Pharmacology remains one of the most challenging and essential components of clinical practice for physician assistants. Whether you are managing complex medication regimens in internal medicine or making split-second dosing decisions in the emergency department, your knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics must be current.
Earning AAPA Category 1 pharmacology credit is not just about meeting a requirement; it is about maintaining prescriptive competence. At CME Review Courses, we provide an efficient, video-based solution to help you earn these credits while maximizing your educational budget.
Below are the 10 essential facts you need to know about earning online pharmacology CME for PAs.
The NCCPA requires certified PAs to log 100 CME credits every two years. At least 50 of these must be Category 1, while the remaining 50 can be either Category 1 or Category 2. AAPA Category 1 Credit is strictly audited and must be earned through accredited providers.
While Category 2 credits include any educational activity that relates to medicine (such as reading journals), they do not satisfy state-mandated pharmacology requirements or the core requirements for maintaining NCCPA certification as efficiently as Category 1 credits do.
Many states have specific mandates for pharmacology-related CME, especially for PAs with prescriptive authority. For example:
Our Pharmacology Review Course is designed to satisfy these specific state requirements by providing high-yield, accredited content.
The Pharmacology Review Course from CME Review Courses is designated for 12 AAPA Category 1 Self-Assessment CME credits.
Under current NCCPA rules, Self-Assessment CME is weighted more heavily. The NCCPA provides a 50% bonus for self-assessment activities. This means that completing our 12-hour course actually results in 18 credits logged toward your 50-hour Category 1 requirement.
We prioritize transparency and efficiency. Here are the logistics of our Pharmacology Review Course:
You can view the full course details on our Pharmacology CME Review Package page.
Many employers provide a fixed CME stipend that must be used or lost by the end of the year. To help you further enrich your education, we offer CME with Amazon and Apple Gift Card add-ons.
You can add a gift card ranging from $100 to $1500 to your purchase. The total amount is bundled into the course price, allowing you to use your CME funds for both the required credits and the technology (like an iPad or medical reference books) needed to study them.
Unlike generic pharmacology courses designed for a broad audience, our content was written by physician assistants specifically for the PA role. We understand the nuances of the NCCPA Blueprint and the practical realities of PA practice. While we have many Nurse Practitioner and Physician customers who find immense value in our packages, the primary lens of the education is tailored to the PA profession.
The pharmacology content we provide covers essential medications across multiple systems, including:
This makes the credits applicable whether you are preparing for the PANRE or simply looking for a comprehensive update in your specialty. For those looking for broader review, our PANRE Review Course offers 100 hours of Category 1 AAPA credit.
While our credits are AAPA Category 1, they are often accepted by state nursing boards for NP continuing education requirements. However, NP requirements for pharmacology credit vary significantly from state to state. We recommend that NPs verify with their specific state board if AAPA Category 1 credits meet their "pharmacology-specific" requirements before purchase.
If you are approaching your recertification cycle, the pharmacology course serves as an excellent primer. It bridges the gap between basic pharmacology and clinical application, which is a significant portion of the NCCPA Blueprint. By focusing on high-yield medications, you decrease your study time and increase your test-day confidence.
Our online pharmacology CME for PAs is delivered via a 100% online platform. There are no travel costs or time away from the clinic. The video-based format allows you to pause, rewind, and review complex drug interactions at your own pace over your 30-month access period.
Your patient is a 64-year-old male with a history of hypertension and chronic kidney disease (Stage 3). He presents with a new diagnosis of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. His HR is 88 bpm, and his BP is 132/84. His calculated CHA2DS2-VASc score is 3. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial pharmacological choice for stroke prevention in this patient, considering his renal function?
A. Warfarin
B. Dabigatran
C. Apixaban
D. Aspirin 81mg
Explanation:
The correct answer is C. Apixaban. While several DOACs are options, Apixaban (Eliquis) has demonstrated safety and efficacy in patients with moderate renal impairment and is often preferred due to its lower rate of major bleeding compared to warfarin. Dabigatran is more heavily dependent on renal excretion and requires stricter monitoring or dose adjustment in Stage 3 CKD. Aspirin is not sufficient for stroke prevention in a patient with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 3.
Your patient is a 28-year-old female diagnosed with a moderate depressive episode. You are considering starting her on a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). She expresses concern about weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Which of the following SSRIs is most commonly associated with the lowest incidence of weight gain and a relatively lower risk of sedation?
A. Paroxetine
B. Fluoxetine
C. Mirtazapine
D. Sertraline
Explanation:
The correct answer is B. Fluoxetine. Fluoxetine is often considered more activating and is associated with the least amount of weight gain among the SSRIs. In fact, some patients experience transient weight loss initially. Paroxetine is highly associated with weight gain and sedation. Mirtazapine is not an SSRI and is well-known for causing significant weight gain and somnolence. Sertraline is a reasonable choice but is slightly more neutral regarding weight compared to fluoxetine.
Your patient is a 45-year-old male who presents to the emergency department with an acute gout flare in his right first metatarsophalangeal joint. He has a history of peptic ulcer disease and is currently taking Lisinopril for hypertension. Which of the following is the most appropriate first-line pharmacological treatment for this patient’s acute flare?
A. Indomethacin
B. Colchicine
C. Naproxen
D. Allopurinol
Explanation:
The correct answer is B. Colchicine. In a patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease, NSAIDs like Indomethacin and Naproxen are relatively contraindicated due to the risk of GI bleeding and ulcer exacerbation. Colchicine is a preferred alternative for acute flares in patients who cannot tolerate NSAIDs. Allopurinol is used for chronic urate-lowering therapy and should not be initiated during an acute flare, as it can worsen the symptoms.
If you need to fulfill your state pharmacology requirements or are looking to bolster your clinical knowledge for the PANRE, our courses are designed to help you succeed.
Course Summary:
Explore all our CME with Gift Card packages and take the stress out of your recertification cycle.
Price: $800 - $3,000 (depending on gift card add-on)Access: Lifetime access to course materialsDeliverables: 100…
Course: PANRE Review Course Price: Starting at $399.99 Access: 30 Months of Full Access Deliverables:…
For many Physician Assistants, the end of the fiscal year or the approach of a…
Preparing for the Physician Assistant National Recertification Exam (PANRE) is a significant undertaking that requires…
Maintaining certification requires a strategic approach to Continuing Medical Education (CME). For Physician Assistants, the…
Price: $599 - $2,500 (depending on gift card add-on selection)Access: LifetimeCredits: 100 Hours of AAPA…