Online continuing education
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) offers online courses that meet the continuing education requirements of health care professionals caring for patients with, or at risk for, kidney disease. To earn credits, select a course, complete the learning module(s), and take the associated exam and evaluation.
Featured course
Featured Courses Identifying and Supporting Patients with CKD-associated Pruritus
Many patients with CKD experience pruritus (itching) daily, with a significant impact on quality of life. The cause of CKD-related pruritus remains unclear. There are many treatments being employed in an attempt to ameliorate itching, including topical and systemic therapy and non-pharmacologic therapy, but most lack data to support their use. However, there are promising agents in development.
Featured course
Hepatitis C and Chronic Kidney Disease: Building the Connection
This free, online course designed for nurses and other health care professionals, provides prevention strategies and other resources that address the associated health risks of co-morbid Hepatitis C and chronic kidney disease.
By the end of the course, course takers will have a better understanding of how nephrology plays a central role in the identification, treatment, and follow-up of patients with both HCV and CKD.
Additional CE courses
Helping New Patients Adjust to Dialysis
This course is designed for renal health care professionals who work with patients that are new to dialysis.
CE credits: 1.00 Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR); 1.20 National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT); 1.00 National Association of Social Workers (NASW); 1.00 National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC); 1.00 Attendance
Managing Hyperphosphatemia
The goals of this course are to identify and understand the challenges dietitians and other allied health professionals face in managing hyperphosphatemia in their patients and identify effective tools and strategies they can employ in their own practice.
CE credits: 1.00 Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR); 1.20 NANT; 1.00 Attendance
Depression: Building a Foundation for Care
This training focuses on four specific areas to enhance social workers' ability to care for patients suffering from depression.
CE credits: 1.20 NANT; 1.00 National Association of Social Workers (NASW); 1.00 Attendance
Weighing the Outcomes: Ethical Issues in Kidney Disease
This course presents a decision-making framework and strategies that health care teams may employ in response to daily ethical dilemmas.
CE credits: 3.60 NANT; 3.00 National Association of Social Workers (NASW); 3.00 Attendance
Helping Patients Prepare for Kidney Replacement Therapy
This course addresses kidney replacement therapy and dialysis access options for patients with stage IV and stage V kidney disease.
CE credits: 3.60 NANT; 3.00 National Association of Social Workers (NASW); 3.00 Attendance
Kidney Health Coach
This training course presents information on preventing, managing and treating kidney disease, as well as living a healthy lifestyle.
CE credits: 2.0 Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES); 2.0 ANCC; 2.0 Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR); 2.0 National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC); 1.0 National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Online Course Series for Professionals: Cornerstones of Care
The effective delivery of dialysis treatment requires each clinician to be skilled in multiple areas. Whereas most renal professionals receive training regarding the clinical aspects of the initiation, monitoring and discontinuation of a dialysis treatment, less attention is paid to other important issues associated with effective care. To help health care professionals in the delivery of a successful "health care experience" for their patients, AKF has developed the Cornerstones of Care series, which includes the following courses:
- Building Relationships: CE credits: 0.70 NANT; 1.00 National Association of Social Workers (NASW); 1.00 Attendance
- Professionalism: CE credits: 0.70 NANT; 1.00 National Association of Social Workers (NASW); 1.00 Attendance
- Teaching Patients Self-management Techniques: CE credits: 1.20 NANT; 1.00 National Association of Social Workers (NASW)