Advanced Rheumatology Course- Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Postgraduate Rheumatology Training Program (NP/PA)

Advanced Rheumatology Course

Overview
Modules
Fees
CME Information
Register!
Graduates

- 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

From the United States Rheumatology Workforce: Supply and Demand 2005-2025 Report, it states there is currently a critical shortage of rheumatologists in the United States, which is only expected to worsen as the U.S. population ages and the number of persons with a rheumatic disease increases. Establishing a collaborative rheumatology practice between a rheumatologist and a nurse practitioner (NP), physician assistant (PA) or other rheumatology clinicians have been identified as one solution to the critical shortage of rheumatologists, while maintaining accessible, high quality care for rheumatology patients. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other rheumatology clinicians receive little training in their educational programs. Therefore, there is a need to provide readily available, timely, and standardized training in the diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases while entering into collaborative practice with rheumatologists.

To help meet the need for comprehensive rheumatology training, the American College of Rheumatology and the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals created the Advanced Rheumatology Course. This comprehensive, state-of-the-art program provides NP, PA, fellows-in-training and other rheumatology clinicians with basic, advanced knowledge and clinical skills in the management of rheumatic diseases in an innovative, flexible web-based format. This program, which includes 19 web-based modules, was developed by leaders in the field of rheumatology from varied disciplines. Completion of this educational program will allow graduates to assimilate the necessary knowledge and skills into their practice more rapidly and with less on-the-job training time required. This should facilitate more effective and efficient integration of these providers into collaborative rheumatology practices and, in turn, improve the quality of care and health outcomes for people with or at risk for rheumatic disease and musculoskeletal conditions.

- 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

+ Musculoskeletal structure and function, inflammation and immunity

- Musculoskeletal structure and function, inflammation and immunity
Author:
Daniel F. Battafarano, DO, FACP, FACR

Chief, Rheumatology Service
Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine,
Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX
- Describe the structure and function of bone, skeletal muscle, articular cartilage, collagen, elastin and proteolysis.
- Classify the different types of synovial joints and periarticular tissues.
- Articulate the structure and clinical relevance of functional and dysfunctional endothelium.
- Describe the functional organization of peripheral nerves and the physiologic steps in their degeneration/regeneration.
- Identify the principle cells of the innate and adaptive immune system and concepts of immunity.
- Describe the principle cells in inflammation, immunity and immune deregulation.
- Discuss the relationship of molecular biology to the diagnosis and current and emerging treatment of rheumatic diseases.
+ Rheumatic disease classification and clinical decision-making

- Rheumatic disease classification and clinical decision-making
Author:
Kate T. Queen, MD

Member, Mountain Medical Associates
Director, Haywood Regional Medical Center Osteoporosis Center
Certified Clinical Densitometric
Mountain Medical Associates, Clyde, NC
- Distinguish among classes of rheumatic disorders and rank their prevalence estimates: inflammatory arthropathies, degenerative / mechanical arthropathies, and nonarticular disorders.
- Describe the components of a complete medical history including assessment of a chief complaint and history of present illness, eliciting a past medical history, family history, social history, use of therapeutics and completing a review of systems.
- Describe the basic components of a musculoskeletal examination including appearance, palpation, range of motion, and functional assessment.
- Describe the components of a general physical examination including developmental assessments across the life span.
- Recognize patterns of diagnostic significance and the approach to formulating a differential diagnosis.
- Detect worrisome 'red flags'.
+ Laboratory evaluation

- Laboratory evaluation
Author:
Mark H. Wener, MD

Professor and the Director of the Immunology Division
Department of Laboratory Medicine
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Describe laboratory tests which would be most useful in the evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis of frequently occurring rheumatic diseases.
- Recognize the serologic associations of rheumatic diseases.
- Apply the concepts of sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and the receiver operator characteristics curve of a diagnostic test to the clinical practice of laboratory testing.
- Identify lab tests that are routinely used in monitoring activity of rheumatic diseases.
- List laboratory tests that are part of monitoring for toxicity of anti-rheumatic therapies.
+ Musculoskeletal imaging studies

