Medicine is constantly changing. New discoveries are being made all the time and that makes it very important for medical professionals to take courses in continuing medical education (CME). CMEs may be required for doctors, dentists, dental hygienist, dental assistants, respiratory therapists, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals.
The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) sets the standards for CME courses. As the governing body, the ACCME makes sure the courses offered meet certain standards in essential areas of medicine. Before you take a CME course, make it is approved b y the ACCME so you receive proper credit for it.
The number of continuing medical education credits required differ depending on the state within which you practice. Fifty-four boards require a certain number of CMEs each year. Many states including Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington require at least 50 CME hours each year.
Continuing medical education courses may be earned by attending seminars or taking classes. There are even online continuing medical education classes for doctors in alternative medicine, clinical trial research, emergency medicine, gastroenterology, medical ethics, OB/GYN, critical care, family medicine, hematology/oncology, infectious disease, neurology, pediatrics, primary care, and trauma. One advantage to taking CMEs online is that it is more cost effective. You do not have to worry about the cost of airline tickets, hotel rooms, and no missed time from your practice. To find out more about the continuing medical education credits available online, you can research the Internet. Use your favorite search engine, type in the phrases “continuing medical education” or “medical cmes” to find local conferences and seminars or online learning opportunities.
Most local universities and colleges that have a medical program will offer continuing medical education courses throughout the year. You can call them or check online for more information.
