PA CME Funding and Education Days Explained
Continuing Medical Education (CME) or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities serves as a cornerstone of professional development for healthcare providers, including physician assistants.
It encompasses a wide range of educational activities (e.g. workshops, conferences, courses, journal subscriptions, journal clubs, etc.) designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and competence, enabling PAs to deliver high-quality patient care.
PAs are required to complete a certain number of hours of CME/CPD annually in order to maintain certification. Funding and paid education days are often included in PA employment contracts as a way to attract and retain top PA talent.
By offering comprehensive CME funding and education days, employers can provide a highly desirable compensation package that not only supports your PA's growth but also ensures they remain at the forefront of medical knowledge and expertise to the benefit of the patients they serve.
I. What is CME/CPD?
The primary goal of CME/CPD activities is to ensure that healthcare professionals stay abreast of the latest advancements, research, and best practices in their respective fields.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) encompasses a range of educational activities that aim to sustain, enhance, or expand the knowledge, skills, and professional abilities of healthcare providers in the medical field.
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Conferences and Workshops: Attending medical conferences and workshops allows PAs to learn about the latest advancements, research, and clinical guidelines in their specialty or areas of interest. These events often feature expert speakers, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities.
Online Courses and Webinars: Online platforms offer a wealth of CME courses and webinars that PAs can complete at their own pace. These courses cover various medical topics and allow PAs to acquire new knowledge, skills, and evidence-based practices.
Journal Reading and Self-Directed Learning: PAs can engage in self-directed learning by reading medical journals, articles, and textbooks. They can choose topics relevant to their practice and explore new research findings, treatment approaches, or diagnostic techniques.
Simulation-Based Training: Simulation-based training provides a hands-on learning experience where PAs can practice clinical scenarios in a controlled environment. These activities help improve clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and teamwork.
Research and Scholarly Activities: Engaging in research projects, case studies, or other scholarly activities contributes to professional growth and the advancement of medical knowledge. PAs can participate in research studies, present at conferences, or publish articles in medical journals.
Grand Rounds and Case Discussions: Grand rounds and case discussions allow PAs to present and discuss complex patient cases, incorporating evidence-based practices and multidisciplinary perspectives. These interactive sessions promote critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
Board Review Courses: Board review courses are designed to prepare PAs for certification or recertification exams. These courses focus on comprehensive review and refreshment of knowledge in specific medical specialties.
Teaching and Preceptorship: PAs can engage in teaching roles or preceptorship programs where they mentor and educate other healthcare professionals or students. Teaching enhances their own knowledge and skills while contributing to the development of the next generation of healthcare providers.
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As outlined by the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC), the annual minimum requirements include:
400 credits over the course of your five-year cycle by participating in educational activities that meet the identified needs of your professional practice.
40 credits of CPD activities per year, even in the years after you have reached the 400-credit minimum requirement.
This is required in order for PAs to maintain their “Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA)” designation.
PAs utilize the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada MAINPORT ePortfolio to track their CME/CPD hour.
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Depending on where the PA works will dictate what may be beneficial for PAs to attend. Many of the conferences and workshops that physicians attend can also be attended by PAs.
All PAs do benefit from attending the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) Annual Member conference for professional development, networking and CME/CPD topics.
Orthopaedic Surgery CME/CPD: Fracture Clinic CASTED course, AAPA MSK Galaxy Conference, COA Annual Meeting, MacHAND Evaluation and Management of Upper Extremity Conference, PAs in Orthopaedic Surgery Annual Conference.
II. What are the benefits of CME/CPD activities for PAs?
By participating in CME activities, PAs can develop expertise in their specialized area, learn the latest in evidence-based practice, explore new diagnostic techniques and maintain professional standards to provide the best possible care for patients.
For physician assistants, CME plays a crucial role in maintaining competence and improving patient outcomes. It goes beyond the initial training received in PA programs, providing opportunities for PAs to expand their knowledge, refine their clinical skills, and adapt to evolving healthcare landscapes.
CME/CPD is especially beneficial for new grads and new hires who are orienting to a new position.
As employers, understanding the significance of CME for physician assistants is key to appreciating the value that CME funding and education days can bring to your organization.
By investing in their ongoing education, you not only demonstrate your commitment to supporting their professional growth but also ensure that your PA team remains equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, ultimately benefiting your patients and healthcare practice.
III. What is CME/CPD Funding?
CME funding refers to financial support provided to healthcare professionals to cover the costs associated with their CME/CPD activities.
CME/CPD funding is usually $500-$2500 CAD per year per PA.
It is an investment made by employers, institutions, or professional organizations to support the ongoing professional development of healthcare providers.
Here are some examples of how CME funding can be used:
Conference Registration Fees: CME funding can be utilized to cover the expenses related to attending medical conferences, including registration fees.
Travel and Accommodation: Healthcare professionals often need to travel to attend conferences, workshops, or educational events. CME funding can be used to reimburse travel expenses, such as airfare, accommodation, and meals, ensuring that providers can access valuable educational opportunities regardless of their geographic location.
Course Tuition and Materials: Many CME activities, such as online courses or specialty-specific workshops, require participants to pay for tuition or study materials.
Online Learning Platforms: Online platforms offer a wide range of CME courses and webinars. CME funding can be used to provide subscriptions or access to these platforms, and earn CME credits from the comfort of their own location.
Educational Materials and Resources: CME funding can be utilized to acquire medical textbooks, journals, or other educational resources that PAs can use for self-directed learning, research, or staying updated with the latest medical literature.
It's important to note that the specific usage of CME funding may vary depending on the policies and guidelines set by the employer, institution, or professional organization providing the funding
PAs typically consult with the employer first before receiving approval for funding for the CME/CPD activity.
IV. What are CME/CPD Paid Education days?
Paid education days refer to designated time-off granted to PAs for the purpose of engaging in educational activities related to their professional development.
In a PA contract, usually 5-10 paid education days are included per year.
Compensation: These days are specifically allocated and compensated by employers to support the ongoing learning and growth of their employees. The healthcare professional receives their regular salary or wage during these days, ensuring that they are not financially disadvantaged while pursuing their educational goals.
The compensation may be based on the usual working hours or shift schedule of the healthcare professional.
PAs should not be expected to utilize their vacation time to attend conferences.
Activities Covered: Paid education days can be used for various educational activities. Examples include attending conferences, workshops, seminars, or training sessions that enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to the healthcare professional's field of practice. These days can also be used for self-directed learning, studying for certification exams, engaging in research or scholarly activities, or completing online courses.
Request and Approval Process: Typically, PAs are required to request paid education days in advance. The process may involve submitting a request to the employer, department head, or supervisor, outlining the purpose and educational activity they plan to undertake. The employer then evaluates the request based on the organization's policies, operational needs, and the availability of resources.
Final notes
By prioritizing continuing medical education (CME) support in your PA compensation packages, you demonstrate a commitment to their ongoing professional growth and ensure they remain at the forefront of medical knowledge and expertise.