- Musculoskeletal imaging studies
Author:
Mark D. Murphey, MD

Chief, Musculoskeletal Radiology
Department of Radiologic Pathology
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC
- Recognize the target approach to radiographic evaluation of arthritic disease and advantages/disadvantages of the other various imaging modalities available.
- Recognize the imaging appearances of adult rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
- Recognize the imaging appearances of the seronegative spondyloarthropathies.
- Recognize the imaging appearances of osteoarthritis and erosive osteoarthritis.
- Recognize the imaging appearances of common crystalline diseases (gout and calcium pyrophosphated arthropathy) and neuropathic osteoarthropathy.
+ Documentation, Coding, and Practice Issues

- Documentation, Coding, and Practice Issues
Author:
Karen L. Kerr, MSN, NP, CPNP, PNP-BC

Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner
Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI
- Discuss the scope of practice, regulatory structure, and reimbursement for nurse practitioners or physician assistants in rheumatology practices.
- Identify benefits of including nurse practitioners and physician assistants in rheumatology practices and strategies to facilitate successful practice relationships between rheumatologists and nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
- Apply evaluation and management services codes (E/M) for varied levels of clinical care in accordance with CMS Evaluation and Management Services Guidelines.
- Apply or assign the most accurate and detailed Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for individual professional services.
- Explain upcoding and downcoding, bundling and unbundling, and the use of CPT modifiers.
- Explain the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) System for determining provider reimbursement.
+ Therapeutic interventions and resources

- Therapeutic interventions and resources
Author:
Victoria A Merrell, PA-C, MPT

Intermountain Orthopedics, Boise, ID

Author:
Donna K. Everix, MPA, PT, BS

Physician Services Manager
Mills Peninsula Health Services, Burlingame, CA
- Describe the components of the arthritis self-management program in the management of rheumatic diseases and the benefits of participation.
- Distinguish between cognitive behavioral models and biomedical models of care in patients with rheumatic diseases.
- Describe the benefits of participation in a rehabilitation program.
- Describe the benefits of physical modalities in managing symptoms associated with rheumatic diseases.
- Describe reasons for and how to make referrals to physical therapists and occupational therapists for commonly occurring problems for people with rheumatic diseases.
- Describe the role of the following health care team members in the care of persons with rheumatic diseases: psychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, social workers, physiatrists, counselors, educators, and dieticians.
- Identify community resources for rheumatology health professionals and children, adults, and families dealing with rheumatic diseases.

ADULT Modules

+ Osteoarthritis

- Osteoarthritis
Author:
David J. Hunter, MBBS, PhD

Chief of Research
New England Baptist Hospital, Boston, MA
- Define Osteoarthritis.
- Identify epidemiology, pathogenesis and risk factors for osteoarthritis.
- Describe the clinical course and prognosis for osteoarthritis.
- Determine the differential diagnoses to be considered when assessing patients with joint pain.
- Identify the clinical features of osteoarthritis through integration of data obtained in the history, physical examination and diagnostic studies.
- Discuss general principles of management including non-pharmacologic modalities (exercise, weight loss, braces), pharmacologic modalities, surgery, rehabilitation and psychosocial adaptation.
- Discuss future directions in understanding osteoarthritis.
+ Rheumatoid arthritis

- Rheumatoid arthritis
Author:
Gregory C. Gardner, MD, FACP

Professor, Division of Rheumatology
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Differentiate the three basic causes of joint pain, characterize joint presentations and develop a limited differential diagnosis of joint pain.
- Describe the epidemiology, risk factors and genetics associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Describe the progressive nature of the disease process including the basic immunology of RA and the rationale for early aggressive therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Describe the distribution of joint involvement and extra-articular manifestations for early, advancing and end-stage rheumatoid arthritis disease.
- Describe laboratory abnormalities, utility of rheumatoid factor and cyclic citrullinated antibodies and radiologic changes in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Describe the language used to discuss clinical trials, utility of outcome measures and the Disease Activity Score score for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Describe the historical and current context of treating rheumatoid arthritis including the side effects of medications and the schedule for monitoring for adverse events.
+ Lupus

- Lupus
Author:
Sima Terebelo, MPH, PA-C

SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Brooklyn, NY

Author:
Ellen M. Ginzler, MD, MPH

Professor of Medicine and Chief of Rheumatology
SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
- Define lupus and its various presentations.
- Describe the epidemiology and pathogenesis of SLE.
- Describe the clinical course of SLE.
- Determine the differential diagnoses associated with SLE.
- Describe autoantibodies and other common laboratory tests in SLE.
- Describe the principles of disease management.
- Discuss future directions including opportunities for research.
+ Scleroderma, Myositis and Sjögren's syndrome

