CME plays an important role in ensuring you, as a physician assistant, are up to date with the latest medical knowledge and skills required for effective practice. While 100 credits (roughly 100 hours) sounds like a lot, over 2 years it averages to about 1 credit per week. The harder part is knowing where to find valuable CME opportunities that meet additional requirements set by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants® (NCCPA®), which we'll outline here. It's also crucial to check your state physician assistant board for other requirements.
Know the NCCPA's CME Requirements
Every 2 years, you must complete and submit 100 CME credits by 11:59 p.m. PT on Dec. 31. These 100 credits must include at least 50 Category 1 CME credits. The rest can be a mix of Category 1 or 2 credits.
Among Category 1 CME types, self-assessment CME and PI-CME are weighted more heavily. Self-assessment CME is awarded 50% additional credit, while your first 20 PI-CME credits are doubled.
Your 2-year window to earn and log CME credits begins on May 1 of your certification issuance year and ends on Dec. 31 of your certification expiration year. For example, if your certification expires in 2030, you would earn your CME credits between May 1, 2028, and December 31, 2030.
Be sure to keep a record of your Category 1 CME documentation for at least 2 cycles (4 years) in case you are chosen for an audit. The NCCPA does not audit Category 2 CME. Your state physician assistant board may have other auditing procedures.
Requirements for New PAs
If you recently completed the PANCE and need to log your 100 CME credits for the first time, you can begin on your certification issuance date instead of May 1. Your final date to submit CME credits is still Dec. 31 of your certification expiration year.
Check Your State's CME Requirements
To maintain an active PA licence you need to renew biannually or annually with your state. Review your state boards website to determine the renewal timeline for your state and keep the following in mind:
- Your state may require a different number of CME credits.
- Your state's renewal timeline may differ from the NCCPA's.
- Your state may require CME credits on specific topics.
- Your state may require you to take specific courses.
Since renewal requirements, timelines, and continuing medical education (CME) obligations vary by state, it's best to check with your state's medical or PA licensing board to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Explore Popular PA CME Resources
Accumulating CME credits is likely the last thing on your mind. But there are a variety of ways you can knock out your requirements based on your needs and preferences.
- Consider taking preapproved certification programs.
- Search for self-assessment CME and PI-CME opportunities approved by the NCCPA (remember, these activities result in bonus credits!).
- Talk to your employer about quality improvement activities that may qualify for PI-CME, or see if they'll sponsor any other CME activities.
- Become an American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) member for on-demand conferences and other free CME resources.
- Take credits online from sites such as NetCE, Medscape, and Pri-Med.
- Keep an eye out for conferences and workshops in your local area.
It's also beneficial to choose CME activities that keep you engaged, deepen your expertise, and cover areas related to your practice specialty. After all, improving your knowledge and skill sets is the purpose of acquiring CME credits.
Take It One Day at a Time
It may sound cliché, but completing your CME requirements is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't be the PA who puts it off until the last minute and frantically Googles “get CME credits fast.” Here's some advice to stay on track:
Create a CME study plan just like you would for the PANCE.
Spread out your CME over your allotted timeframe.
Bookmark CME activities you’d like to complete in advance.
Reward yourself along the way to stay motivated.
See if any of your peers will hold you accountable by attending the same conferences or completing the same online activities.
By planning ahead, you'll have more flexibility to change your schedule as needed and can complete CME activities that better use your valuable time.
Become a Lifelong Learner
As a physician assistant, there's always something new to learn that can enhance your abilities and result in improved care outcomes. By embracing continuing medical education as an opportunity rather than a nuisance, you'll be better positioned to advance your career and deliver positive patient experiences that truly change lives.
