American Heart Association Launches Digital Health in Cardiac Care Certification to Standardize Telehealth Training

The American Heart Association has launched its Digital Health in Cardiac Care certification program to address the challenges healthcare providers face in adapting to the rapidly expanding availability of remote telehealth cardiac healthcare. This new certification aims to bridge the gap between traditional practice and remote patient monitoring while promoting privacy and compatibility with existing healthcare systems. The program represents the fourth individual professional certification offering in the Certified Professional by the American Heart Association science-based portfolio, joining existing certifications in telehealth, telehealth stroke, and tobacco treatment.

Developed by the American Heart Association Center for Telehealth®, this certification is designed to standardize training and validate healthcare providers' expertise in delivering care through technology-enabled clinical settings. Digital health in cardiac care encompasses the use of technology tools such as wearable devices, smartphone apps, telehealth platforms, and remote monitoring systems to help people manage and prevent heart conditions beyond traditional clinical settings—including at home, work, or in community environments.

Dr. Lee H. Schwamm, a volunteer member of the American Heart Association Center for Telehealth Expert Panel and senior vice president at Yale New Haven Health, emphasized the organization's commitment to establishing clear, trusted quality standards for digital health technology. The certification program focuses on keeping individuals at the heart of care while boosting patient engagement and empowering providers to manage chronic conditions more effectively through digital tools. According to Schwamm, digital health technology enables better self-management, earlier detection of issues, and improved treatment outcomes by delivering continuous data and insights to both patients and their care teams.

The certification process equips providers with skills to implement best practices in digital health, helping them engage patients more effectively and build confidence in managing chronic conditions. Enrollment is available to healthcare professionals with clinical or administrative backgrounds, including those licensed or pursuing licensure, as well as health and wellness specialists who use digital health tools to monitor, track, and engage with patients. The certification features comprehensive digital health literacy components to enhance professional understanding of various terms and technologies, promoting better behavior change among patients.

The program includes high-quality, evidence-based online digital health education that combines research, hands-on experiences, and best practices. Assessment delivery occurs through live remote-proctoring, with certification awards and renewals managed via American Heart Association platforms. Certified professionals receive opportunities for career advancement through display of personalized certificates and credentials, which remain valid for three years. The Certified Professional by the American Heart Association program maintains the same gold standard used by the Association for hospital certifications, ensuring consistent quality across healthcare education initiatives.

Through December 31, customers who purchase the Digital Health in Cardiac Care Certification and Coursework Bundle can complete an additional Telehealth Certification and Coursework Bundle at no additional cost, representing a $519 value. Participants must add both certification bundle products to their Professional Education Hub cart simultaneously and use the code TELEBOGO at checkout through https://cpr.heart.org/en/professional-education/professional-education-hub. The American Heart Association continues to expand its certification offerings, with a stroke coordinator certification planned for launch later this year, further strengthening the healthcare industry's capacity to deliver quality care through evolving digital platforms.