Activity Overview
The Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course is a series of 10 activities that provide foundational knowledge and help develop skills that professionals new to rheumatology need to succeed in clinical practice.
This activity covers signs, symptoms, and treatments for the most common forms of rheumatic disease, and addresses key areas such as pain management, psychosocial challenges, rehabilitation, and self-management support strategies.
Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course
This activity is part of a series. See the other activities in the series below.
Activity 1 – Discover the Basics: Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation
Activity 2 – Explore Systemic Inflammatory Diseases in Adults and Children
Activity 5 – Address Psychosocial Impact to Enhance PatientOutcomes
Activity 6 – Counsel your Patient on Rheumatology Medications
Activity 8 – Use Rehabilitation to Improve Your Patient’sFunction, Fatigue, and Pain
Activity 9 – Stimulate and Support Your Patient’s Self-Management
Registration is complimentary for ACR/ARP members. If you are not a member, consider joining ACR/ARP.
Target Audience
Professionals looking to expand their understanding of interdisciplinary rheumatology care: nurses, occupational therapists, office managers and staff, physical therapists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, practice administrators, psychologists, researchers, social workers and community health workers, epidemiologists, health educators, health services researchers, medical assistants, rheumatology interprofessionals, and students.
Experienced professionals may also find the activity to be a helpful review.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Describe the basics of innate and adaptive immunity and their functions
Describe the structure and function of bone, muscle, cartilage, and connective tissue
Recognize the immunologic targets of various common disease-modifying agents and biologics
Describe the physiologic processes of inflammation, immunity, and immune deregulation in context of rheumatologic diseases
Recall the basics of joint structure, synovium, and different types of joints
CE & MOC Information
In support of improving patient care, the American College of Rheumatology is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Provider Number: 0003797
See the ACR's CE Mission Statement. For more information, download the AMA PRA Booklet.
Credit must be claimed by June 24, 2028, at 11:59 PM ET.
All participating healthcare professionals should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
Available Credit
CME: 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
AMA Designation Statement
The American College of Rheumatology designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Financial Relationship Disclosures
ACR Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to ensure that Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities are independent and free of commercial bias. To ensure educational content is objective, balanced, and guarantee content presented is in the best interest of its learners and the public, the ACR requires that everyone in a position to control educational content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the prior 24 months. An ineligible company is one whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Examples can be found at accme.org.
In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence inAccredited Continuing Education, ACR has implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity to identify and mitigate all relevant financial relationships for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.
Nature of Financial Relationships
All individuals that participate in an ACR-sponsored activity and are able to change content or influence the content of the activity must disclose to the planning committee and audience all financial or other relationships with ineligible companies including, but not limited to:
Advisor or review panel member
Consultant
Employee
Officer or Board Member
Grant/research support
Speaker/honoraria includes speaker’s bureau, symposia, and expert witness
Independent contractor
Executive role and/or ownership interest
Royalties and/or patent beneficiary
Intellectual property/patents
Stock options or bond holdings in a for-profitc orporation or self-directed pension plan
Private investigator
Expert witness
Equity interest
Other: specify details
None: Has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
All participants that created and/or were able to influence the content and delivery of this activity reported the following disclosures. All of the relevant financial relationships listed have been mitigated. FRC Relaunch 2025 Financial Relationship Disclosures.
Acknowledgement of Commercial Support
No commercial support was provided for this activity.
See industry engagement opportunities and benefits of supporting the ACR.
Educational Activity Policies
See ACR educational activity policies, including the online enduring activity refund policy.
Activity Overview
The Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course is a series of 10 activities that provide foundational knowledge and help develop skills that professionals new to rheumatology need to succeed in clinical practice.
This activity covers the signs, symptoms, and treatments of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and spondyloarthropathies in adults and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, (JIA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) in children. It addresses key areas such as pain management, psychosocial challenges, rehabilitation, and self-management support strategies.
Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course
This activity is part of a series. See the other activities in the series below.
Activity 1 – Discover the Basics: Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation
Activity 2 – Explore Systemic Inflammatory Diseases in Adults and Children
Activity 5 – Address Psychosocial Impact to Enhance Patient Outcomes
Activity 6 – Counsel your Patient on Rheumatology Medications
Activity 8 – Use Rehabilitation to Improve Your Patient’s Function, Fatigue, and Pain
Activity 9 – Stimulate and Support Your Patient’s Self-Management
Registration is complimentary for ACR/ARP members. If you are not a member, consider joining ACR/ARP.
