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ForwardUnderstanding the Basics: Kidney Function, Risk Factors and Early Detection
Course Description
The first activity of the American Kidney Fund's professional education curriculum designed specifically for healthcare professionals who play a critical role in kidney disease prevention, early detection, patient education, and care coordination. This course addresses a significant gap in kidney-specific education for frontline professionals and aligns with the American Kidney Fund’s mission to improve outcomes and reduce disparities for people affected by kidney disease.
Method of Participation
For successful completion, participants are required to complete all components of the online course including the post-test assessment (minimum score of 80% required) and course evaluation. After successful completion, participants will be able to claim continuing education credit (if offered for your profession) and obtain a certificate of completion.
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Target Audience
- Dialysis technicians
- Nurses
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Professionals holding CHES certification
- Social workers
Learning Objectives
- Describe basic kidney anatomy and core physiologic functions
- Identify common and emerging risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Interpret key kidney health markers (eGFR, serum creatinine, UACR, Cystatin C)
- Apply current screening recommendations to clinical practice
- Recognize barriers to early detection and patient engagement
- Utilize AKF tools to support patient education and shared decision-making
Additional Information
Shahzia A. Lakhani, MSN, ACNP-BC
Continuing Education (CE) credits and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are available at no-cost to eligible health professionals. Please see below for available CE/CME credits.
Certified Health Education Specialists/Master Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®/MCHES®): This course is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.0 total Category I education contact hours, 1.0 total Advanced-level CECH, and 1.0 total Continuing Competency CECH.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW): This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886443948-7372) for 1.0 continuing education contact hours
National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT): The California Board of Registered Nursing has approved this program for 1.0 continuing education contact hours.
American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA): This activity has been reviewed by the American Academy of Physician Associates Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid from 5/1/2026 to 4/30/2027. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation. AAPA reference number: CME-2015195.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP): This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 0 hour(s) of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®. Activity ID# 26037711. This activity was planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies.
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): Approval for contact hours is pending.
Available Credit
- 1.00 National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT)
- 1.00 National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- 1.00 National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC)