Keywords

continuing education, nurse practitioners, rheumatic disease

 

Authors

  1. Kellahan, Sara MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-C (Advanced Practice Nurse)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The workforce shortage of musculoskeletal and rheumatic disease (MSK-RMD) trained providers has led to the need for additional education for nurse practitioners (NPs) in MSK-RMD. An educational certificate was developed and implemented collaboratively between an academic medical center and a college of nursing. The NP-focused MSK-RMD education program enhanced the assessment and treatment of a variety of common RSK-RMD conditions. Interviews and online surveys were conducted with participants to evaluate the program experience. Participant interviews and survey findings demonstrate overall NP satisfaction with the program. Expanding the program to create an accessible virtual continuing education course may improve accessibility of MSK-RMD education for NPs in primary care and multidisciplinary environments.