American Heart Association launches new professional credential to support remote management of chronic heart conditions
As digital health technologies continue to reshape the landscape of cardiac care, clinicians face increasing pressure to adapt to remote tools that extend care beyond traditional clinical settings. To meet this growing need, the American Heart Association (Association), a global leader in cardiovascular science and education, has introduced a new professional certification: Digital Health in Cardiac Care.
This certification is designed to equip health care providers and wellness professionals with the skills and knowledge to safely and effectively use digital tools, such as wearable devices, mobile apps, and remote monitoring platforms—to manage and prevent heart conditions. It marks the fourth offering in the Association’s Certified Professional by the American Heart Association (CPAHA) portfolio, which already includes certifications in telehealth, telehealth stroke, and tobacco treatment.
Developed by the American Heart Association Center for Telehealth, the Digital Health in Cardiac Care certification aims to standardize training and validate expertise in delivering care through technology-enabled environments. It reflects the Association’s commitment to ensuring that digital health solutions are implemented with quality, safety, and patient-centered care at the forefront.
“The American Heart Association is committed to ensuring that quality standards for digital health technology are clear, trusted and embraced by health care providers,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., FAHA, volunteer member of the American Heart Association Center for Telehealth Expert Panel, and chief digital health officer at Yale New Haven Health. “This certification keeps individuals at the heart of care, helping to boost patient engagement while empowering providers and wellness professionals to manage chronic conditions more effectively through digital tools.”
Digital health in cardiac care encompasses a wide range of technologies that support patients in managing their heart health outside of hospitals and clinics. These tools enable earlier detection of issues, continuous data sharing, and improved treatment outcomes by fostering stronger connections between patients and their care teams.
The certification is open to more than just physicians. It welcomes licensed health care professionals, or those pursuing licensure, with clinical or administrative backgrounds, as well as health and wellness specialists who use digital tools to engage with patients. It provides a structured pathway for professionals to build confidence in digital health literacy and apply best practices in remote care delivery.
Key features of the certification include:
- Digital health literacy training to enhance understanding of terminology, platforms, and behavior change strategies;
- Evidence-based online education combining research, hands-on experience, and best practices;
- Remote-proctored assessments and credentialing through AHA platforms;
- Professional recognition through a personalized certificate and credentials valid for three years.
By aligning with the same gold standard used in American Heart Association hospital certifications, the CPAHA program ensures that individual providers are held to rigorous benchmarks of quality and competency. The Digital Health in Cardiac Care certification not only supports professional development but also promotes consistency in care delivery across diverse settings.
Reflecting this commitment, the Association’s Center for Telehealth recently participated in the Becker’s Health IT + Digital Health Conference, engaging with industry leaders and to promote professional development in digital cardiac care.
To learn more about other courses offered by the Association, visit The American Heart Association Professional Education HubTM, a science-based platform for healthcare professionals to access training and continuing education (CE). The Professional Education Hub provides essential compliance content, heart-health education, and emerging topics with expert-led courses.
