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How to Earn CME Credits Online: A Step-by-Step Guide for Physician Assistants

How to Earn CME Credits Online: A Step-by-Step Guide for Physician Assistants

Dec 5, 2025

Two doctors discussing CME
Two doctors discussing CME
Two doctors discussing CME

Physician Assistants (PAs) rely on Continuing Medical Education (CME) to maintain certification, stay updated with evolving clinical practices, and meet professional standards. As clinical responsibilities continue to grow, online CME has become the most efficient and accessible way for PAs to complete required credits without leaving their practice or altering their schedule.

AffinityCE offers accredited, reliable, and easy-to-use CME programs tailored for healthcare professionals, including Physician Assistants. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire online CME process—from understanding requirements to earning and documenting your credits.

1. Understand Your CME Requirements

Before starting a CME program, Physician Assistants should understand their specific certification or licensing requirements. Most PAs complete CME through a two-year cycle, which typically includes:

  • A required number of CME credits

  • A mix of Category 1 and Category 2 credits

  • Completion deadlines set by certification boards or state licensing bodies

Online CME is designed to help PAs meet these requirements efficiently. AffinityCE provides accredited content that aligns with professional expectations, allowing PAs to complete credits with confidence.

2. Choose a Trusted Accredited CME Provider

Selecting the right CME provider is essential for ensuring your credits are accepted. AffinityCE offers accredited CME programs developed under strict educational and compliance standards. The courses are created to support the needs of healthcare professionals while offering flexibility and accuracy.

When choosing an online CME provider, make sure:

  • The organization is accredited

  • The credits count toward your certification

  • The course topics match your specialty or practice needs

  • The learning platform is easy to navigate

This ensures a smooth learning experience from start to finish.

3. Select CME Courses Aligned With Your Practice

Physician Assistants work in diverse clinical settings, including primary care, emergency medicine, internal medicine, surgical specialties, orthopedics, and more. Online CME makes it easier to select courses that directly enhance the skills you use daily.

AffinityCE offers CME courses across important categories, such as:

  • Clinical practice updates

  • Patient safety

  • Communication and leadership

  • Professional ethics

  • Public health and population medicine

  • Regulatory and compliance education

Choosing relevant topics helps strengthen clinical decision-making and ensures your CME contributes to improved patient outcomes.

4. Register for Your Online CME Program

Once you’ve chosen your courses, registration is fast and simple. With AffinityCE:

  1. Visit the course catalog

  2. Select the CME program you want

  3. Register through the online portal

  4. Log in to access your dashboard and course materials

Everything is digital and available 24/7. You can start immediately or return whenever your schedule allows.

5. Complete Your CME Modules at Your Own Pace

AffinityCE’s online CME programs are designed for flexibility. Physician Assistants can complete modules anytime—during breaks, after clinic hours, or on weekends.

Each module includes:

  • Clear learning objectives

  • Updated clinical information

  • Case-based scenarios or readings

  • Knowledge assessments

  • Credit instructions

You can move at your own pace, pause and resume as needed, and work through content without time restrictions. This structure supports busy professionals who need education that adapts to their schedule.

6. Take the Post-Course Assessment

Most CME programs include a brief assessment to ensure comprehension. AffinityCE assessments are straightforward and aligned with course content to reinforce key learning points.

After completing the assessment:

  • Your passing result is recorded

  • Credits are automatically applied

  • Your certificate becomes available immediately

The process is simple and designed to meet all accreditation standards.

7. Download and Save Your Certificate

After completing your modules and assessments, Physician Assistants can instantly download their CME certificates from their AffinityCE account. Certificates remain stored in your profile so you can access them anytime for:

  • License renewals

  • Audits

  • Employer documentation

  • Credentialing requirements

Accurate and accessible documentation ensures you never struggle to find proof of your completed CME.

8. Track Your Progress and Plan Ahead

Reliable CME tracking helps PAs stay organized throughout their certification cycle. AffinityCE’s learning portal keeps your completed modules, credit hours, and certificates in one place, making it easy to plan future activities and stay compliant.

Keeping track of your CME ensures:

  • No last-minute rush near renewal deadlines

  • A well-balanced learning experience

  • Completion of mandatory topics

  • Proper alignment with evolving professional standards

With online access, you can review your progress anytime.

9. Repeat the Cycle for Continuous Professional Growth

CME is an ongoing requirement, not a one-time event. Online CME gives PAs full control over their learning, allowing them to stay current year after year without attending on-site events or conferences. AffinityCE continues to update content regularly so PAs can stay informed and consistently meet their professional obligations.

Why Online CME Is Ideal for Physician Assistants

Physician Assistants frequently work extended hours, multi-disciplinary roles, and fast-moving clinical environments. Online CME offers several benefits that support their workflow:

  • 24/7 access to courses

  • Self-paced learning structure

  • No travel or scheduling conflicts

  • Instant certificate downloads

  • Accredited content recognized nationwide

  • Compatibility with mobile devices

With these advantages, PAs can complete CME efficiently while continuing to deliver high-quality patient care.

Advance your clinical skills and complete your CME requirements with confidence.
AffinityCE provides accredited, flexible, and easy-to-use online CME designed for Physician Assistants.

Start Your CME Today →

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are AffinityCE CME courses accredited for Physician Assistants?

Yes. All CME programs at AffinityCE are accredited and accepted by professional certification and licensing bodies overseeing Physician Assistants.

2. Can I complete CME courses on my phone or tablet?

Yes. AffinityCE courses are fully accessible on mobile devices, allowing you to complete modules wherever and whenever you have time.

3. How long does it take to finish an online CME course?

Course durations vary, but all modules are self-paced. Physician Assistants can complete them in small segments or in a single session depending on their schedule.

4. Do I get my certificate immediately after finishing a course?

Yes. Certificates are generated instantly upon completion and can be downloaded anytime from your AffinityCE account.

5. Does AffinityCE offer CME for different specialties?

Yes. AffinityCE provides CME across multiple clinical categories, supporting PAs working in primary care, emergency medicine, specialty practices, and other fields.



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Healthcare professionals attending CME training session

Let us handle the complexities while you focus on empowering medical professionals.

Contact

(703) 421-2610

hello@affinityced.com

© 2024 AffinityCE. All rights reserved.

Ready to Partner?
Let’s Talk

Healthcare professionals attending CME training session

Let us handle the complexities while you focus on empowering medical professionals.

Contact

(703) 421-2610

hello@designmonks.com

© 2024 AffinityCE. All rights reserved.

Ready to Partner?
Let’s Talk

Healthcare professionals attending CME training session

Let us handle the complexities while you focus on empowering medical professionals.

Contact

(703) 421-2610

hello@affinityced.com

© 2024 AffinityCE. All rights reserved.