Target Audience
Professionals looking to expand their understanding of interdisciplinary rheumatology care: nurses, occupational therapists, office managers and staff, physical therapists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, practice administrators, psychologists, researchers, social workers and community health workers, epidemiologists, health educators, health services researchers, medical assistants, rheumatology interprofessionals, and students.
Experienced professionals may also find the activity to be a helpful review.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Define the three major types of pediatric rheumatic diseases in childhood (JIA, SLE, JDM)
Identify the signs and symptoms seen in the three major rheumatic diseases of childhood
Describe initial treatment goals for the three major rheumatic diseases of childhood
Identify signs and symptoms and other key information about rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and spondyloarthropathies in adults
Explain the rationale for the use of ancillary studies to diagnose and monitor rheumatic disease activity in adults
Describe key treatment strategies to manage rheumatic disease in adults
CE & MOC Information
In support of improving patient care, the American College of Rheumatology is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Provider Number: 0003797
See the ACR's CE Mission Statement. For more information, download the AMA PRA Booklet.
Credit must be claimed by June 24, 2028, at 11:59 PM ET.
All participating healthcare professionals should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
Available Credit
CME: 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
AMA Designation Statement
The American College of Rheumatology designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Financial Relationship Disclosures
ACR Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to ensure that Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities are independent and free of commercial bias. To ensure educational content is objective, balanced, and guarantee content presented is in the best interest of its learners and the public, the ACR requires that everyone in a position to control educational content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the prior 24 months. An ineligible company is one whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Examples can be found at accme.org.
In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence inAccredited Continuing Education, ACR has implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity to identify and mitigate all relevant financial relationships for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.
Nature of Financial Relationships
All individuals that participate in an ACR-sponsored activity and are able to change content or influence the content of the activity must disclose to the planning committee and audience all financial or other relationships with ineligible companies including, but not limited to:
Advisor or review panel member
Consultant
Employee
Officer or Board Member
Grant/research support
Speaker/honoraria includes speaker’s bureau, symposia, and expert witness
Independent contractor
Executive role and/or ownership interest
Royalties and/or patent beneficiary
Intellectual property/patents
Stock options or bond holdings in a for-profitc orporation or self-directed pension plan
Private investigator
Expert witness
Equity interest
Other: specify details
None: Has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
All participants that created and/or were able to influence the content and delivery of this activity reported the following disclosures. All of the relevant financial relationships listed have been mitigated. FRC Relaunch 2025 Financial Relationship Disclosures.
Acknowledgement of Commercial Support
No commercial support was provided for this activity.
See industry engagement opportunities and benefits of supporting the ACR.
Educational Activity Policies
See ACR educational activity policies, including the online enduring activity refund policy.
Activity Overview
The Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course is a series of 10 activities that provide foundational knowledge and help develop skills that professionals new to rheumatology need to succeed in clinical practice.
Non-inflammatory conditions are among the most common rheumatic diseases. This activity focuses on distinguishing non-inflammatory conditions commonly seen in rheumatology, including osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and bursitis or tendonitis. It includes treatment goals, use of exercise in disease management, and role of abnormal pain processing in fibromyalgia.
Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course
This activity is part of a series. See the other activities in the series below.
Activity 1 – Discover the Basics: Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation
Activity 2 – Explore Systemic Inflammatory Diseases in Adults and Children
Activity 5 – Address Psychosocial Impact to Enhance Patient Outcomes
Activity 6 – Counsel your Patient on Rheumatology Medications
Activity 8 – Use Rehabilitation to Improve Your Patient’s Function, Fatigue, and Pain
Activity 9 – Stimulate and Support Your Patient’s Self-Management
Registration is complimentary for ACR/ARP members. If you are not a member, consider joining ACR/ARP.
Target Audience
Professionals looking to expand their understanding of interdisciplinary rheumatology care: nurses, occupational therapists, office managers and staff, physical therapists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, practice administrators, psychologists, researchers, social workers and community health workers, epidemiologists, health educators, health services researchers, medical assistants, rheumatology interprofessionals, and students.
Experienced professionals may also find the activity to be a helpful review.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Distinguish between the soft tissue conditions commonly seen in rheumatology, including osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and bursitis or tendonitis
Define the goals in the treatment of non-systemic rheumatic conditions
Discuss the role of exercise in the management of osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and bursitis/tendonitis
Describe how abnormal pain processing can lead to symptoms of fibromyalgia
CE & MOC Information
In support of improving patient care, the American College of Rheumatology is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Provider Number: 0003797
See the ACR's CE Mission Statement. For more information, download the AMA PRA Booklet.
