Continuing Education Credits in Medical Affairs: A Comprehensive Guide

Continuing education is a cornerstone of professional development in the medical field, especially within medical affairs. This article explores the various avenues for medical professionals, particularly Physician Assistants (PAs) and Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), to earn continuing education credits (CEUs) and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, enhancing their knowledge, skills, and career prospects.

The Importance of Continuing Medical Education (CME)

Continuing Medical Education (CME) consists of educational activities designed to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance and relationships that a Physician Assistant uses to provide services for patients, the public, or the profession. It is a critical component of ongoing professional development, ensuring that healthcare providers remain up-to-date with the latest advancements, best practices, and regulatory requirements.

CME Requirements for Physician Assistants (PAs)

For Physician Assistants (PAs), maintaining certification and licensure often hinges on the completion of CME credits.

NCCPA Certification

To maintain NCCPA certification, PAs are required to complete 100 hours of CME every two years. This requirement ensures that PAs remain current with medical advancements and maintain a high standard of patient care.

State Licensure

PAs must possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Compliance with CME requirements is typically a prerequisite for license renewal, varying by jurisdiction.

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Earning CME Credits: Diverse Avenues

There are numerous ways for medical professionals to earn CME credits, ranging from online courses to in-person events and self-study activities.

Online CME Opportunities

The digital age has ushered in a plethora of online CME resources, offering flexibility and convenience for busy professionals.

VA Talent Management System (TMS)

The VA Talent Management System (TMS) offers online clinical accredited courses available 24/7. This system provides a range of web-based training modules suitable for Physician Assistants and other healthcare professionals within the Veterans Affairs system. To find accredited courses in TMS:

Go to My Learning>Find Learning (Browse all courses>) page.
Enter the TMS training number in the Search bar.

American Medical Association (AMA)

American Medical Association members have the opportunity to explore free CME for physicians across various disciplines. The AMA provides a wide array of resources to support ongoing medical education.

Live Virtual Events

Physician Assistant Educational Series via TMS

Through the Talent Management System (TMS), there is a monthly Physician Assistant Educational Series. This is a live, AAPA accredited, 1-hour virtual event on various relevant topics for PAs. Registration through TMS is required prior to the presentation to receive credit.

Additional Resources

VHA National Desktop Library

The VHA National Desktop Library is an online medical library available to staff VA-wide that provides full-text access to clinical textbooks, journals, and databases. These resources are for VA staff only, and some resources in the Desktop Library will link to sites on the VA Intranet, requiring access through the VA network or VPN.

AAMA-Approved CEU Sources

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers several options to earn AAMA-approved CEUs.

Smiles for Life: A National Oral Health Curriculum

Smiles for Life: A National Oral Health Curriculum is a product of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) that provides educational resources to ensure the integration of oral health and primary care. Each of the eight courses is available online with free continuing education credit, with each course approved for 1 AAMA CEU credit.

CPR Certification

Two-year CPR cards issued within the applicant’s recertification period will be counted as four clinical AAMA recertification points.

Book Bundles

Fulfill the clinical/general/administrative category requirements with either of these book bundles so you can earn all 60 CEUs with one purchase:

Recert Ready Bundle: This is a digital bundle, worth 66 AAMA CEUs, available via the AAMA e-Learning Center.
Self-Study Book Bundle (2025).

Non-AAMA CEU Sources

A maximum of 30 non-AAMA CEUs may be applied towards recertification.

Task Force for Test Construction (TFTC) Item Writing and/or Post-administration Item Review

Recertification points are granted for work serving as an item writer for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. Fifteen (15) points each year with a maximum of five (5) points each in the general, administrative, and clinical areas per post-administration item review or writing assignment with attendance at the TFTC annual meeting.

Authoring Textbooks and Articles

Medical assistants may earn recertification points for authoring textbooks, textbook chapters, and articles pertaining to medical assisting.

Category I: Medical Assisting Textbook

Primary author or coauthor of a medical assisting textbook. A maximum of thirty (30) points in a 60 calendar-month period, with five (5) points per chapter awarded. The book must meet the criteria of a classroom text that includes educational objectives, appropriate content, chapter summaries, a bibliography, a glossary, and an index. Content must address topics reflected in the Occupational Analysis of Medical Assistants, Content Outline for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam, or Advanced Educational Topics for Medical Assisting documents. The textbook must be published by an educational publisher and registered with the Library of Congress. Documentation required is a copy of the published textbook.

Category II: Articles in Professional Journals

Primary author of one or more articles in Medical Assisting Today or a comparable national, professional journal. A maximum of fifteen (15) points in a 60 calendar-month period, with five (5) points awarded per article written. The topic must be relevant to the medical assisting profession, and the article must be publicized in a recognized journal.

Medical Affairs Competency Certificate (MACC) Program

For those in medical affairs or aspiring to join the field, specialized programs like the Medical Affairs Competency Certificate (MACC) can provide valuable training and CME credits.

Marshall University School of Pharmacy

Marshall University School of Pharmacy is adopting the MACC program. Gayle A. Brazeau, Ph.D., Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, highlights the benefits of implementing the MACC program.

Comprehensive MSL Training Program

The most comprehensive MSL Training program in the Industry offers:

Format: 100% Online, Self-Paced
Time Needed to Complete: ~ 12 hours
Support Provided: 24/7 Live Chat Included
Accreditation: IACET/ANSI, ACCME/ACPE via Scientia CME
Credits: Earn (CME/CE) Credits
Cost: \$1,799.99 (Payment Options Available)

Program Overview

The program focuses on mastering key areas such as:

Clinical Research Best Practices
Pharmaceutical Industry Compliance 101
Medical Science Liaisons Best Practices
Engaging Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs)

Target Audience

The program is designed for:

Medical Affairs Project Managers
Pharmaceutical Industry Account Managers
Individuals with a strong interest in Medical Affairs

Program Features

Key features include:

Flexible, Online, and Self-Paced Design for Busy Professionals
Knowledge Checks to Ensure Mastery
24/7 Dedicated Live Chat Support
Learn On The Go!

Volunteering and Program Development

If your state or chapter is not currently conducting any programming, consider volunteering to help out. Starting a program can not only contribute to the educational resources available but also provide personal and professional growth.

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