RHD ARF course: Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease learning modules
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Online learning for health professionals
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RHD ARF course: Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease learning modules
This free online CPD-accredited course covers the prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Designed for healthcare professionals, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners, and community workers, it provides practical, expert-developed learning to support patient care. Participants receive a CPD certificate on completion.
Course details
- Cost: Free
- Time commitment: Modules vary between between 30 and 90 minutes
- Format: Online
- Certificate: CPD certificate on completion of each module
Who is the rheumatic heart disease course for?
Health professionals, primary care nurses, midwives and medical professionals, community workers and non-clinicians who care for and support people with an acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
What you'll learn
Define acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD)
- Identify people at highest risk of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
- List the major and minor manifestations of acute rheumatic fever
- Describe the heart changes that define rheumatic heart disease
- Describe the role of secondary prophylaxis in acute rheumatic fever management.
- Explain the role of rheumatic heart disease control programs.
Course modules
Introduction to ARF and RHD
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are complex conditions. Discover the important points at an introductory level.
Duration: 1 hour
Administering benzathine benzylpenicillin
Long-term antibiotics help prevent recurrent rheumatic fever. Work through recommended treatment, correct administration techniques, and patient-centred care
Duration: 1 hour
Recognising ARF
Diagnosis of rheumatic fever can be difficult. Work through Amana’s clinical presentation to better understand the requirements for accurate diagnosis.
Duration: 90 minutes
Preventing RHD
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are preventable. Learn more about the opportunities and impact of prevention strategies.
Duration: 1 hour
Women and girls with RHD
Women and girls with rheumatic heart disease need special care. Learn about some issues facing young First Nations women.
Duration: 1 hour
RHD in pregnancy
Discover how early diagnosis and best practice care for rheumatic heart disease support healthy pregnancies.
Duration: 1 hour
RHD for community-based workers
Rheumatic heart disease is everyone’s business. Learn more about how you can support people with rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
Duration: 1 hour
Michael’s Story
Follow Michael’s animated journey as he is diagnosed with rheumatic fever and learns to live with rheumatic heart disease.
Duration: 30 minutes
CPD accredited by
These Rheumatic heart disease training programs have been accredited by ACRRM, RACGP, NAATSIWHP, CRANAplus, and ACM. Accreditation varies between each course depending on audience and course outcomes.
How to enrol
The Heart Foundation's RHD courses are delivered through the Heart Foundation Learning Hub, our online learning platform. To learn more about the Learning Hub and browse other courses, visit our Learning Hub information page.
Ready to enrol?
To enrol in this course:
- Create a free Learning Hub account.
- Enrol in the RHD ARF course modules.
- Complete the course modules and earn CPD accreditation.
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Last updated22 September 2026