Credit must be claimed by June 24, 2028, at 11:59 PM ET.
All participating healthcare professionals should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
Available Credit
CME: 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
AMA Designation Statement
The American College of Rheumatology designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Financial Relationship Disclosures
ACR Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to ensure that Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities are independent and free of commercial bias. To ensure educational content is objective, balanced, and guarantee content presented is in the best interest of its learners and the public, the ACR requires that everyone in a position to control educational content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the prior 24 months. An ineligible company is one whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Examples can be found at accme.org.
In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence inAccredited Continuing Education, ACR has implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity to identify and mitigate all relevant financial relationships for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.
Nature of Financial Relationships
All individuals that participate in an ACR-sponsored activity and are able to change content or influence the content of the activity must disclose to the planning committee and audience all financial or other relationships with ineligible companies including, but not limited to:
Advisor or review panel member
Consultant
Employee
Officer or Board Member
Grant/research support
Speaker/honoraria includes speaker’s bureau, symposia, and expert witness
Independent contractor
Executive role and/or ownership interest
Royalties and/or patent beneficiary
Intellectual property/patents
Stock options or bond holdings in a for-profitc orporation or self-directed pension plan
Private investigator
Expert witness
Equity interest
Other: specify details
None: Has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
All participants that created and/or were able to influence the content and delivery of this activity reported the following disclosures. All of the relevant financial relationships listed have been mitigated. FRC Relaunch 2025 Financial Relationship Disclosures.
Acknowledgement of Commercial Support
No commercial support was provided for this activity.
See industry engagement opportunities and benefits of supporting the ACR.
Educational Activity Policies
See ACR educational activity policies, including the online enduring activity refund policy.
Activity Overview
The Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course is a series of 10 activities that provide foundational knowledge and help develop skills that professionals new to rheumatology need to succeed in clinical practice.
A good assessment is the foundation of effective patient care. Learn key components to assess rheumatic disease symptoms and patient concerns, proper interview processes with a focus on involving the patient, the procedure for conducting a joint exam and recognizing abnormal findings, and the use of standardized instruments for assessing disease activity and functional status.
Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course
This activity is part of a series. See the other activities in the series below.
Activity 1 – Discover the Basics: Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation
Activity 2 – Explore Systemic Inflammatory Diseases in Adults and Children
Activity 5 – Address Psychosocial Impact to Enhance Patient Outcomes
Activity 6 – Counsel your Patient on Rheumatology Medications
Activity 8 – Use Rehabilitation to Improve Your Patient’s Function, Fatigue, and Pain
Activity 9 – Stimulate and Support Your Patient’s Self-Management
Registration is complimentary for ACR/ARP members. If you are not a member, consider joining ACR/ARP.
Target Audience
Professionals looking to expand their understanding of interdisciplinary rheumatology care: nurses, occupational therapists, office managers and staff, physical therapists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, practice administrators, psychologists, researchers, social workers and community health workers, epidemiologists, health educators, health services researchers, medical assistants, rheumatology interprofessionals, and students.
Experienced professionals may also find the activity to be a helpful review.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
List components of assessment for rheumatic disease symptoms and patient concerns
Describe interview process with a focus on involving patient in care
Describe procedure for conducting a joint exam and recognizing abnormal findings
Discuss use of psychometric/standardized tools for assessment of disease activity and functional status
CE & MOC Information
In support of improving patient care, the American College of Rheumatology is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Provider Number: 0003797
See the ACR's CE Mission Statement. For more information, download the AMA PRA Booklet.
Credit must be claimed by June 24, 2028, at 11:59 PM ET.
All participating healthcare professionals should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
Available Credit
CME: 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
AMA Designation Statement
The American College of Rheumatology designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Financial Relationship Disclosures
ACR Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to ensure that Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities are independent and free of commercial bias. To ensure educational content is objective, balanced, and guarantee content presented is in the best interest of its learners and the public, the ACR requires that everyone in a position to control educational content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the prior 24 months. An ineligible company is one whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Examples can be found at accme.org.
In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence inAccredited Continuing Education, ACR has implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity to identify and mitigate all relevant financial relationships for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.