- Scleroderma, Myositis and Sjögren's syndrome
Author:
Chester V. Oddis, MD

Professor of Medicine
Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA

Author:
Meghavi S. (Mona) Kosboth, DO

Clinical Fellow in Rheumatology
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Author:
Carol Stewart, MS, DDS, MS

Associate Professor
Oral Diagnostic Sciences
University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL
- Define and differentiate Scleroderma and Inflammatory Myopathy.
- Describe the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Scleroderma.
- Describe the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Inflammatory Myopathy.
- Describe the clinical course, prognosis and risk factors for Scleroderma.
- Describe the clinical course, prognosis and risk factors for Inflammatory Myopathy.
- Describe the differential diagnosis for Scleroderma.
- Describe the differential diagnosis for Inflammatory Myopathy.
- Describe the clinical features of Scleroderma.
- Describe the clinical features of Inflammatory Myopathy.
- Discuss major complications of Scleroderma.
- Discuss major complications of Inflammatory Myopathy.
- Discuss the treatment of Scleroderma.
- Discuss the treatment of Inflammatory Myopathy.
- Discuss future directions in assessing and managing immune-mediated disorders.
+ Vasculitis, arteritis and PMR

- Vasculitis, arteritis and PMR
Author:
Carol Langford, MD, MHS

Director of the Center for Vasculitis Care and Research
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH

Author:
Curry L. Koening, MD, MS

Division of Rheumatology
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

Author:
Eamonn S. Molloy, MD, MRCPI

Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
- Describe the clinical features and the spectrum of disease entities in which vasculitis is seen.
- Describe the epidemiology, clinical features, differential diagnosis, treatment and outcome for PMR.
- Describe the epidemiology, clinical features, differential diagnosis, treatment and outcome of giant cell arteritis.
- Describe the epidemiology, clinical features, differential diagnosis, treatment and outcome of Wegener's granulomatosis.
- Describe the epidemiology, clinical features, differential diagnosis, treatment and outcome of polyarteritis nodosa.
- Describe cutaneous vasculitis and its potential causes, diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic principles.
+ Crystal-induced arthropathies

- Crystal-induced arthropathies
Author:
Joan C. McTigue, MS, PA-C

Associate Editor
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Author:
N. Lawrence Edwards, MD

Professor and Program Director
Vice Chairman, Department of Medicine
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Describe crystal deposition.
- Describe the clinical presentation, causes, relevant diagnostic tests and management of Gout.
- Describe the clinical presentation, causes, relevant diagnostic tests and management of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease.
- Describe the clinical presentation, causes, relevant diagnostic tests and management of basic calcium phosphate deposition disease.
- Describe oddball Crystals.
- Discuss future directions for crystal-induced arthropathies.
+ Pain syndromes

- Pain syndromes
Author:
Sarah Schuler, MD

Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Author:
Miguel E. Rodriguez, MD

Southeastern Arthritis Center, Gainesville, FL
- Differentiate between fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome and identify the etiologies, pathogenesis, clinical course, clinical features and management of each syndrome.
- Describe the soft tissue syndromes including bursitis, tendonitis and entrapment syndrome and the clinical features and management of each.
- Define mechanical knee pain, its etiology, differential diagnosis, clinical features and management.
- Discuss the etiology, differential diagnoses, clinical features, prognosis and management of lumbar and cervical spine pain.
+ Spondylarthropathies

- Spondylarthropathies
Author:
Atul A. Deodhar, MD, MRCP

Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of Rheumatology Clinics
Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
- Define spondyloarthritis, the spectrum of conditions and their common clinical features.
- Differentiate between 'mechanical back pain' and 'inflammatory back pain'.
- Describe the classification criteria for spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Describe how to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis early.
- Discuss the epidemiology and pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis.
- Describe the clinical course and prognosis of ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated arthritis.
- Discuss general principals of disease management specific to adults including non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic modalities.
+ Infectious processes

- Infectious processes
Author:
Stanley J. Naides, MD

Medical Director, Immunology Research and Development
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA
- Differentiate between the different types of septic arthritis, the pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors, diagnostic features and the treatment for each type.
- Describe the epidemiology and identify the clinical features and treatment of each stage of Lyme disease.
- Differentiate between the post-viral arthritides and the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic studies and treatment for each disease.
- Describe the articular and non-articular manifestations of HIV that mimic rheumatic diseases.
- Describe the articular manifestations and clinical course of Hepatitis B and C.
- Discuss the general principles of disease recognition and management in patients with suspected infectious arthritis.
+ Metabolic Bone Disorders

