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Acute Cardiac Care Specialist

Learn how to make safe clinical decisions and act early when a patient’s condition changes. You'll gain a clear understanding of how to spot risk early. Apply your knowledge of health promotion to work with patients, carers, and families. Find out how to recognise the usual signs of cardiac illness.

A nursing student with her back to the camera, watching two others working on the mock ward
LevelShort courses and CPD
Duration6 months
Start dates3 March 2026
Fee£1,125
Course codeCID1601

Course summary

This course focuses on the deteriorating cardiac patient. It appraises and evaluates the importance of clinical decision making and escalation strategies. This is directly applied to NHS policies underpinning evidence-based practice.

You'll gain a thorough understanding of cardiovascular disease. You'll also learn how to prevent it by identifying patients at risk. Applying your knowledge of health promotion to support patients, carers, and families is vital. This will allow you to evaluate both typical and atypical cardiac patients.

The course runs over six months, with two full-day sessions per month.

Why Sunderland for Short courses and CPD

What you'll study

Learning outcomes for this course include:

  • Gaining a thorough understanding of cardiovascular disease
  • Assessing, planning, and delivering care to patients with a cardiac condition
  • Learning prevention techniques by identifying patients at risk
  • Evaluating the importance of clinical decision making and escalation strategies
  • Applying national policies and guidance that underpin evidence-based practice
  • Applying knowledge of health promotion to those with a cardiac condition.

How you'll learn

We use a range of different teaching strategies to develop your knowledge. Your learning will take place in the classroom, online, and through independent study. You'll also have opportunities for critical discussion where you can share your ideas. This will help you build a strong understanding of the topic.

Assessment is in two parts and includes:

  • A 3,000-word essay
  • A 30-minute clinical objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

Entry requirements

Fees and finance support

The fee for this course is £1,125.

Employers usually meets course costs. We advise that you speak to your workforce development lead before applying.

We also accept self-funded applicants. If you'd like to explore your options, contact us at cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

Contact our team for further information about applying for this course. Call 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).