Chronic Kidney Disease Course

Improve patient outcomes through early recognition and evidence-based management of CKD with this self-paced online course, developed by NPs with nephrology input for clinicians across Canada and the U.S.

Launching Fall 2026. Registration is open now.

Included at no additional cost with another NP Circle course or program purchased by December 31, 2026.

NP Circle is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

We’ve got you covered

  • Created by expert NPs

    With nephrology input, built for real-world CKD care.

  • Clinical reasoning first

    Taught through clinical reasoning, not isolated lab values.

  • Detection to referral

    From early detection through management and referral.

  • At your pace

    Self-paced, on-demand modules with lifetime access.

  • Private clinician community

    A space for shared learning and your questions.

Meet the faculty

  • Headshot of Aliya Hajee

    Aliya Hajee

    MN, BScN, NP, MSCP
    Nurse Practitioner
    Course Creator & Instructor

  • Headshot of Alix Consorti

    Alix Consorti

    MN, BScN, NP, MSCP
    Nurse Practitioner
    Course Creator

  • daniel schwartz

    Dr. Daniel Schwartz

    MD, FRCPC
    Nephrologist
    Subject Matter Expert & Course Creator

  • Headshot of Mary Smith

    Mary Smith

    PhD, NP-PHC
    Nurse Practitioner & Kidney Health Researcher
    Expert Reviewer

  • Headshot of Claudia Mariano

    Claudia Mariano

    MSc, BScN, PHCNP
    Retired Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Reviewer

Course overview

Chronic kidney disease is common, progressive, and often under-recognized in primary care. Early disease can be missed, risk underestimated, and opportunities to slow progression lost.

This course gives NPs and other primary care clinicians a practical, evidence-based framework for identifying, staging, and managing CKD across the continuum of care. It is taught through clinical reasoning rather than isolated lab values: you’ll learn to recognize CKD earlier, interpret kidney investigations with confidence, assess risk, and apply evidence-based strategies to slow disease progression and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Across 3 modules, the course moves from foundational concepts and early detection through diagnosis, risk stratification, evidence-based management, and comprehensive care, including when to escalate care or refer to nephrology. It draws on current Canadian, U.S., and international guidance, with lab values in SI units and conventional units where applicable.

Who it’s for

This course is designed for NPs and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of adults with or at risk for chronic kidney disease. It is particularly relevant for clinicians in primary care and other settings where CKD is commonly identified and managed.

Learning objectives

By the end of this activity, learners will be able to:

  1. Identify chronic kidney disease earlier in primary care using appropriate screening and confirmation strategies.

  2. Describe the evidence-based frameworks used to stage CKD accurately and assess patient risk.

  3. Interpret common kidney-related labs, specifically albuminuria and eGFR, to support clinical decision-making.

  4. Apply evidence-based strategies to slow CKD progression and reduce cardiovascular risk in the primary care setting.

  5. Recognize clinical indicators that require escalation of care or referral to nephrology.

What you’ll learn

  • Foundations of CKD in Primary Care

    MODULE 1

    Build a strong foundation for recognizing CKD early and understanding how and why kidney disease develops and progresses.

    Topics include

    • Definitions, classification, and staging

    • Pathophysiology of disease progression

    • Epidemiology and major risk factors

    • Systemic consequences

    • Screening in primary care

  • Diagnosis, Staging, and Risk Stratification

    MODULE 2

    Develop a structured approach to interpreting kidney investigations, establishing the diagnosis, assessing risk, monitoring progression, and determining when nephrology involvement is needed.

    Topics include

    • Creatinine and eGFR interpretation

    • Albuminuria assessment and interpretation

    • Urinalysis in kidney disease evaluation

    • Applying KDIGO staging in practice

    • Identifying the underlying etiology

    • Monitoring in primary care

    • Screening for complications

    • Recognizing when to refer to nephrology

  • Management and Comprehensive Care

    MODULE 3

    Apply evidence-based strategies to slow CKD progression, reduce cardiovascular risk, manage complications, and support patients across the CKD journey.

    Topics include

    • Lifestyle management

    • Blood pressure management

    • Diabetes management

    • SGLT2 inhibitors

    • RAAS blockade and hyperkalemia management

    • Managing complications

    • Cardiovascular risk reduction

    • Advanced strategies to slow disease progression, including non-steroidal MRAs and GLP-1 receptor agonists

    • Preparing for advanced kidney care

    • Immunization and infection prevention

    • Multidisciplinary care models

  • Ready to feel more confident managing CKD?

    Build a practical, evidence-based approach to identifying CKD earlier, assessing risk, slowing disease progression, reducing cardiovascular risk, and knowing when to refer.

    • Self-paced: Complete the course on your own schedule.

    • Expert-developed: Developed by NPs with nephrology input.

    • Primary care focused: Screening, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and referral.

    • Clinically relevant: Apply what you learn to real-world CKD care.

    • Built for Canada and the U.S.: Relevant guidance and units for clinicians across both countries.

    • Continuing education: ANCC contact hours and pharmacology hours to be announced.

    Two ways to get the CKD Course

    Included with any NP Circle course or program
    Buy any NP Circle course or program by December 31, 2026, and the CKD Course is included at no extra cost. Already purchased one? You’re already included.
    Browse courses and programs

    Enroll in the CKD Course on its own
    Get the CKD Course by itself. No other NP Circle course or program purchase is required.
    Enroll in the CKD Course

Testimonials

FAQs

Boehringer Ingelheim logo

This course was supported by an educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim. Boehringer Ingelheim did not participate in the planning, content, delivery, or evaluation of this activity.