Nature of Financial Relationships
All individuals that participate in an ACR-sponsored activity and are able to change content or influence the content of the activity must disclose to the planning committee and audience all financial or other relationships with ineligible companies including, but not limited to:
Advisor or review panel member
Consultant
Employee
Officer or Board Member
Grant/research support
Speaker/honoraria includes speaker’s bureau, symposia, and expert witness
Independent contractor
Executive role and/or ownership interest
Royalties and/or patent beneficiary
Intellectual property/patents
Stock options or bond holdings in a for-profitc orporation or self-directed pension plan
Private investigator
Expert witness
Equity interest
Other: specify details
None: Has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
All participants that created and/or were able to influence the content and delivery of this activity reported the following disclosures. All of the relevant financial relationships listed have been mitigated. FRC Relaunch 2025 Financial Relationship Disclosures.
Acknowledgement of Commercial Support
No commercial support was provided for this activity.
See industry engagement opportunities and benefits of supporting the ACR.
Educational Activity Policies
See ACR educational activity policies, including the online enduring activity refund policy.
Activity Overview
The Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course is a series of 10 activities that provide foundational knowledge and help develop skills that professionals new to rheumatology need to succeed in clinical practice.
Rheumatic diseases impact more than physical health: they can also impact overall quality of life. This activity describes the ways rheumatic disease can impact a person and their well-being. Learn to identify available resources and supports to mitigate the impact of rheumatic disease on psychosocial wellbeing.
Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course
This activity is part of a series. See the other activities in the series below.
Activity 1 – Discover the Basics: Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation
Activity 2 – Explore Systemic Inflammatory Diseases in Adults and Children
Activity 5 – Address Psychosocial Impact to Enhance Patient Outcomes
Activity 6 – Counsel your Patient on Rheumatology Medications
Activity 8 – Use Rehabilitation to Improve Your Patient’s Function, Fatigue, and Pain
Activity 9 – Stimulate and Support Your Patient’s Self-Management
Registration is complimentary for ACR/ARP members. If you are not a member, consider joining ACR/ARP.
Target Audience
Professionals looking to expand their understanding of interdisciplinary rheumatology care: nurses, occupational therapists, office managers and staff, physical therapists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, practice administrators, psychologists, researchers, social workers and community health workers, epidemiologists, health educators, health services researchers, medical assistants, rheumatology interprofessionals, and students.
Experienced professionals may also find the activity to be a helpful review.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Describe the multiple ways in which rheumatic disease impacts the person’s whole life
Discuss how small changes in clinical practice, by addressing patient preferences, needs, and values can enhance patient care and improve outcomes
Identify available resources and supports to mitigate the impact of rheumatic disease on psychosocial well-being
CE & MOC Information
In support of improving patient care, the American College of Rheumatology is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Provider Number: 0003797
See the ACR's CE Mission Statement. For more information, download the AMA PRA Booklet.
Credit must be claimed by June 24, 2028, at 11:59 PM ET.
All participating healthcare professionals should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
Available Credit
CME: 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
AMA Designation Statement
The American College of Rheumatology designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Financial Relationship Disclosures
ACR Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to ensure that Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities are independent and free of commercial bias. To ensure educational content is objective, balanced, and guarantee content presented is in the best interest of its learners and the public, the ACR requires that everyone in a position to control educational content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the prior 24 months. An ineligible company is one whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Examples can be found at accme.org.
In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence inAccredited Continuing Education, ACR has implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity to identify and mitigate all relevant financial relationships for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.
Nature of Financial Relationships
All individuals that participate in an ACR-sponsored activity and are able to change content or influence the content of the activity must disclose to the planning committee and audience all financial or other relationships with ineligible companies including, but not limited to:
Advisor or review panel member
Consultant
Employee
Officer or Board Member
Grant/research support
Speaker/honoraria includes speaker’s bureau, symposia, and expert witness
Independent contractor
Executive role and/or ownership interest
Royalties and/or patent beneficiary
Intellectual property/patents
Stock options or bond holdings in a for-profitc orporation or self-directed pension plan
Private investigator
Expert witness
Equity interest
Other: specify details
None: Has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
All participants that created and/or were able to influence the content and delivery of this activity reported the following disclosures. All of the relevant financial relationships listed have been mitigated. FRC Relaunch 2025 Financial Relationship Disclosures.
Acknowledgement of Commercial Support
No commercial support was provided for this activity.
See industry engagement opportunities and benefits of supporting the ACR.
