Leadership Development Academy

Become the Kind of Leader You Want to See

2026 Cohort Applications Are Open

The AACVPR Leadership Development Academy is an exclusive, eight-month, virtual program designed to support the growth of current and aspiring leaders in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. This program is ideal for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program directors, healthcare administrators, nurses, exercise physiologists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and any other professionals aspiring to lead and manage cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

50 professionals will be invited to join the AACVPR Leadership Development Academy cohort gaining foundational skills in program management through a comprehensive curriculum covering eight crucial areas including financial management, quality improvement, and human resource leadership. Under the guidance of industry experts, participants will enhance their skills and apply them to a practical capstone project, addressing a real-world challenge at their current or prospective program.

→ Learning Objectives (click to expand)

Acquire skills that'll address the complexities of management and operations in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation impacting your career, team and program.
Create and implement strategies to garner patient engagement, program improvement and data for informed decision-making.
Further develop your communication competency to navigate crucial conversations effectively.
Establish strategies for personnel management and fostering a strong team dynamic.
Construct a comprehensive improvement plan that addresses key principles and a program-specific challenge through the course's capstone project.
Build connections with industry experts and a cohort of your peers, establishing a supportive network that will fuel your success for years to come.

→ Expectations of Cohort Participants (click to expand)

Due to the intensive nature of this course, participants will be expected to commit to the full, eight-month cohort experience. This includes:

Attend the cohort kick-off orientation.
Complete assigned pre-work for each of the eight modules before the scheduled, 90-minute-long, live cohort meetings.
Actively engage in the discussion forums by posting and/or responding to questions.
Attend all five live cohort sessions and actively participate in discussions with course directors, faculty and fellow attendees.
Complete a capstone project to address a significant issue or opportunity within their current or prospective rehabilitation program.

Apply Now

Applications close on September 26, 2025.

Member Price	Non-Member Price
$529	$729

Continuing Education Credits

AACVPR CE Credit: The Academy is approved by American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) for a maximum of 10.0 CEs for participation in the on-demand modules and live cohort meetings.
Nurse CE Credit: An application will be made to Creighton University Health Sciences Continuing Education for 10.0 contact hours for participation in the on-demand modules and live cohort meetings for nurses.

Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. If you’re unable to complete one of the components, partial credits are available.

Module Overview

This Academy consists of eight modules accompanied by faculty-provided pre-work activities that you will be expected to complete asynchronously prior to the assigned cohort meeting. Stay tuned for more details on each module.