If you’ve ever spoken to another physician or medical professional about CME, you know that continuous learning is part of the job. However, what that looks like for each person can vary depending on multiple factors.
For example, a family doctor in Pennsylvania may have different CME requirements than an ER physician in California. Everything from your position to your specialty and the state you live in can affect the type and number of CME credits you need to earn.
Learn more about these differences and how they affect CME requirements in this brief guide.
Your Position
Most medical professionals will need to earn CME credits (or an equivalent), from physicians to nurses to PAs. However, the number you need to earn—as well as the type and timing—will vary depending on your position.
For example, doctors must meet state medical board, specialty association, and employer requirements. That means there’s no “set” number, as it depends on the person.
Nurse practitioners must complete 100 hours of CE for recertification with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board.
Physician associates’ requirements include earning 100 CME credits during each two-year cycle.
State Regulations
State medical boards offer a detailed breakdown of physicians’ CME requirements. Currently, doctors need to participate in CME to maintain licensure from 63 state boards, although the types (AMA PRA Category 1 and 2) and hours vary.
The Federation of State Medical Boards provides a list of these requirements, but here are some examples:
New Jersey requires 100 CME credit hours every two years, consisting of 40 Category 1 and 60 Category 2. They also require 6 hours of Cultural Competence credits. However, Rhode Island requires doctors to complete 40 hours every two years, which must be either AMA Category 1 or AOA Category 1.
Regardless of where they practice, doctors should always check with relevant state medical board(s) to ensure they meet the licensure requirements.
Specialty Professional Associations
Another way CME requirements may differ is in your specialty. While state boards and job types each have their own CME rules, so do specialties.
Think of it this way: a family physician has different needs to fulfill than an emergency medicine doctor or a dermatologist. The easiest way to determine your requirements is by checking your specialty association’s website.
Here are some examples:
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP
- American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- American College of Physicians (ACP)
- American College of Surgeons (ACS)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
These groups may ask you to complete CME credits as part of their membership process. For example, physicians who are members of the AAFP must earn at least 150 CME credits every three years.
The ACEP has a similar rule, but the AAP doesn’t require CME (of course, you’d still have to complete the ones required by your state or employer).
Stay On Top of Your CME Requirements
Regardless of who is requiring CME, it’s your responsibility to earn the credit you need to maintain licensure and certification (and, as a result, your job!).
Besides, CME is for your benefit, helping you stay current with the latest advancements in the field. It can also improve patient outcomes and increase your chances of securing a better job.
With that in mind, it’s imperative to find a high-quality CME provider so you can earn the credits you need. Whether you’d like to attend in-person seminars or complete on-demand courses, earning CME credits is an essential part of your job.