Educational Activity Policies
See ACR educational activity policies, including the online enduring activity refund policy.
Activity Overview
The Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course is a series of 10 activities that provide foundational knowledge and help develop skills that professionals new to rheumatology need to succeed in clinical practice.
An understanding of medications used to treat rheumatic diseases is essential. Learn more about indications, dosages, patient safety concerns, potential medication errors, and mechanisms of action for corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and conventional and biologic DMARDS.
Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course
This activity is part of a series. See the other activities in the series below.
Activity 1 – Discover the Basics: Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation
Activity 2 – Explore Systemic Inflammatory Diseases in Adults and Children
Activity 5 – Address Psychosocial Impact to Enhance Patient Outcomes
Activity 6 – Counsel your Patient on Rheumatology Medications
Activity 8 – Use Rehabilitation to Improve Your Patient’s Function, Fatigue, and Pain
Activity 9 – Stimulate and Support Your Patient’s Self-Management
Registration is complimentary for ACR/ARP members. If you are not a member, consider joining ACR/ARP.
Target Audience
Professionals looking to expand their understanding of interdisciplinary rheumatology care: nurses, occupational therapists, office managers and staff, physical therapists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, practice administrators, psychologists, researchers, social workers and community health workers, epidemiologists, health educators, health services researchers, medical assistants, rheumatology interprofessionals, and students.
Experienced professionals may also find the activity to be a helpful review.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Describe the mechanism of action, dosage, and indications for corticosteroids, NSAIDs, conventional and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapies (DMARDs)
Identify patient safety concerns and potential medication errors associated with therapies used to treat rheumatic diseases
Evaluate the precautions, contraindications, and warnings involving the use of rheumatologic medications in high risk patients (i.e., hepatitis, heart failure, and malignancy)
CE & MOC Information
In support of improving patient care, the American College of Rheumatology is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Provider Number: 0003797
See the ACR's CE Mission Statement. For more information, download the AMA PRA Booklet.
Credit must be claimed by June 24, 2028, at 11:59 PM ET.
All participating healthcare professionals should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
Available Credit
CME: 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
AMA Designation Statement
The American College of Rheumatology designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Financial Relationship Disclosures
ACR Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to ensure that Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities are independent and free of commercial bias. To ensure educational content is objective, balanced, and guarantee content presented is in the best interest of its learners and the public, the ACR requires that everyone in a position to control educational content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the prior 24 months. An ineligible company is one whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Examples can be found at accme.org.
In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence inAccredited Continuing Education, ACR has implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity to identify and mitigate all relevant financial relationships for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.
Nature of Financial Relationships
All individuals that participate in an ACR-sponsored activity and are able to change content or influence the content of the activity must disclose to the planning committee and audience all financial or other relationships with ineligible companies including, but not limited to:
Advisor or review panel member
Consultant
Employee
Officer or Board Member
Grant/research support
Speaker/honoraria includes speaker’s bureau, symposia, and expert witness
Independent contractor
Executive role and/or ownership interest
Royalties and/or patent beneficiary
Intellectual property/patents
Stock options or bond holdings in a for-profitc orporation or self-directed pension plan
Private investigator
Expert witness
Equity interest
Other: specify details
None: Has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
All participants that created and/or were able to influence the content and delivery of this activity reported the following disclosures. All of the relevant financial relationships listed have been mitigated. FRC Relaunch 2025 Financial Relationship Disclosures.
Acknowledgement of Commercial Support
No commercial support was provided for this activity.
See industry engagement opportunities and benefits of supporting the ACR.
Educational Activity Policies
See ACR educational activity policies, including the online enduring activity refund policy.
Activity Overview
The Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course is a series of 10 activities that provide foundational knowledge and help develop skills that professionals new to rheumatology need to succeed in clinical practice.
Pain is a prominent feature in many rheumatic diseases. This activity focuses on the impact of pain, different types of pain, the biopsychosocial model of pain and pain management, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management strategies.
Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course
This activity is part of a series. See the other activities in the series below.
Activity 1 – Discover the Basics: Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation
Activity 2 – Explore Systemic Inflammatory Diseases in Adults and Children
Activity 5 – Address Psychosocial Impact to Enhance Patient Outcomes
Activity 6 – Counsel your Patient on Rheumatology Medications
Activity 8 – Use Rehabilitation to Improve Your Patient’s Function, Fatigue, and Pain
Activity 9 – Stimulate and Support Your Patient’s Self-Management
Registration is complimentary for ACR/ARP members. If you are not a member, consider joining ACR/ARP.
