AACVPR CCRP study plan

Assign each of 10 written patient vignettes to the correct AACVPR risk category (low, moderate, high) and justify the assignment with at least two supporting clinical data points

Interpret pre-participation data from each vignette: LVEF, functional capacity in METs, resting ECG rate/rhythm, resting BP, and 6-minute walk distance

Differentiate absolute and relative contraindications to exercise training and match each contraindication to the action it requires (defer, modify, or proceed with monitoring)

Distinguish indications for symptom-limited versus submaximal exercise testing in inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehab settings

Sequence a complete pre-exercise assessment for each of 5 cases, listing the data that must be collected and the decision each data point drives

Identify rate, rhythm, and ischemic changes on 15 single-lead rhythm strip descriptions and state whether exercise should start, be modified, or be withheld

Calculate target heart rate three ways (%HRmax, Karvonen, and heart rate reserve-derived range) and reconcile disagreements using RPE and rate-pressure product

Classify 8 case descriptions by NYHA functional class and Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class and state the exercise implication of each class

Write full FITT prescriptions (frequency, intensity, time, type, progression) for 8 profiles: post-MI, post-CABG, HFrEF, post-PCI, stable angina, PAD, cardiac transplant, and older adult with frailty

Convert between treadmill speed and grade, METs, watts, and VO2 for 12 worked problems and check each answer against a second method

List indications, contraindications, and absolute termination criteria for graded exercise testing and match each to a sample scenario

Interpret 10 graded exercise test summaries for ST segment change, chronotropic response, heart rate recovery, blood pressure response, and exercise-induced arrhythmia

Adjust exercise intensity, monitoring, and progression for patients taking beta blockers, diuretics, nitrates, and rate-controlling agents, stating the physiologic rationale for each adjustment

Describe how to modify the training session for a patient with diabetes (glucose timing, foot care, hypoglycemia signs) and one with COPD or claudication

Explain warm-up, cool-down, and resistance training parameters, including sets, repetitions, and frequency, for cardiac rehab participants

Complete a timed mixed-domain self-assessment and tag every missed item to a domain and sub-topic

Build a drug class table for antiplatelets, anticoagulants, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors/ARBs/ARNI, MRAs, SGLT2 inhibitors, statins, and diuretics listing mechanism, key monitoring parameter, and exercise-relevant effect

State current guideline targets for LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, HbA1c, physical activity minutes, and tobacco cessation and match each to a counseling script

Describe exercise considerations and precautions for heart failure, atrial fibrillation, valvular disease, and peripheral artery disease

Identify the exercise-relevant adverse effects that require holding a session or notifying a clinician

Outline the core components of a cardiac rehab program, including patient assessment, nutritional counseling, risk factor management, psychosocial support, and physical activity counseling

Draft an emergency preparedness plan covering equipment, drill frequency, roles, and documentation for a cardiac rehab gym

Explain staffing ratios, staff competency requirements, and equipment standards for a program of a stated size

Describe the outcome measures a program must track and how each is calculated or reported

Map the referral pathway from hospitalization to enrollment and list three strategies that address each of the top enrollment barriers

Describe coverage and reimbursement rules that govern cardiac rehab participation, including eligible diagnoses and session limits

Translate accreditation and quality requirements into a checklist a program manager could audit against

Design a quality improvement cycle for a stated program problem, including measure, target, intervention, and re-measurement

Complete two timed 100-question practice exams under exam conditions and record domain-level percentage scores

Re-teach and re-test every missed item until each weak sub-topic is answered correctly twice

Consolidate the four domain reference sheets into a single one-page pre-exam summary of numbers, thresholds, and formulas

Recalculate readiness per domain and schedule final review time in proportion to the lowest domain score