- Metabolic Bone Disorders
Author:
Michael Maricic, MD

Catalina Pointe Arthritis and Rheumatology, PC, Tucson, Arizona
- Recognize the risk factors for fracture in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
- Interpret bone density reports and demonstrate how to use bone density studies for clinical decision making.
- Describe the important nutritional components of bone health including calcium and Vitamin D and the consequences of deficiencies.
- Formulate basic treatment plans for patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
- Design a clinical profile for men at risk for osteoporosis and discuss a metabolic workup for men with osteoporosis.
- Contrast the pathophysiology of glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis (GIOP) with postmenopausal osteoporosis and formulates treatment plans for patients on glucocorticoids therapy.
- Describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical and radiological aspects, and a treatment plan for Paget's disease.

PEDIATRIC Modules

+ Chronic Arthropathies of Childhood

- Chronic Arthropathies of Childhood
Author:
Betsy Roth-Wojcicki, RN, MS, CPNP

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/ Clinical Nurse Specialist
Pediatric Rheumatology
Medical College of Wisconsin / Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
- Identify and differentiate between the three classifications systems of juvenile arthritis.
- Identify the epidemiology and pathogenesis of each subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
- Define the subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): oligoarticular, extended oligoarthritis, polyarticular, systemic, enthuses-related arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other category.
- Describe the clinical course of the subtypes of JIA.
- Describe how the disease affects growth and development in children.
- Describe the prognosis of the subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
- Recognize disorders that can mimic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
- Distinguish the clinical features of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) through integration of data obtained in the history, physical, and diagnostic studies.
- Identify major sequelae or life-threatening complications of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): chronic uveitis, serositis, and macrophage activation syndrome.
- Discuss general principles of disease management specific to children.
  - Pharmacologic therapies approved by the FDA for use in childhood rheumatic diseases.
  - Drug metabolism and dosing different from adults.
+ Pediatric connective tissue diseases

- Pediatric connective tissue diseases
Author:
Murray H. Passo, MD

Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
- Define the three most common connective tissue diseases in children: Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Systemic Lupus, and Scleroderma.
- Describe the epidemiology and pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, clinical course and prognosis of Juvenile Dermatomyositis.
- Describe the epidemiology and pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, clinical course and prognosis of Scleroderma in children and adolescents.
- Describe the epidemiology and pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, clinical course and prognosis of childhood Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
+ Other pediatric conditions

- Other pediatric conditions
Author:
Janalee Taylor, MSN, RN, CNP

Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, clinical course and prognosis of Growing Pains.
- Describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, clinical course and prognosis of Patello-Femoral Syndrome.
- Describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, clinical course and prognosis of Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome.
- Describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, clinical course and prognosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
- Describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, clinical course and prognosis of Juvenile Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome (JPFS).

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.
#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!
Pediatric Track– includes modules 1-6 and 17-19		$700
Adult Track – includes modules 1-16		$900
Combined Adult and Pediatric Track – includes all 19 modules		$1100
#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

As an educational provider accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) it is the ACR's policy to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its educational activities. Faculty participating in an ACR-sponsored activity must disclose to the editorial team and audience any financial or other relationship(s) including, but not limited to:

Stock, stock options or bond holdings in a for-profit corporation or self-directed pension plan
Research grants
Employment (full or part-time)
Ownership or partnership
Consulting fees or other remuneration (payment)
Non-remunerative positions of influence such as officer, board member, trustee or public spokesperson
Receipt of royalties
Speakers' bureau
Other

Faculty disclosures listed apply in numeric format according to the list above. In accordance with ACR policy an individual who refuses to disclose relevant financial relationships will be disqualified from being a planning committee member, a teacher, or an author of CME, and cannot have control of, or responsibility for the development, management, presentation or evaluation of the CME activity.

2012 Authors, editors and reviewers currently working on module updates reported the following disclosures:

Debra Bancroft Rizzo, MSN, FNP-C – Nothing to disclose.

Atul A Deodhar, MD, MRCP- Amgen 2; Centocor, Inc., Genentech and Biogen IDEC Inc 2, 5, 8; Pfizer Inc 8.

Joan C McTigue, MS, PA-C- Nothing to disclose.