Target Audience
Professionals looking to expand their understanding of interdisciplinary rheumatology care: nurses, occupational therapists, office managers and staff, physical therapists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, practice administrators, psychologists, researchers, social workers and community health workers, epidemiologists, health educators, health services researchers, medical assistants, rheumatology interprofessionals, and students.
Experienced professionals may also find the activity to be a helpful review.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Discuss the prevalence and impact of pain in rheumatologic patients
Compare the different types of pain and how the approach to treatment might vary
Explain the biopsychosocial model of pain and pain management
Describe the most used pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for pain
CE & MOC Information
In support of improving patient care, the American College of Rheumatology is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Provider Number: 0003797
See the ACR's CE Mission Statement. For more information, download the AMA PRA Booklet.
Credit must be claimed by June 24, 2028, at 11:59 PM ET.
All participating healthcare professionals should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
Available Credit
CME: 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
AMA Designation Statement
The American College of Rheumatology designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Financial Relationship Disclosures
ACR Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to ensure that Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities are independent and free of commercial bias. To ensure educational content is objective, balanced, and guarantee content presented is in the best interest of its learners and the public, the ACR requires that everyone in a position to control educational content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the prior 24 months. An ineligible company is one whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Examples can be found at accme.org.
In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence inAccredited Continuing Education, ACR has implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity to identify and mitigate all relevant financial relationships for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.
Nature of Financial Relationships
All individuals that participate in an ACR-sponsored activity and are able to change content or influence the content of the activity must disclose to the planning committee and audience all financial or other relationships with ineligible companies including, but not limited to:
Advisor or review panel member
Consultant
Employee
Officer or Board Member
Grant/research support
Speaker/honoraria includes speaker’s bureau, symposia, and expert witness
Independent contractor
Executive role and/or ownership interest
Royalties and/or patent beneficiary
Intellectual property/patents
Stock options or bond holdings in a for-profitc orporation or self-directed pension plan
Private investigator
Expert witness
Equity interest
Other: specify details
None: Has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
All participants that created and/or were able to influence the content and delivery of this activity reported the following disclosures. All of the relevant financial relationships listed have been mitigated. FRC Relaunch 2025 Financial Relationship Disclosures.
Acknowledgement of Commercial Support
No commercial support was provided for this activity.
See industry engagement opportunities and benefits of supporting the ACR.
Educational Activity Policies
See ACR educational activity policies, including the online enduring activity refund policy.
Activity Overview
The Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course is a series of 10 activities that provide foundational knowledge and help develop skills that professionals new to rheumatology need to succeed in clinical practice.
Maintaining or improving function and quality of life for rheumatic disease patients should be top priority. This activity will introduce key tools and techniques from the rehabilitation toolbox. It will also discuss when and how to refer to rehabilitation professionals and introduce other members of the interprofessional rheumatology team.
Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course
This activity is part of a series. See the other activities in the series below.
Activity 1 – Discover the Basics: Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation
Activity 2 – Explore Systemic Inflammatory Diseases in Adults and Children
Activity 5 – Address Psychosocial Impact to Enhance Patient Outcomes
Activity 6 – Counsel your Patient on Rheumatology Medications
Activity 8 – Use Rehabilitation to Improve Your Patient’s Function, Fatigue, and Pain
Activity 9 – Stimulate and Support Your Patient’s Self-Management
Registration is complimentary for ACR/ARP members. If you are not a member, consider joining ACR/ARP.
Target Audience
Professionals looking to expand their understanding of interdisciplinary rheumatology care: nurses, occupational therapists, office managers and staff, physical therapists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, practice administrators, psychologists, researchers, social workers and community health workers, epidemiologists, health educators, health services researchers, medical assistants, rheumatology interprofessionals, and students.
Experienced professionals may also find the activity to be a helpful review.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Describe the importance of maintaining or restoring function in rheumatic disease care
Identify key therapeutic techniques and tools in the rehabilitation toolkit for adults and children with rheumatic diseases
Explain when and why to refer rheumatology patients to rehabilitation professionals
Describe key roles of members of the interprofessional team involved in comprehensive rheumatology care
CE & MOC Information
In support of improving patient care, the American College of Rheumatology is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Provider Number: 0003797
See the ACR's CE Mission Statement. For more information, download the AMA PRA Booklet.
Credit must be claimed by June 24, 2028, at 11:59 PM ET.
