We know doctors are pressed for time. However, lifelong learning is part of being a healthcare professional, so there’s no choice but to squeeze it in.
With that in mind, it’s easy to wonder if there are any fast or easy CME options available that fit into your tight schedule. You’re not alone if you’ve thought this way—and we’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know about “fast CME.”
Concise and Flexible vs. Quick CME Credits
With packed professional schedules, social lives, and household responsibilities, you might be wondering if there’s a fast way to earn easy CME credits.
It’s a natural thought. But “fast” and “easy” don’t always mean better. Instead, practitioners may find it helpful to look for CME that is concise and flexible. That way, you can learn crucial information quickly or on your own time without compromising on quality.
Key traits to look for when searching for high-quality, “fast” CME include:
- Accessibility: Packed schedules are less of a problem when lectures, content, or courses are available on demand. And, if the CME is online, you can access it any time, anywhere.
- Flexibility: On a similar note, virtual webinars allow physicians who can’t attend an in-person event to participate. Meanwhile, self-paced courses mean you can complete the CME as quickly as your schedule allows.
Luckily, many CME providers have begun offering webinars and on-demand courses. For example, American Medical Seminars makes it easy to find digital courses that fit your packed schedule.
In-Person, Online, and On-Demand CME Opportunities
When it comes to earning CME quickly, there are a few ways to get the job done: in-person, online, or on-demand content. Depending on your preferences and schedule, here’s how each of these options can help you earn credits faster:
- Digital CME: In general, “virtual” refers to live or recorded conferences that you attend on a computer or mobile device. Typically, online conferences are not time-consuming.
- On-demand: On-demand content is also available online, but it’s often self-paced. For example, you could complete a course, listen to a podcast, read journal articles, or watch videos. Take the content on the go by tuning in during the commute, at the gym, or while grocery shopping.
- In-person: Arguably, in-person CME is the most time-intensive option, as it typically requires travel and at least one day of attendance. However, for people who would rather knock out several credits at once, a live event may be more preferable than several online sessions.
If you’re truly in a crunch, accredited CME you can complete online, at your own pace, is likely your best option.
Other Ways to Earn CME
With that said, there are several ways to earn CME without dedicating extra time to the process. Typically, these are activities or engagements that you may already participate in (or have a desire to), such as:
- Performance improvement CME: Performance improvement CME is completed during your day-to-day practice. You’ll use specialized methodologies to assess your performance and identify how to improve it. That means you’ll earn credits simply by doing (and getting better at) your job, no extra time required.
- Publishing an article: If you’ve written a peer-reviewed article and published it in a MEDLINE-indexed journal, that can also count for CME credits.
- Creating a poster presentation: Additionally, if you’re the first credited author on a poster presentation that is included in the published extracts of a qualifying CME conference, you may earn credits.
- Teaching: Finally, presenting to others during a certified live activity can also help you earn CME credits.
As always, you’ll need to track, record, and report these activities properly to ensure you receive credit for completing them.
How to Get the Most Out of CME—Even When You’re in a Time Crunch
Although it can be tempting to skim and click, zone out, or engage in other tasks during CME, it’s essential to refrain from doing so. Here are some ways to help you get the most out of CME, even if you’re short on time:
- Prepare in advance: Discover more about the topic or speaker and check for any information that may be available beforehand so you’re ready to go. It can also help to schedule CME, even if it’s self-directed, so that deadlines don’t sneak up on you.
- Set goals: Think about what you want to “get out” of the CME—besides credits. For example, you may want to learn more about a field-specific topic or emerging health trends.
- Check for accreditation: One of the easiest ways to tell if the CME will be worth your time is if it’s from a provider accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). This accreditation helps ensure the content is high-quality, relevant, and eligible for credits.
- Choose CME that fits your needs: Find CME that matches your preferred learning style or current schedule. For example, audio or video content may be helpful for those with packed calendars, while workshops may be better for hands-on learners.
By learning as much as you can, you can become a better provider, helping you improve patient care, enhance your practice, or even advance your career.
For high-quality and concise CME, look no further. At American Medical Seminars, our in-person, virtual, and on-demand CME are all designed to help you get the information that matters. Browse our upcoming events and courses today to get started!
