Every physician in the United States is required to keep up with current advancements in medicine by obtaining CME, or Continuing Medical Education credits. Every state has its own requirements for how many CME hours must be obtained and in what categories of study, with some states requiring no continued education, to other states which require at least 150 hours every three years.
Category One
At least 90 of the 150 hours must be completed in category one courses. Classes and activities at institutions that have been designated by the Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical Education are valid and must be listed and verified on the application form. These classes and activities can include accredited conferences and lectures, as well as classroom experiences. Activities that are not normally part of category one activities that may nonetheless be used for accreditation include: writing peer-reviewed articles in APA journals; completing part I and II of the examinations of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, for which 25 hours may be claimed for each part; and for obtaining medically related degrees, such as a Master's in Public Health.
Category Two
Category two activities encompass any other activity that may bring about learning, such as medical teaching, consultation, and reading of professional literature. There is no minimum requirement for hours in category two, as the full 150 hours can be taken in category one courses. Category two applies mostly to professors and teachers who can show their continued education through their jobs.
Alternate Methods of Claiming CME Certification
Though applying for APA certification is a good way to ensure accreditation, a psychiatrist can also apply to the state boards with the minimum requirements for the state. Checking a state's particular requirements is a good first step. Most states require at least some CME, and usually in AMA Category One certified classes or activities.
Tags: category courses, classes activities, continued education, Continuing Medical, Continuing Medical Education