All participating healthcare professionals should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
Available Credit
CME: 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
AMA Designation Statement
The American College of Rheumatology designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Financial Relationship Disclosures
ACR Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to ensure that Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities are independent and free of commercial bias. To ensure educational content is objective, balanced, and guarantee content presented is in the best interest of its learners and the public, the ACR requires that everyone in a position to control educational content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the prior 24 months. An ineligible company is one whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Examples can be found at accme.org.
In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence inAccredited Continuing Education, ACR has implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity to identify and mitigate all relevant financial relationships for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.
Nature of Financial Relationships
All individuals that participate in an ACR-sponsored activity and are able to change content or influence the content of the activity must disclose to the planning committee and audience all financial or other relationships with ineligible companies including, but not limited to:
Advisor or review panel member
Consultant
Employee
Officer or Board Member
Grant/research support
Speaker/honoraria includes speaker’s bureau, symposia, and expert witness
Independent contractor
Executive role and/or ownership interest
Royalties and/or patent beneficiary
Intellectual property/patents
Stock options or bond holdings in a for-profitc orporation or self-directed pension plan
Private investigator
Expert witness
Equity interest
Other: specify details
None: Has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
All participants that created and/or were able to influence the content and delivery of this activity reported the following disclosures. All of the relevant financial relationships listed have been mitigated. FRC Relaunch 2025 Financial Relationship Disclosures.
Acknowledgement of Commercial Support
No commercial support was provided for this activity.
See industry engagement opportunities and benefits of supporting the ACR.
Educational Activity Policies
See ACR educational activity policies, including the online enduring activity refund policy.
Activity Overview
The Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course is a series of 10 activities that provide foundational knowledge and help develop skills that professionals new to rheumatology need to succeed in clinical practice.
Patients make self-management decisions each day. This activity focuses on strategies you can use in routine clinical practice to guide and support your patients' self-management efforts. It also introduces self-management education and other support programs in the community to help patients develop self-management knowledge, confidence, and skills.
Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course
This activity is part of a series. See the other activities in the series below.
Activity 1 – Discover the Basics: Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation
Activity 2 – Explore Systemic Inflammatory Diseases in Adults and Children
Activity 5 – Address Psychosocial Impact to Enhance Patient Outcomes
Activity 6 – Counsel your Patient on Rheumatology Medications
Activity 8 – Use Rehabilitation to Improve Your Patient’s Function, Fatigue, and Pain
Activity 9 – Stimulate and Support Your Patient’s Self-Management
Registration is complimentary for ACR/ARP members. If you are not a member, consider joining ACR/ARP.
Target Audience
Professionals looking to expand their understanding of interdisciplinary rheumatology care: nurses, occupational therapists, office managers and staff, physical therapists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, practice administrators, psychologists, researchers, social workers and community health workers, epidemiologists, health educators, health services researchers, medical assistants, rheumatology interprofessionals, and students.
Experienced professionals may also find the activity to be a helpful review.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Distinguish between patient self-management and multidimensional self- management support
Identify core self-management and self-management support skills and activities
Discuss at least two practical strategies to incorporate self-management support into routine clinical practice
Describe structured self-management education and other support programs that can assist patients in developing self-management knowledge, confidence, and skills
CE & MOC Information
In support of improving patient care, the American College of Rheumatology is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Provider Number: 0003797
See the ACR's CE Mission Statement. For more information, download the AMA PRA Booklet.
Credit must be claimed by June 24, 2028, at 11:59 PM ET.
All participating healthcare professionals should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
Available Credit
CME: 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
AMA Designation Statement
The American College of Rheumatology designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Financial Relationship Disclosures
ACR Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to ensure that Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities are independent and free of commercial bias. To ensure educational content is objective, balanced, and guarantee content presented is in the best interest of its learners and the public, the ACR requires that everyone in a position to control educational content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the prior 24 months. An ineligible company is one whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Examples can be found at accme.org.
In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence inAccredited Continuing Education, ACR has implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity to identify and mitigate all relevant financial relationships for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.
