Price: $399.99
Duration: 30 Months of Access
Deliverables: 17 Hours of Video Lecture & 1,672 Questions (PANRE Review)
Deliverables: 12 Hours of AAPA Category 1 Pharmacology Credit (Pharmacology Review)
Every Physician Assistant approaching their recertification cycle eventually faces the same logistical hurdle: choosing between the traditional PANRE and the newer PANRE-LA (Longitudinal Assessment). While the NCCPA offers these two distinct pathways, the goal remains the same: demonstrating medical competency and securing your certification for another decade. However, the time commitment and study intensity vary significantly between the two.
Whether you prefer the "one and done" approach of the test center or the quarterly pace of the longitudinal assessment, efficiency is the priority. Our PANRE Review Course and specialized Pharmacology Review are designed to satisfy both strategies.
The Traditional PANRE: The "High-Stakes Sprint"
The traditional PANRE is a four-hour, 240-question exam taken at a Pearson VUE test center. It is closed-book, high-pressure, and requires a concentrated block of study time.
For many PAs, this is the most time-efficient option if you are a "strong tester." You dedicate two to four weeks of intense review, sit for the exam, and you are finished for another 10 years. Our PANRE Review Course supports this by providing 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 credit and over 1,600 questions that mirror the NCCPA Blueprint.
Why the Traditional Route Saves Time for Some:
- Single Appointment: No ongoing quarterly obligations.
- Defined Timeline: You know exactly when your study period begins and ends.
- Immediate Results: You typically receive your score within two weeks and can move on.
The PANRE-LA: The "Steady Marathon"
The PANRE-LA spread 25 questions over 12 quarters (three years). You have five minutes per question and can use references. While it sounds "easier," it requires a consistent time commitment every three months. If you miss a quarter or forget to log in, you risk falling behind.
Because the PANRE-LA is open-book, many PAs assume they don't need to study. This is a common pitfall. Searching for answers in the middle of a five-minute window is stressful. The most efficient way to handle the PANRE-LA is to have a searchable, high-yield content library ready to go. Our course allows for 30 months of access, meaning we stay with you through almost the entire PANRE-LA cycle.
Why the PANRE-LA Saves Time for Others:
- No Travel: Take the assessment from home or your clinic.
- Lower Stress: Smaller batches of questions prevent "test day" burnout.
- Embedded Feedback: You learn as you go, which can reduce the need for separate CME hours.
Maximizing Your CME Money with Gift Cards
Regardless of which path you choose, you have to spend your CME stipend. At CME Review Courses, we offer an efficient way to use those funds. You can purchase our PANRE or Pharmacology packages and add an Amazon or Apple Gift Card ranging from $100 to $1500. This allows you to secure your 100 hours of Category 1 credit while also obtaining the tools (like a new tablet or medical equipment) you need for your education.
Integrating Pharmacology: The 12-Hour Essential
Many PAs overlook the specific need for pharmacology-focused credits, which are often required for state licensure or hospital credentialing. While the PANRE Review covers the broad NCCPA Blueprint, our dedicated Pharmacology Review provides 12 hours of Category 1 AAPA Credit in Pharmacology. This is a vital addition for any PA, whether they are taking the 10-year exam or the quarterly assessment.
Clinical Vignettes & Practice Questions
To prepare for either the PANRE or PANRE-LA, you must practice applying your knowledge to clinical scenarios. Below are examples of the level of detail provided in our 1,672-question bank.
Scenario 1: Cardiology
Your patient is a 64-year-old male presenting with a three-day history of progressive dyspnea on exertion and orthopnea. His past medical history is significant for a myocardial infarction two years ago. On physical exam, his HR is 110 bpm, BP is 155/95 mmHg, and you note 2+ pitting edema in the bilateral lower extremities. Auscultation reveals an S3 gallop and bibasilar crackles.
Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test to confirm the suspected diagnosis?
A) Chest X-ray
B) Electrocardiogram (ECG)
C) Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)
D) Echocardiogram
E) Cardiac Catheterization
Explanation: D is the correct answer. In a patient with signs and symptoms of heart failure (S3 gallop, orthopnea, edema), an echocardiogram is the gold standard for evaluating ejection fraction and valvular function. While a chest X-ray (Choice A) may show cardiomegaly or cephalization of vessels, and BNP (Choice C) can support the diagnosis of fluid overload, the echocardiogram provides the definitive functional data required for management. Cardiac catheterization (Choice E) is invasive and reserved for identifying ischemic causes, not initial diagnosis.
Scenario 2: Pharmacology
Your patient is a 28-year-old female with a history of asthma who presents with persistent symptoms despite using her Albuterol MDI three times per week. She is currently on Step 1 of the asthma management guidelines. You decide to initiate a daily controller medication.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in her pharmacological management?
A) Low-dose Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)
B) Long-acting Beta-Agonist (LABA) monotherapy
C) Oral Prednisone burst
D) Theophylline
E) Montelukast monotherapy
Explanation: A is the correct answer. For Step 2 asthma management, a low-dose inhaled corticosteroid is the preferred controller therapy to reduce airway inflammation. LABA monotherapy (Choice B) is contraindicated in asthma due to the risk of severe exacerbations and death. Oral Prednisone (Choice C) is for acute exacerbations, not daily control. Theophylline (Choice D) is a fourth-line agent with a narrow therapeutic index. Montelukast (Choice E) is an alternative but is generally less effective than ICS for persistent symptoms.
Scenario 3: Dermatology
Your patient is a 19-year-old male with a painful, erythematous, and fluctuant mass on his right buttock. He is afebrile, and his vital signs are stable. There is no evidence of surrounding lymphangitis.
Which of the following is the most appropriate primary treatment?
A) Oral Cephalexin
B) Topical Mupirocin
C) Incision and Drainage (I&D)
D) Warm compresses and observation
E) Needle aspiration
Explanation: C is the correct answer. For a localized abscess, incision and drainage is the definitive treatment. Antibiotics like Cephalexin (Choice A) are typically not required for a simple, localized abscess without systemic symptoms or significant cellulitis. Topical treatments (Choice B) do not penetrate the abscess cavity. Observation (Choice D) is inadequate as the infection requires evacuation. Needle aspiration (Choice E) has a high failure rate compared to a formal I&D with packing if necessary.
Conclusion: Strategy Over Stress
Whether you choose the PANRE for its speed or the PANRE-LA for its flexibility, the key to saving time is having structured, reliable content at your fingertips. By utilizing our PANRE Review Course, you gain access to 17 hours of high-yield video lectures and a massive question bank that allows you to study efficiently.
Don't let your CME stipend go to waste: choose a package with an Amazon or Apple gift card add-on today and secure your 100 hours of AAPA Category 1 credit before your next deadline.