellent comprehensive program.
Mary Setness,
Stockton, CA
Thank you for this opportunity in being able to expand my knowledge in this area and I will continue to do so.
Amanda L. Smith, MPA
Greensboro, NC
Great course!!!
Ann Stone, MSN, Med, RN
Fairfield, OH
This was my first time taking a course on the internet; I thought the program was excellent.
Anne R. Lorenz, BSN, MSN
Lincoln, NE
I appreciated the methodical organization and the on-line format; musculoskeletal imaging studies lecture was great.
Kathleen T. Mack, MSN
Glen Mills, PA
Well done, I learned a lot.
Leslie N. Mount, PA-C
Middletown, OH
The course was very good, informative and easy to navigate.
Rhonda L. Murphy, RPA-C
Albany, NY
I am new to the field of rheumatology, the course was very helpful.
Holly Nguyen, PA-C, MS
Wilmington, MA
The course was of value, extremely thorough and informative; learned a few new things.
Sara M. Parr, MHS
Edmond, OK
This was a great way to learn; I enjoyed the musculoskeletal imaging studies (radiology) module.
Katherine Phillips Riemer, APNP, ANCC
Madison, WI
Very informative; I've worked in rheumatology for 10 years now, so that says something!
Antonio J. Rivas, MPAS
Miami, FL
Good initiative, we need to keep NPs and PAs well informed and prepared to increase the quality of care.
Rania Safa, BSN
Beirut, Lebanon
It was an excellent comprehensive course.
Sake Sudheer Nath, BPT
Bengaluru, KA, India
Very thankful to the course designers, I've learned a lot.
Dominic Tellez, PA-C
Las Cruces, NM
This was an excellent course that covers a wide spectrum of rheumatologic diseases and disease processes. It makes you much more comfortable diagnosing and managing patients which do not have easy access to specialized rheumatologists.
Pamela M. Vath, MS, FNP
North Reading, MA
Very informative!
Kathleen L. Voelker, APN, FNPC
Peoria, IL
Metabolic bone disease (Osteoporosis) helped me out a lot, as we are a referral center for Reclast infusions, I learned a lot.


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