Nature of Financial Relationships
All individuals that participate in an ACR-sponsored activity and are able to change content or influence the content of the activity must disclose to the planning committee and audience all financial or other relationships with ineligible companies including, but not limited to:
Advisor or review panel member
Consultant
Employee
Officer or Board Member
Grant/research support
Speaker/honoraria includes speaker’s bureau, symposia, and expert witness
Independent contractor
Executive role and/or ownership interest
Royalties and/or patent beneficiary
Intellectual property/patents
Stock options or bond holdings in a for-profitc orporation or self-directed pension plan
Private investigator
Expert witness
Equity interest
Other: specify details
None: Has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
All participants that created and/or were able to influence the content and delivery of this activity reported the following disclosures. All of the relevant financial relationships listed have been mitigated. FRC Relaunch 2025 Financial Relationship Disclosures.
Acknowledgement of Commercial Support
No commercial support was provided for this activity.
See industry engagement opportunities and benefits of supporting the ACR.
Educational Activity Policies
See ACR educational activity policies, including the online enduring activity refund policy.
Activity Overview
The Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course is a series of 10 activities that provide foundational knowledge and help develop skills that professionals new to rheumatology need to succeed in clinical practice.
Children, adolescents, and young adults with rheumatic diseases need special consideration. This activity will focus on the importance of patient- and family-centered care, and the impact of the stages of growth and development on treatment decisions. It also addresses the cultural, socioeconomic, physiological, and psychological considerations that impact care of pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases.
Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course
This activity is part of a series. See the other activities in the series below.
Activity 1 – Discover the Basics: Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation
Activity 2 – Explore Systemic Inflammatory Diseases in Adults and Children
Activity 5 – Address Psychosocial Impact to Enhance PatientOutcomes
Activity 6 – Counsel your Patient on Rheumatology Medications
Activity 8 – Use Rehabilitation to Improve Your Patient’sFunction, Fatigue, and Pain
Activity 9 – Stimulate and Support Your Patient’s Self-Management
Registration is complimentary for ACR/ARP members. If you are not a member, consider joining ACR/ARP.
Target Audience
Professionals looking to expand their understanding of interdisciplinary rheumatology care: nurses, occupational therapists, office managers and staff, physical therapists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, practice administrators, psychologists, researchers, social workers and community health workers, epidemiologists, health educators, health services researchers, medical assistants, rheumatology interprofessionals, and students.
Experienced professionals may also find the activity to be a helpful review.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Analyze the impact the stages of growth and development have on treatment decisions and health education
Explain the importance of family centered care on decision making and coordination of care throughout the care continuum for children, adolescents, and young adults with rheumatic diseases
Discuss cultural, socioeconomic, physiological, and psychological considerations that will impact the care of children, adolescents, and young adults with rheumatic diseases
Describe legal rights to help caregivers, children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate primary and secondary education
Discuss steps to promote successful transitions from diagnosis to transfer to adult care
CE & MOC Information
In support of improving patient care, the American College of Rheumatology is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Provider Number: 0003797
See the ACR's CE Mission Statement. For more information, download the AMA PRA Booklet.
Credit must be claimed by June 24, 2028, at 11:59 PM ET.
All participating healthcare professionals should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
Available Credit
CME: 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
AMA Designation Statement
The American College of Rheumatology designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Financial Relationship Disclosures
ACR Disclosure Statement
It is the policy of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to ensure that Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities are independent and free of commercial bias. To ensure educational content is objective, balanced, and guarantee content presented is in the best interest of its learners and the public, the ACR requires that everyone in a position to control educational content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the prior 24 months. An ineligible company is one whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Examples can be found at accme.org.
In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence inAccredited Continuing Education, ACR has implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity to identify and mitigate all relevant financial relationships for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.
Nature of Financial Relationships
All individuals that participate in an ACR-sponsored activity and are able to change content or influence the content of the activity must disclose to the planning committee and audience all financial or other relationships with ineligible companies including, but not limited to:
Advisor or review panel member
Consultant
Employee
Officer or Board Member
Grant/research support
Speaker/honoraria includes speaker’s bureau, symposia, and expert witness
Independent contractor
Executive role and/or ownership interest
Royalties and/or patent beneficiary
Intellectual property/patents
Stock options or bond holdings in a for-profitc orporation or self-directed pension plan
Private investigator
Expert witness
Equity interest
Other: specify details
None: Has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
All participants that created and/or were able to influence the content and delivery of this activity reported the following disclosures. All of the relevant financial relationships listed have been mitigated. FRC Relaunch 2025 Financial Relationship Disclosures.
Acknowledgement of Commercial Support
No commercial support was provided for this activity.
See industry engagement opportunities and benefits of supporting the ACR.
Educational Activity Policies
See ACR educational activity policies, including the online enduring activity refund policy.
