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Foundation Certificate of Cardiovascular Medicine

Improve your patients' heart health and manage cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease, congestive cardiac failure, and atrial fibrillation.

Foundation Certificate of Cardiovascular Medicine

CPD

18.5 hrs Education 24 hrs Performance 0 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online
Learn from
anywhere

Duration

42.5 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

One in six Australians lives with cardiovascular disease. Meet the high demand for cardiovascular health services and improve your patients' quality of life by upskilling in the effective prevention and management of heart problems.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • This course is for physicians, nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses.

  • CPD-accredited.

Learning outcomes

  • Help tackle one of the most prolific health problems in Australia to reduce morbidity and mortality.

  • Save lives through the early detection and prevention of heart conditions.

  • Improve patients' quality of life by managing heart conditions like atrial fibrillation, congestive cardiac failure, and coronary artery disease.

  • Provide support to your male patients to help control weight and thereby improve cardiovascular health.

Course contents

Congestive Cardiac Failure
The "Congestive Cardiac Failure (CCF)" course offers healthcare professionals a comprehensive guide to understanding, diagnosing, and managing heart failure. The course covers everything from the pathophysiology and common causes of CCF to acute management strategies and end-stage care. With an emphasis on evidence-based treatments, participants will gain valuable insights into both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Designed for general practitioners, this course equips participants to improve patient outcomes through effective treatment plans and a multidisciplinary approach.
Coronary Artery Disease
The "Coronary Artery Disease" course provides a detailed overview of diagnosing, managing, and preventing coronary artery disease (CAD). It covers both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, including lifestyle approaches, diagnostic tools, and treatment plans. Participants will learn evidence-based best practices for managing CAD and preventing complications through patient education, lifestyle modifications, and medical interventions. A case study is also included to illustrate real-life applications of the course content.
Cardiovascular health and weight control in men
"Cardiovascular Health and Weight Control in Men" is an essential program for healthcare professionals focused on improving men’s cardiovascular health and addressing obesity. This evidence-based course examines the connections between physical activity, weight management, and chronic diseases in men. Covering fitness, behavioural change strategies, sarcopenia, and the ageing process, it equips practitioners with practical tools to enhance patient outcomes. With a strong emphasis on exercise as medicine, this program is designed to help primary care providers guide men towards healthier, more active lifestyles, improve longevity, and reduce the prevalence of obesity-related health issues.
Atrial fibrillation
The "Atrial Fibrillation" course provides healthcare professionals with an in-depth understanding of the diagnosis, management, and treatment options for atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia worldwide. This course covers essential topics such as risk factor identification, anticoagulation therapy, and the use of diagnostic tools. Participants will also explore key management strategies, including rhythm and rate control, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient outcomes. Designed for general practitioners, this course equips professionals with the knowledge needed to manage AF and reduce associated risks like stroke and heart failure.

Meet your instructors

Dr Joe Kosterich Dr Joe Kosterich MBBS Dr Joe Kosterich

Lecturer, Curtin Medical School

Dr Joe Kosterich is a general practitioner, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant. He writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications and is a regular on radio and television. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases, is clinical editor of a medical magazine, adjunct professor (teaching) at UWA and a lecturer at Curtin Medical School.

Dr Kosterich has a special interest in plant-based therapies, men’s health, chronic disease and mental health. He has self-published two books and maintains a website and blog with health information and commentary. Through all this, Dr Kosterich continues to see patients as a GP each week.

Professor Peter Reaburn Professor Peter Reaburn PhD BHMS(Ed)(Hons) Grad Cert Flex Learn Professor Peter Reaburn

Honorary Adjunct Professor of Exercise and Sport Science at Bond University

Professor Peter Reaburn recently retired as Professor and Head of Exercise and Sport Science at Bond University where he remains an Honorary Adjunct Professor. Prof Reaburn remains an active researcher focused on health, performance, and successful ageing in masters athletes. He is an award-winning university educator having won university and national teaching awards and citations for both undergraduate teaching and postgraduate supervision. Prof Reaburn is a masters athlete with a passionate belief in the value of exercise as medicine.

Dr Alice Lam Dr Alice Lam MBChB FRACGP Dr Alice Lam

General practitioner

Dr Alice Lam is a general practitioner passionate about evidence-based medicine and education for medical professionals and their patients. She has over 23 years of medical experience in Australia and overseas. Dr Lam graduated from the University of Manchester, UK and practised both as a locum and partner. Since 2008, she has worked as a GP in Melbourne, Australia. Her other interests include digital health, health writing and education for health professionals and patients.

Dr Kate Moriarty Dr Kate Moriarty FRACGP Dr Kate Moriarty

Bachelor of Medicine (honours), Fellowship of the RACGP and a Diploma in Child Health.

Dr Kate Moriarty works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia, where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. She is a senior lecturer for UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus. She has special interests in women’s health and medical education.

She holds a Bachelor of Medicine (honours), Fellowship of the RACGP and a Diploma in Child Health.

Other ways to study this topic

Workshop

Complete your certificate online, then build practical skills in the accompanying optional hands-on workshop.

View workshop dates

Short courses

Study selected topics from this certificate as focused, standalone short courses for targeted upskilling in under 10 hours. 

Browse short courses

HealthCert 365

Access selected content from this certificate, plus 4,000+ hours of other CPD across a wide range of clinical areas.

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CPD accreditation and course details

CPD Accreditation and Activities

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

Each module in this certificate is an RACGP and ACRRM approved CPD activity.

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours
441329 38220 Congestive Cardiac Failure 4.5 6.0
442738 38230 Coronary Artery Disease 4.5 6.0
479882 38483 Cardiovascular health and weight control in men 5.5 6.0
788775 38235 Atrial fibrillation 4.0 6.0
Total hours 18.5 24.0

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities.

Outcome measurement
HealthCert Education provides a variety of Outcome Measurement activities to suit your needs. Please contact an Education Advisor for more information.

Entry Requirements

The Foundation Certificate of Cardiovascular Medicine is tailored for medical practitioners who wish to improve patients' quality of life through effective prevention and management of heart problems.

This course is for physicians, nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses. There are no prerequisites.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)

Participants who have already successfully completed any of these modules as part of other HealthCert certificate courses may request RPL for this course. The examination questions will still need to be completed to ensure knowledge remains current.

Further professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Foundation Certificate of Cardiovascular Medicine and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

  • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

  • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

  • Is recognised by Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP). The RNZCGP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Peer review and audit are compulsory.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Please contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.

  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Hours are calculated differently.

  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.

  • Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider

This organisation is an RACGP-accredited CPD provider under the RACGP CPD Program.

RACGP logo
ACRRM logo
AMA
Bond-Sep-09-2026-05-46-43-7981-AM
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Graz
Vienna
University of South Wales
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Frequently asked questions

What are the costs and payment options of the course?

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

What is the Alumni Support Program?

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

  • Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.

  • Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.

  • Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.

  • Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.

  • Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

How will I receive my certificate?

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

How long will the course take to complete?

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is listed at the top of this page. The estimated duration includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

Is this course recognised in my country?

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.

Cancellation policy: What happens if I can't attend a practical workshop?

Course/workshop cancellations and transfers policy

Should you be unable to attend a course or practical workshop you have registered for, please inform us asap at admin@healthcert.com so we can make your place available to waitlisted doctors.

Charges may apply for course/workshop cancellations and/or transfers. Click here for details.

What our alumni say

Join thousands of doctors who have advanced their clinical practice with our certificate courses.

Get in touch with us

Our Education Advisors can assist you with any queries and tailor your education pathway to suit your current expertise, interests and career goals.

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