Elevating Care with AWHONN’s Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring Course

Fetal heart monitoring is one of the most critical skills for labor and delivery professionals. The ability to interpret fetal heart patterns, recognize signs of distress, and make quick, informed decisions can mean the difference between routine deliveries and life-saving interventions. In a time when maternal health outcomes in the U.S. continue to raise concern, advanced training in fetal monitoring isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.

On November 15th, ACLS Academy will host AWHONN’s Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring Course, a nationally recognized training designed to strengthen clinical expertise and foster effective teamwork in intrapartum care.

About AWHONN and Its Standards of Excellence

The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is a leader in setting evidence-based standards for maternal and newborn health. With more than 25,000 members across the U.S., AWHONN develops trusted guidelines and education programs that are used in hospitals and birthing centers nationwide.

The Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring course reflects AWHONN’s commitment to improving outcomes for mothers and babies through rigorous, hands-on training that builds both confidence and competency in perinatal professionals.

What the Intermediate Course Covers

The curriculum goes beyond the basics, preparing participants to apply fetal monitoring skills in increasingly complex clinical situations. Topics include:

• Maternal-fetal physiology review – reinforcing the “why” behind what’s seen on the monitor.

• Interpretation of fetal heart rate patterns – distinguishing between reassuring and non-reassuring patterns.

• Clinical decision-making – using case studies and monitoring strips to practice real-world scenarios.

• Communication and teamwork – strengthening the ability to clearly communicate findings and collaborate during obstetric emergencies.

By combining didactic learning with interactive case studies and group discussions, participants leave the course with practical skills they can immediately apply in their clinical settings.

Who Should Take This Course

The Intermediate course is designed for:

• Labor & delivery nurses with prior experience in basic monitoring.

• Nurse-midwives and physicians looking to refine interpretation skills.

• Perinatal staff members who regularly assess fetal well-being during labor.

It’s particularly beneficial for professionals who want to grow into leadership roles within their units or serve as reliable resources for their colleagues in high-stakes situations.

Prerequisites and Preparation

Participants should have completed the AWHONN Basic Fetal Monitoring course or possess equivalent foundational knowledge. Current clinical exposure to intrapartum care is strongly recommended for the best learning experience.

Students will receive course materials, including case study workbooks and fetal monitoring strips, which serve as both classroom tools and future references in clinical practice.

Why Choose ACLS Academy for This Training

When you take this course with ACLS Academy, you’ll benefit from:

• Expert instructors – certified professionals with real-world perinatal and critical care experience.

• Interactive learning – smaller class sizes that allow for individual questions and peer-to-peer discussion.

• Convenience – a centrally located class with a schedule designed for busy professionals.

• Trusted reputation – ACLS Academy is known for preparing healthcare providers to feel confident and competent in high-pressure situations.

And most importantly, you’ll be joining a community committed to advancing maternal and newborn safety through education.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Training Matters

Addressing Maternal Mortality and Morbidity

The U.S. continues to face higher rates of maternal mortality than other developed countries. Many of these outcomes are tied to complications during labor and delivery, where timely recognition and intervention could change the trajectory. By advancing fetal monitoring skills, healthcare providers are better equipped to recognize early warning signs, advocate for swift intervention, and ultimately save lives.

Building Stronger Team-Based Care

Effective care during labor and delivery isn’t the work of one individual—it requires seamless communication between nurses, physicians, and the entire care team. This course emphasizes collaborative practice, ensuring that participants not only sharpen technical skills but also learn how to convey critical information clearly and effectively. That teamwork can make the difference when minutes matter most.

Professional Growth and Patient Safety

Completing AWHONN’s Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring course offers more than just continuing education credits. It strengthens professional confidence, prepares participants for leadership within their units, and contributes to a culture of patient safety. Hospitals and birthing centers value staff who have this advanced training, knowing it directly enhances the quality of care their patients receive.

Secure Your Spot

The November 15th class at ACLS Academy is a unique opportunity for perinatal professionals to deepen their expertise and join a nationwide effort to improve maternal and newborn outcomes.

Seats are limited, so early registration is recommended. Bring your clinical experience, your questions, and your commitment to patient safety—and leave with skills that will empower you, your team, and your patients.

Register today for AWHONN’s Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring Course with ACLS Academy and take the next step in advancing your practice.

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ACLS Academy is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA) Aligned Training Center. We have three convenient locations in Massachusetts—Quincy, Bridgewater, and Newton Center—and most of our classes include an online training component. We offer high-quality courses taught by instructors who are practicing medical professionals, including ACLS, BLS, TNCC, ENPC, NRP, PALS, PALS Plus, PEARS, ACLS-EP, ASLS, Bloodborne Pathogen, HeartSaver CPR/AED, First Aid, and Instructor Courses. Browse our course catalog.