Advanced Assessment Program

This comprehensive eight-module clinical assessment training program equips nurses and healthcare professionals with evidence-based techniques to perform thorough, accurate patient evaluations across multiple body systems. Each module emphasizes best practices, interpretation of normal and abnormal findings, and timely clinical decision-making based on nursing judgment and when to escalate care. Designed by experts from the University of Iowa College of Nursing and other industry leaders, the program enhances competency, promotes patient safety, and supports high-quality outcomes in diverse care settings.

Upon completion of each module, participants will complete a knowledge assessment as well as an overall competency evaluation at the end of the program. Once the participant has successfully completed the competency evaluation, a certificate of completion will be issued.

Program Highlights

• Eight focused clinical assessment modules covering major body systems and patient presentations.
• Emphasis on recognizing normal vs. abnormal findings and appropriate escalation of care.
• Developed by University of Iowa College of Nursing experts and industry leaders.
• Includes knowledge checks per module and a final competency evaluation with certificate of completion

Program Format & Requirements

• On-demand, online learning—complete at your own pace
• Eight instructional modules
• Knowledge assessment after each module
• Comprehensive competency evaluation at the conclusion of the program

Upon successful completion of the final competency evaluation, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Modules

• Cardiac Assessment - Holly Lear and Kimberly Bergen-Jackson, University of Iowa College of Nursing 
• Head, Face & Neck Assessment - Holly Lear, PhD MPH RN LNHA, University of Iowa College of Nursing 
• Mental Health, Cognition, and Behavioral Assessment - Holly Lear, PhD MPH RN LNHA, Emily Griffin, DNP ARNP FNP-C,  Shalome Tonelli, PhD RN, University of Iowa College of Nursing
• Neurological Assessment -  Holly Lear, PhD MPH RN LNHA, University of Iowa College of Nursing 
• Respiratory Assessment - Holly Lear, PhD MPH RN LNHA, University of Iowa College of Nursing 
• Abdominal Assessment - Holly Lear, PhD MPH RN LNHA, University of Iowa College of Nursing 
• Assessing Extremities, Skin, Hair, and Nails - Kellie Van Ree, RN LNHA DNS-CT, LeadingAge Illinois/Iowa and Deb Martin, RN BSN IP, VGM & CE Solutions