Online Cardiology Courses and Classes Overview

Cardiology courses are available fully online and in a hybrid format that incorporates a lab or clinical component. Courses are mostly geared toward practicing physicians or postgraduate students for continuing medical education (CME) credits.

Overview of Online Cardiology Courses

Cardiology is the study of disorders of the human cardiovascular system, including the heart, arteries and veins. Cardiology has a variety of specializations such as interventional, pediatric and nuclear cardiology. Due to the advanced hands-on nature of the training, most cardiology degree programs are not available online, although continuing education courses for medical professionals can be pursued over the Internet. In addition, various certification exam preparatory courses - such as those for nuclear cardiology certification - are offered online. Also, conferences presented by reputable medical universities may be available online for CME credit.

Course Requirements

Courses require a computer with Internet access and audio and video capabilities; some courses are delivered through correspondence, and lectures may be presented on DVD or CD. A printer may be used to print out reading or study materials. E-mail is used for instructor communication and assignment submission. Some courses may provide or require textbook purchase. Hybrid courses with lab components may require travel to local hospitals or other clinical settings.

List of Online Courses

Nuclear Physics Course

Nuclear physics is fundamental to understanding radiopharmaceuticals, radiation biology and safety. Various concepts for discussion include atomic and nuclear structure, and electromagnetic and particulate radiation.

Radiation Biology and Safety Course

Students examine the effects of radiation on the human body in this online course. Delayed, chronic symptoms and the impact of radiation are studied. Radiation safety for both patients and staff in nuclear medicine is stressed, with attention to administrative, biological and legal aspects.

Concepts in Interventional Cardiology Course

Interventional cardiology specializes in treating heart diseases using catheterization. Heart disease symptoms such as thrombosis and atherogenesis, diagnoses and current treatments are discussed. Animal studies are used to illustrate treatment methodology and effects.

Atrial Fibrillation Course

Students focus on diagnosis and treatment for patients with atrial arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeat, in this course. Antiarrhythmic drugs and toxicity are discussed. Students also learn non-invasive and invasive management strategies.

Congestive Heart Failure Course

This online course may contain an interactive case-study-based lesson. Students taking the course learn to recognize the stages of heart failure and identify key diagnostic tests and risk factors for patient mortality.

Advances in Cardiology Course

This course can be offered as a conference that students can attend online for CME credits. It offers a curriculum covering the latest advances in cardiology care, such as application of recent guideline changes and new therapy introductions. Students also assess new interventional and medical heart failure therapies. Course material is available for self-study prior to conference completion through multimedia and text. Students have the ability to connect with faculty panels and colleagues through online discussions.