UPDATE: Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant Rheumatology Training Program

The ACR/ARHP NP and PA Post Graduate Rheumatology Training Program is well on its way to meeting its target for launching in fall 2007. This program grew out of needs expressed by members of ACR and ARHP as well as workforce changes.

There is an increased need for qualified health professionals in rheumatology. A recent survey of members found that physicians spend a significant amount of time training NPs and PAs, and suggested that ACR/ARHP develop a standardized educational program to more rapidly incorporate NPs and PAs into rheumatology practices or academic training settings.

The ACR/AHRP NP and PA Post Graduate Rheumatology Training Program will use Web-based and skills training courses to give NPs and PAs, affordable way to build competence in the care of persons with rheumatic diseases.

The Web-based program will consist of 19 modules organized into three sections: core, adult, and pediatric. The core modules include an overview of the MSK structure and function and inflammation; rheumatic disease classification and framework for clinical decision-making; lab evaluation; imaging studies; billing, coding, and practice issues; and rehabilitation. The remaining modules include information on the diagnosis and management of commonly occurring rheumatic diseases in adults and children. The skills training course will include: history and physical examination exam; performing intra-articular aspirations and injections and trigger point injections; and using a polarizing microscope.

Although the primary target for the program is NPs and PAs who have successfully completed an accredited NP or PA program, others will be able to enroll. ARHP will offer a certificate to individuals who complete each Web-based module and the skills training session. This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

The program’s editors have developed templates and objectives for each module; authors have been secured and are writing their modules. Currently, reviewers are being invited and will provide a scientific review of each module.

The editorial team comprises me, Basia Belza, PhD (scientific editor); Peter Embi, MD, Joan McTigue, MS, PA-C, and Deb Rizzo, MN, ARNP (associate editors); and Aubrey Hale and Melinda McRae (technology wizards). For additional information about the ACR/ARHP NP and PA program, visit www.rheumatology.org/arhp.

Dr. Belza is the Aljoya Endowed Professor in Aging in the department of biobehavioral nursing and health systems at the University of Washington in Seattle.