National Lipid Association Self-Assessment Program

Program Overview

The National Lipid Association (NLA) developed the National Lipid Association Self-Assessment Program (NLA-SAP) to provide a critical assessment of your knowledge and to guide you in the selection of additional training courses as well as prepare you for certification as a Lipid Specialist. The NLA-SAP will evaluate your clinical knowledge of the core curriculum in clinical lipidology as well as challenge your problem-solving skills in the diagnosis and management of patients with dyslipidemia.

The following modules comprise the self-assessment program:

• Module 1 – The Science of Lipidology: Lipid Metabolism, Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis and Genetic Disorders
• Module 2 – Evidence-based Medicine and Statistics: ASCVD Risk Assessment and Risk Indicators and Subclinical Atherosclerosis Detection
• Module 3 – Contemporary Management of Dyslipidemia: Therapeutic Lifestyle Change
• Module 4 – Contemporary Management of Dyslipidemia: Pharmacologic Therapy
• Module 5 - CLM-SAP 20 - 2023 Guidelines: Standards of Care for Dyslipidemia

Program Format

The NLA-SAP is an online self-assessment program. Modules can be completed from any computer, tablet or device with internet access. Each module contains multiple-choice questions. Participants answer each question and receive immediate feedback including the correct answer, the rationale for the correct answer and references for additional study. Each question's rationale is based on the most current, peer-reviewed published information to help you strengthen and reinforce your knowledge.

Once a module is completed, please email nlasap@lipid.org to receive the required activity evaluation. Upon receipt of the evaluation(s), the user will be issued the content for review and the certificate(s) for CME/CE credit.

Participant Testimonials

"Excellent questions that made me realize I don’t understand the material as clearly as I thought I did!"

"Kept my interest and helped me understand guideline-developed risk assessment."

"Excellent program for those preparing for certification or who just want to learn lipid management."

"This program helped me assess my current knowledge and pointed out the areas that I need to reinforce with further study."

Activity Format Enduring Internet Activity

Release Date: May 31, 2023
Expiration Date: May 31, 2026

Fee Information
This course offered to NLA members at a cost of $125 for each module or $625 for all five modules. All other participants may purchase this course at a cost of $175 each or $875 for all five modules.

Program Overview
The NLA-SAP will evaluate your clinical knowledge of the core curriculum in clinical lipidology as well as challenge your problem-solving skills in the diagnosis and management of patients with dyslipidemia. The NLA-SAP is an online self-assessment program. Modules can be completed from any computer, tablet or device with internet access. Each module contains multiple-choice questions. Participants answer each question and receive immediate feedback including the correct answer, the rationale for the correct answer and references for additional study. Each question’s rationale is based on the most current, peer-reviewed published information to help you strengthen and reinforce your knowledge

Target Audience
This activity is designed to meet the needs of physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, registered nurses, advance practice registered nurses, nurse practitioners and registered dietitians.

Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of these activities, all participants should be able to:

Module 1 – The Science of Lipidology: Lipid Metabolism, Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis and Genetic Disorders

• Describe the pathophysiology of lipoprotein metabolism.
• Review genetic disorders affecting lipoprotein metabolism and their molecular etiology.
• Review genetic mutations of hereditary dyslipidemias.
• Examine the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaque development and progression.
• Recognize the role of inflammation in atherosclerosis.
• Examine primary and secondary causes of dyslipidemia.
• Evaluate representative clinical cases in the management of patients with dyslipidemia.

Module 2 – Evidence-based Medicine and Statistics: ASCVD Risk Assessment and Risk Indicators and Subclinical Atherosclerosis Detection

• Identify risk factors associated with ASCVD
• Recognize special populations with increased cardiometabolic risk factors.
• Review current issues and approaches to global risk assessment.
• Review the role of biomarkers in cardiovascular disease risk assessment and management.
• Identify the clinical utility of established and emerging cardiovascular imaging modalities.
• Evaluate representative clinical cases in the management of patients with dyslipidemia.

