16-Lesson Cardiology Curriculum

The APP Cardiology Academy provides a complete cardiology education for nurse practitioners and physician assistants — restructured for maximum efficiency and engagement. We lead with the clinical skills you're excited to learn, then build through all major cardiovascular conditions.

Section 1: Core Clinical Skills (Lessons 1-5)

Build your foundation with cardiovascular history and physical exam, ECG/CXR/lab interpretation, symptom evaluation, pharmacology essentials, and cardiac imaging.

1

Cardiovascular History & Physical Examination

Taking focused histories for chest pain, dyspnea, syncope, palpitations. Systematic physical exam: JVP, pulses, PMI, heart sounds. Interpreting volume status and hemodynamics at the bedside.

2

ECG, CXR & Laboratory Essentials

Systematic ECG interpretation: axis, intervals, ischemia, arrhythmias. Chest X-ray essentials: cardiac silhouette, pulmonary edema. Cardiac biomarkers: troponin, BNP, D-dimer interpretation.

3

Common Cardiovascular Symptoms

Chest pain, syncope, and palpitations differential diagnosis. Risk tools: HEART score, CHA₂DS₂-VASc, PERC rule. When to admit, refer, or discharge safely.

4

Cardiovascular Pharmacology

Beta-blockers, ACEi/ARB/ARNI, diuretics, statins. Antiplatelet agents and anticoagulation basics. Titration protocols and monitoring strategies.

5

Cardiac Imaging & Invasive Procedures

Stress testing: exercise vs pharmacologic, when to use imaging. Echocardiography: LV function, valves, pericardium. Cardiac CT, MRI, and catheterization basics.

Section 2: Disease Management (Lessons 6-14)

Master the conditions you'll see every day: coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, hypertension, structural heart disease, vascular disease, preventive cardiology, critical care, and palliative care.

6

Coronary Artery Disease

Stable ischemic heart disease and acute coronary syndromes. STEMI vs NSTE-ACS recognition. Guideline-directed medical therapy and revascularization decisions.

7

Heart Failure

HFrEF quadruple therapy. HFpEF diagnosis and management. Device therapy (ICD, CRT). Advanced HF: MCS, transplant, palliative options.

8

Cardiac Arrhythmias & Device Therapy

AF anticoagulation and rate vs rhythm control. Bradyarrhythmias and pacemakers. VT recognition and ICD therapy.

9

Hypertension & Lipid Management

HTN staging and treatment. Risk calculators and statin selection. LDL targets and non-statin agents.

10

Structural Heart Disease

Pericarditis, tamponade, constrictive physiology. Cardiomyopathies. Valvular disease grading and intervention timing. TAVR basics.

11

Vascular Disease

PAD diagnosis and treatment. VTE anticoagulation. Aortic aneurysm and dissection.

12

Preventive Cardiology & Special Populations

Lifestyle medicine. Cardio-oncology. Cardiovascular disease in pregnancy.

13

Critical Care Cardiology Essentials

Shock classification. Vasopressors and inotropes. Temporary MCS. Post-cardiac surgery care.

14

Palliative & End-of-Life Care

Symptom management in advanced HF. Goals-of-care conversations. ICD deactivation. Hospice criteria.

Section 3: Professional Development (Lessons 15-16)

After establishing clinical competence, develop your professional skills: team-based care, communication, practice management, and career advancement.

15

Professional Competencies, Communication & Practice Management

NP/PA role definition, scope, billing. Value-based care. Cultural competence. Shared decision-making. Ethics and QI.

16

Career Development & Lifelong Learning

Self-assessment. Reading cardiology literature. Certification maintenance. Career pathways. Negotiating scope and compensation.

Ready to Start?

16 lessons. 2-3 months. 100% ACC Core Curriculum coverage.

Enroll Now — $1,899