Continuing medical education (CME) is an essential part of every healthcare professional’s career development. Taking a CME course guarantees that you’re updated on the most recent developments in medicine and you’ll be able to fulfill state and licensure requirements, regardless of your profession, whether you are a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse.
To keep their licenses, medical professionals practicing in the U.S. must complete a certain number of continuing medical education credits annually. However, it can be quite difficult sometimes to find the right courses and keep track of CME credits. That's why we've created this guide to help you understand CME credits and find the best type of online CME courses for your profession.
What Is a CME Credit?
A CME credit is a unit of measurement for approved educational activities. In most cases, one credit equals one hour of learning.
CME programs help licensed professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, advance their knowledge and patient care skills. State boards and certification bodies often require a certain number of CME credits each year for license renewal. Failing to meet those requirements could put your ability to practice at risk.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credit Types
The type of CME credits you require may vary depending on your location, specialty, and the licensing board in your state. Here is a brief overview of the main types:
American Medical Association's Physician's Recognition Award (AMA PRA) Category 1 Credit
This is the most popular kind of continuing medical education credit for physicians in the U.S. Many organizations that certify NPs also accept it. You can get these credits by attending or enrolling in the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)-approved conferences, courses, or online programs. Most state licensing boards accept Category 1 credits.
AMA PRA Category 2 Credit
Self-directed learning activities like journal reading, teaching, peer consultations, and quality improvement projects fall under this category. Physicians usually self-report these activities. And while they can’t be used for license renewal, they can still show that you’re keeping up with learning.
AANP Contact Hours
These credits are for NPs and may include pharmacology hours needed for prescriptive authority. They are awarded through activities accredited by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
ABIM MOC (Maintenance of Certification) Points
These points are for physicians certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). By earning MOC points through approved CME activities, internists can grow in their careers while also meeting board certification requirements.
What Are the Different Types of CME You Can Earn Online?
You don’t always have to travel for training because many CME opportunities are available online. Here are the most common types of online CME you can take advantage of:
Online Courses
Online courses are preferred by many healthcare professionals because they’re flexible and can fit easily into busy schedules. Depending on the topic, online courses may be brief modules or more in-depth programs.
You can enroll in a course on a new cancer treatment that is based on the most recent findings and clinical trials. And since most online courses allow you to learn at your own pace, you can pause, come back later, or skip to the parts that are most important to you.
CMEList provides a wide range of self-paced online courses tailored to different specialties and topics, making it easy to find a course that matches your practice. Many of these are offered by respected providers, including Meeting By Mail, Med-IQ, and Present Podiatry. The courses have both free and paid options.
Virtual Conferences and Workshops
Attending virtual conferences and workshops is another way to earn CME credits. For some medical specialties, it’s mandatory to attend certain conferences and workshops. These events can run for a day or several days, and you can participate from anywhere.
CMEList makes it easy to stay updated on upcoming online conferences and workshops that count toward your CME credits. Whether you are interested in internal medicine, cardiology, or primary care, you can easily find events that align with your professional focus by filtering by specialty, topic, profession, or provider. You can be sure that the time you spend attending will fulfill your requirements and keep you up to date on the most recent advancements in your field because all of the events on the list are accredited.
Webinars
Webinars allow you to participate in live online classes where experts teach about medical topics. They’re a popular way to earn CME credits because you can join from anywhere in the world. If you can’t attend live sessions, many providers offer a recording you can watch later.
Through CMEList, you can easily find both live webinars and recorded sessions that count toward CME credit. The platform organizes these learning opportunities by specialty and topic, so you don’t waste time scrolling through events that don’t apply to your practice. Whether you’re looking for upcoming live sessions or recorded programs, CMEList makes it simple to filter down to what matters most.
Podcasts
Podcasts are a flexible way to learn about medical topics. Many medical education providers now offer podcasts that are accredited for CME credit. The podcast episodes are usually free to listen to, but you must register with an accredited provider, such as the American Medical Association, Pri-Med, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, in order to receive credit. Typically, the procedure entails watching the entire episode, finishing a brief post-episode test or assessment, and then obtaining your CME certificate online.
Online Journals
Another way of earning CME credits is by reading articles from online medical journals. CME credits for journal articles are usually provided by professional societies like the American College of Physicians and publishers, such as JAMA or The New England Journal of Medicine. These groups are accredited by the ACCME, which ensures that the credits meet licensing and certification requirements.
To earn credit, you read the assigned peer-reviewed article, complete a short quiz or assessment to confirm your understanding, and fill out an evaluation form. Once you pass, you can claim your CME certificate online.
Grow Your Expertise Without Putting Life on Hold
Online CME opens the door to flexible and accessible learning. From short webinars you can join on your lunch break to in-depth conferences that bring together leading experts, there’s something for every schedule and preference. Whatever your style, online CME programs make it easier to stay updated, meet your professional requirements, and continue growing in your career all from the comfort of your own home or office.
If you’re ready to earn additional CME credits, CMEList will help you find a wide range of online courses, webinars, and virtual conferences curated by specialty, provider, topic, profession, and state requirements, making it simple to choose what fits your needs. Explore now and discover how easy it is to keep learning while earning the credits you need.