Module 3 – Contemporary Management of Dyslipidemia: Therapeutic Lifestyle Change

• Recognize the role of nutrition and nutritional supplements in the treatment of dyslipidemia.
• Review characteristics of various diets for the prevention and management of ASCVD.
• Discuss effective diet and lifestyle strategies for the management of dyslipidemia.
• Examine the effects of diet and exercise on various lipid measures and weight loss.
• Review the role of various types of physical activity on dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk.
• Evaluate representative clinical cases in the management of patients with dyslipidemia.

Module 4 – Contemporary Management of Dyslipidemia: Pharmacologic Therapy

• Recognize the role of drug therapy in the management of dyslipidemia.
• Review the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of available FDA approved drugs.
• Examine clinical trials of lipid-altering drug therapies used in cardiovascular disease prevention.
• Assess the side effects of lipid-altering drugs to encourage their safe use in cardiovascular disease prevention.
• Discuss combination therapies for the management of complex lipid disorders and residual risk.
• Recognize the appropriate use of lipid-altering drugs in special populations.
• Evaluate representative clinical cases in the management of patients with dyslipidemia.

Module 5 – CLM-SAP 20 - Guidelines: Standards of Care for Dyslipidemia

• Analyze the 2023 Dyslipidemia guideline.
• Evaluate representative clinical cases for the management of dyslipidemia.
• Create evidence-based treatment plans based on recommendations from the 2023 cholesterol guideline.
• Recognize differences in lipid management recommendations for special populations.
• Explain recommendations for managing dyslipidemia relative to specific disease states.
• Describe the principle of lipid management for primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD.
• Recommend effective diet and lifestyle strategies for dyslipidemia management.
• Describe statin-associated side effects and identify guideline recommend management strategies.

Criteria for Success
Statements of credit will be awarded based on the participant's completion and submission of the activity evaluation form. A statement of credit will be available for download upon completion of the online evaluation form. In order to receive credit, participants should complete the online course, score at least 30% on the post-test, and submit the evaluation. The deadline to claim credit is June 20, 2026.

For Pharmacists: Upon receipt of the completed activity evaluation form, transcript information will be available at www.mycpemonitor.net within 4 weeks.

For Dietitians: Upon completion of the activity evaluation form, dietitians may submit evaluations of the quality of activities/materials to CDR. Poor evaluations of activities/materials may trigger an audit of the activities / materials by CDR.

Estimated Time for Completion: 20.5 hours

Commercial Support
There is no commercial support for these activities.

Credit Designation

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by The National Lipid Association. The National Lipid Association 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.

Module 1
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 3.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
Module 2
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 4.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
Module 3
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 4.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
Module 4
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
Module 5
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 3.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Physician Credit Designation Statement

Module 1:
The National Lipid Association designates this enduring internet activity for a maximum of 3.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Module 2:
The National Lipid Association designates this enduring internet activity for a maximum of 4.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Module 3:
The National Lipid Association designates this enduring internet activity for a maximum of 4.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Module 4:
The National Lipid Association designates this enduring internet activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Module 5:
The National Lipid Association designates this enduring internet activity for a maximum of 3.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extentof their participation in the activity.

Physician Assistants
NCCPA accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ from organizations accredited by ACCME.

Dietitians
The National Lipid Association is a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Accredited Provider with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
Module 1
Registered dietitians (RDs) and dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs) will receive 3.5 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) for completion of this program/ materials. CDR Accredited Provider #NL0002.
Module 2
Registered dietitians (RDs) and dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs) will receive 4.25 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) for completion of this program/ materials. CDR Accredited Provider #NL0002.
Module 3
Registered dietitians (RDs) and dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs) will receive 4.5 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) for completion of this program/ materials. CDR Accredited Provider #NL0002.
Module 4
Registered dietitians (RDs) and dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs) will receive 3 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) for completion of this program/ materials. CDR Accredited Provider #NL0002.
Module 5
Registered dietitians (RDs) and dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs) will receive 3.25 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) for completion of this program/ materials. CDR Accredited Provider #NL0002.

