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Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credits

In the ever-evolving healthcare industry, ongoing education is vital for medical professionals to maintain their expertise and licensure. Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits play a critical role in this process, offering numerous benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

 Understanding CME Credits

CME credits are units that quantify participation in approved educational activities for various healthcare professionals. Typically, one CME credit represents one hour of instruction or learning.

 These credits are awarded for different activities, including:

  • Conferences
  • Workshops
  • Online courses
  • Reading peer-reviewed medical journals

 Types of Credits Provided by FACT

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the different types of CME credits available:

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ is the American Medical Association’s (AMA) credit system that adheres to rigorous standards. Awarded by providers accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) or ACCME-recognized state medical societies, it requires formal planning and accredited sponsorship. FACT works with a Joint Provider accredited with commendation by the Illinois State Medical Society/ACCME.

  • This type of credit is most common for physicians but is widely accepted by licensing boards, specialty boards, and professional organizations.
  • It can be utilized 1:1 for other medical professionals’ certification credits and licensure continuing education requirements (e.g., nursing, medical laboratory professionals, physician assistants, and other health professionals).
  • It covers a wide range of topics. Medical professionals should check with their respective certification or licensing requirements to ensure they meet the specific topics for continuing education.
  • Look for the designation statement with the ACCME logo that identifies the educational activity as an AMA PRA Category 1 accredited activity.
  • For more information on AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, view the: AMA Credit Handbook (pg. 8, 9)

Other useful credit websites that utilize CME Credit:

CPHQ® Credit

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) certification is a credential offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ®). This certification validates a healthcare professional's expertise in quality management and improvement within the healthcare industry. Renewal requires the completion of 30 continuing education (CE) hours, including 8 NAHQ®-approved CE activities.

  • This type of credit is most common for Quality Managers.
  • These activities must fall under at least one area of the current CPHQ® examination content outline, which includes organizational leadership, health data analytics, performance and process improvement, and patient safety. For activities that may qualify, FACT applies for credit directly from NAHQ®.
  • Look for the designation statement with the CPHQ® logo identifying the event as an accredited CPHQ® accredited activity.
  • For more information about this credit and who can claim it, view the: CPHQ® Handbook (pg. 4, 6)
Earning CME Credits

Earning CME credits has become more accessible. Healthcare professionals can now participate in various online learning opportunities as well as in-person events through FACT’s Learning Development Academy:

  • Live Webinars
  • In-person Conferences, Workshops, and Boot Camps
  • Virtual Conferences and Workshops
  • Virtual Quality Boot Camps
 The Importance of CME Certificates

Upon completion of CME activities, healthcare professionals are required to complete an evaluation and then receive CME certificates. These official documents serve as proof of participation and include:

  • Participant's name
  • Course title
  • Date of completion
  • Number of CME credits earned
  • Accrediting body
Benefits of CME Credits

Engaging in CME activities offers several advantages:

  1. License Renewal: Many licensing boards require CME credits for license renewal
  2. Professional Growth: CME credits facilitate continuous learning and help practitioners stay updated with the latest medical advancements.
  3. Career Advancement: Accumulating CME credits can enhance job prospects and support career progression in healthcare fields.

By prioritizing continuing education, healthcare professionals demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning and providing the highest quality of care by staying at the forefront of medical advancements.

If you have a question about the credit offered by FACT, please email factevents@factglobal.org.