Anneke Smith – Nothing to disclose.

Andrew J. Sulich, MD – Nothing to disclose.

2012 Reviewer Disclosures:

H Ralph Schumacher Jr., MD- Pfizer, Takeda, Wyeth 2; Ipsen, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Savient, Takeda, Xoma 5.

+ 2008-2011

Authors, editors and reviewers reported the following disclosures:
Daniel F Battafarano, DO- Nothing to disclose.
Basia Belza, PhD, RN- Nothing to disclose.
Neal S Birnbaum, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Laurie E Ebner-Lyon, RN, MSN, APN C- Nothing to disclose.
N. Lawrence Edwards, MD- Savient 2, TAP Inc. 5.
Peter J Embi, MD, MS, Nothing to disclose.
Donna K Everix, MPA BS PT- Nothing to disclose.
Gregory C Gardner, MD- Abbott 5; Wyeth 9.
David J Hunter, MBBS, PhD- AstraZeneca, DJ Orthopedics, Merck and Pfizer Inc 2.
Karen L Kerr, MSN, NP, CPNP, PNP-BC- Nothing to disclose.
Curry L Koening, MD MS- Nothing to disclose.
Meghavi Kosboth, DO- Nothing to disclose.
Carol A Langford, MD, MHS- Nothing to disclose.
Gail R McIlvain-Simpson, MSN, PNP, BC- Nothing to disclose.
Michael J Maricic, MD- Merck & Co., Novartis, Lilly, Proctor & Gamble Co., Amgen, Genentech, 2, 5, 8.
Victoria A Merrell, PA-C, MPT- Nothing to disclose.
Eamonn S. Molloy, MD, MRCPI- Nothing to disclose.
Mark D Murphey, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Stanley J Naides, MD- Quest Diagnostics, Incorporated 1, 3.
Chester V Oddis, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Murray H Passo, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Kate T Queen, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Miguel E Rodriguez, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Elizabeth L Roth-Wojcicki, RN, MS, CPNP- Nothing to disclose.
Sandra Schuler, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Carol Stewart, DDS- Nothing to disclose.
Janalee Taylor, MSN RN CNP- Nothing to disclose.
Sima Terebelo, MPH, PA-C- Nothing to disclose.
Mark H Wener, MD- Nothing to disclose.

2008-2011 Reviewer Disclosures:
Roy D Altman, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Catherine L Backman, PhD, OT(C) - Nothing to disclose.
Sanford Baim, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Antanya Chung, CPC - Nothing to disclose.
Melesia Collins, CPC- Nothing to disclose.
Martha R. Curry, MS, RN, CPNP – Nothing to disclose.
Chad L Deal, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Maura D Iversen, PT DPT SD MPH- Nothing to disclose.
Diane L Kamen, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Jonathan Kay, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Muhammad Asim A Khan, MD, MACP- Abbott, Amgen, Centocor, Inc., Schering Canada, Schering-Plough, Wyeth 8.
Dinesh Khanna, MD, MSc- Nothing to disclose.
Carol B Lindsley, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Brian F Mandell, MD, PhD- Nothing to disclose.
Richard S Pope, PA-C- Nothing to disclose.
John D Reveille, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Elizabeth L Roth-Wojcicki, RN, MS, CPNP- Nothing to disclose.
David D Sherry, MD- Nothing to disclose.
Benjamin J Smith, PA-C- Abbott 5.
Doreen M Stiskal, PT PhD- Nothing to disclose.
John H Stone, MD, MPH- Nothing to disclose.
Vibeke Strand, MD- Abbott, Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Biogen Idec, Canfite Pharma, Centocor, Inc., Cypress Biosciences, Inc.,Genelabs, Genentech and Biogen IDEC Inc., Human Genome Sciences, Inc., Novartis, Omeros, Pfizer Inc., Pharmacopeia, Proprius, Sanofi Aventis, Schering Plough, Roche, Serono, SKK, Summitomo, UCB, Wyeth, Xdx 5; Abbott, Amgen, Centocor, Pfizer Inc 8; Abbott, Amgen, BMS, Centocor, Novartis, Pfizer Inc., Roche, UCB 9, Sterling G West, MD- Nothing to disclose.

- 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 Sr. Specialist Educational Products or call (404) 633-3777, ext. 808.

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 | 2011 Grads | 2010 Grads | 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.

ACR Logo