Pharmacists

Module:
Universal Activity Number – JA0007192-0000-23-017-H01-P (Application)
This Activity has been approved for 3.5 contact hour(s) (.35 CEUs) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Module 2:
Universal Activity Number – JA0007192-0000-23-018-H01-P (Application)
This Activity has been approved for 4.50 contact hour(s) (.45 CEUs) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Module 3:
Universal Activity Number – JA0007192-0000-23-019-H01-P (Application)
This Activity has been approved for 4.75 contact hour(s) (.475 CEUs) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Module 4:
Universal Activity Number – JA0007192-0000-23-020-H01-P (Application)
This Activity has been approved for 3 contact hour(s) (.3 CEUs) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Module 5:
Universal Activity Number- JA0007192-0000-23-015-H01-P (Application)
This Activity has been approved for 3.25 contact hour(3) (.35 CEUs) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

Nursing

Module 1:
The maximum number of hours awarded for this CE activity is 3.4 contact hours. For the advanced practice nurse, this activity has 1 contact hours of pharmacotherapy content.
Module 2:
The maximum number of hours awarded for this CE activity is 4 contact hours. For the advanced practice nurse, this activity has 1 contact hours of pharmacotherapy content.
Module 3:
The maximum number of hours awarded for this CE activity is 4.4 contact hours. For the advanced practice nurse, this activity has 1 contact hours of pharmacotherapy content.
Module 4:
The maximum number of hours awarded for this CE activity is 2.9 contact hours. For the advanced practice nurse, this activity has 2.9 contact hours of pharmacotherapy content.
Module 5:
The maximum number of hours awarded for this CE activity is 3.2 contact hours. For the advanced practice nurse, this activity has 3.2 contact hours of pharmacotherapy content.

Program Faculty Affiliations and Disclosures

Editor

Joseph Saseen, PharmD, CLS, FNLA
Professor and Vice Chair
Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Colorado
Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, CO
Joseph Saseen has no financial relationships with commercial interests.

Associate Editors

Zahid Ahmad, MD, FNLA
Associate Professor
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, TX
Zahid Ahmad has no financial relationships with commercial interests.

Dinesh Kalra, MD, FACC, FSCCT, FSCMR, FNLA
Director, Lipid Clinic and Advanced Cardiac Imaging
University of Louisville School of Medicine
Louisville, KY
Dinesh Kalra has no financial relationships with commercial interests.

Carol Kirkpatrick, PhD, MPH, RDN, CLS, FNLA
Clinical Scientist
MB Clinical Research & Consulting, LLC
Pocatello, ID
Carol Kirkpatrick has no financial relationships with commercial interests.

Disclosure of Unlabeled Use and Investigational Products
This educational activity may include discussion of uses of agents that are investigational and/or unapproved by the FDA. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.

Disclosure Declaration
It is the policy of NLA to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in all of its continuing education activities. The faculty must disclose to the participants any significant relationships with commercial interests whose products or devices may be mentioned in the activity or with the commercial supporter of this continuing education activity. Identified conflict of interest is resolved by NLA prior to accreditation of the activity. NLA planners and reviewers have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Disclaimer
This course is designed solely to provide the healthcare professional with information to assist in his/her practice and professional development and is not to be considered a diagnostic tool to replace professional advice or treatment. The course serves as a general guide to the healthcare professional, and therefore, cannot be considered as giving legal, nursing, medical, or other professional advice in specific cases. The NLA specifically disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through reader's misunderstanding of content.

Permissions
The National Lipid Association acknowledges that permissions have been obtained for use of all copyrighted materials, including graphs, tables, pictures, and charts printed in this activity syllabus. Permissions have also been obtained from identifiable patients in photographs and other images, consistent with the DHHS HIPAA regulations for individual privacy.

System Requirements
To view this educational activity, you will need:

• Operating system: Windows, MAC, ChromeOS
• RAM: Minimum 4GB
• Processor: Minimum 2.30GHz
• Browsers: Chrome version: 62 or greater, Firefox version: 54 or greater
• Internet speed: Minimum 4MBPS

Note: We request you to use LAN connected internet (Wired) & the internet speed flow has be constant with minimum 4MBPS