The Ultimate Guide to CME Conferences for Physician Assistants in 2025

For Physician Assistants (PAs), continuing medical education (CME) isn’t just a requirement—it’s an opportunity to stay at the forefront of medical knowledge, connect with peers, and advance one’s career. CME conferences provide a powerful way to meet certification requirements while also offering hands-on workshops, networking events, and access to emerging research and innovations in medicine.

If you’re a PA looking to plan your CME calendar for 2025, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about CME conferences, including why they matter, what to expect, and some of the top events to consider attending this year.

Why CME Matters for Physician Assistants

Continuing Medical Education is mandatory for maintaining certification with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Every two years, PAs must complete 100 CME credits, and every ten years, they must pass a recertification exam.

But beyond compliance, CME helps PAs:

Stay Current with Advancements: Medicine evolves rapidly. CME ensures you remain informed about new treatment guidelines, emerging technologies, and best practices in patient care.
Enhance Clinical Skills: Many conferences include live workshops and simulations that help refine procedural and diagnostic skills.
Grow Professionally: Networking with experts, physicians, and fellow PAs can open doors to mentorships, new specialties, and leadership opportunities.
Fulfill Licensing Requirements: Many states require CME credits for license renewal, making conferences a convenient way to meet both state and national requirements.

What to Expect at a CME Conference

CME conferences for Physician Assistants vary in size, specialty focus, and learning format, but most offer a mix of educational sessions, clinical workshops, and networking opportunities. Here’s what you can expect:

Expert-Led Sessions: Presentations and lectures by leading physicians, researchers, and educators.
Hands-On Workshops: Opportunities to practice procedures in dermatology, orthopedics, emergency medicine, and more.
Specialty Tracks: Many conferences cater to specific fields such as cardiology, family medicine, urgent care, or surgery.
Networking Events: Receptions, breakout sessions, and roundtable discussions help PAs connect with colleagues and healthcare leaders.
Exhibitor Halls: Explore the latest medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and practice management tools.

Most CME conferences offer both Category 1 and Category 2 CME credits, which can be applied toward NCCPA certification requirements.

Top CME Conferences for Physician Assistants in 2025

Below are some of the most highly regarded CME conferences for PAs that combine education, networking, and destination appeal.

1. AAPA Conference

Organizer: American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
When: May 2025
Location: Nashville, TN
Why Attend: The AAPA Conference is the largest annual gathering of PAs in the U.S., offering over 200 sessions across multiple specialties. You’ll find interactive workshops, keynote speakers, and the opportunity to earn more than 35 CME credits.

2. PA Foundation’s Leadership and Advocacy Summit

When: March 2025
Location: Washington, D.C.
Highlights: This conference focuses on leadership development and healthcare policy. It’s ideal for PAs interested in advocacy, administration, or leadership roles within their organizations.

3. Pri-Med Annual Conferences

When: Various dates and cities throughout 2025
Why Attend: Known for affordability and accessibility, Pri-Med events provide evidence-based CME sessions across primary care, women’s health, cardiology, and more. Many are hybrid, allowing PAs to join virtually if travel isn’t possible.

4. SDPA Annual Dermatology Conference

Organizer: Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
When: June 2025
Location: Orlando, FL
Why Attend: Perfect for PAs in dermatology, this conference offers cutting-edge updates on dermatologic conditions, procedural techniques, and aesthetic treatments.

5. Urgent Care Association (UCA) Annual Convention

When: April 2025
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Highlights: A must-attend for PAs working in urgent care or emergency medicine. Sessions cover triage, patient management, and the latest in urgent care operations.

6. CME4Life Live Conferences

When: Multiple Dates, Nationwide
Why Attend: CME4Life offers dynamic, high-energy educational events focused on helping PAs master clinical reasoning, diagnostic interpretation, and leadership skills.

How to Choose the Right CME Conference

When selecting which CME event to attend, consider the following factors:

Specialty Focus: Choose conferences that align with your practice area or areas you want to explore.
Credit Hours Offered: Check how many Category 1 CME credits you can earn.
Learning Format: Decide whether you prefer live, hands-on sessions or virtual/online participation.
Networking Opportunities: Some conferences offer mentorship programs or small-group discussions that enhance connections.
Cost and Travel: Consider your budget and the travel time required. Some employers provide CME stipends, so check your benefits.

Virtual CME Options

Not every PA can take time off for travel. Fortunately, virtual CME options have expanded dramatically. Platforms like Medscape, PAsConnect, and CME4Life Online offer flexible online CME courses that can be completed from home. Many conferences now offer hybrid options, allowing you to stream live sessions and still earn CME credits.

Final Thoughts

Attending CME conferences is more than just checking off a certification requirement—it’s about growing as a healthcare professional. Whether you’re a new PA looking to refine your skills or a seasoned clinician aiming to stay updated on the latest research, CME events provide the perfect setting for learning, networking, and inspiration.

In 2025, take advantage of these conferences to expand your expertise, connect with other healthcare professionals, and continue delivering exceptional patient care. After all, the best investment a Physician Assistant can make is in their own ongoing education.

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Outpatient Medicine Reviews

05/16/2026

Punta cana

Sunny beaches, all inclusive, with budget friendly options, lectures were informative, other locations are planned 1 year in advance

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CME Conference

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Excellent CME!

Useful lectures with Literature evidence backing up information provided,Thanks To Steve for Providing this update,Will be helpful in my clinical practice.
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Murali Nair

Outpatient medicine CME conference

Excellent conference with great updates. Speakers were great. Will take this course again.

Florence Nguku

05/15/2026

Cme hawaii

Good conference! Engaging lecturers, interesting new novel studies discussed, some that can be practice changing. They were very accomodating and have all attendees interest in mind in terms of balancing cme updates and going to your vacation excursions.

R.Ngt.

Hospital Medicine Reviews

04/11/2026

CME Hawai’i

The lecturers were amazing! They did a good job highlighting the important points of latest research. We are looking forward to returning again soon!

Sabina Babar

clear, concise and efficient

Not only was the content very applicable, it was presented in a very efficient manner. Loved the hotel and the conveniences (awesome breakfast every morning, nice pool, evening reception). Really appreciated the flexibility of the conference coordinators and presenters who made adjustments for the unpredictable hawaii weather also, allowing us to optimize our vacationing time. Loved the livestream option as well, worked well for traveling with a toddler. Overall Im very impressed and will be returning!

rebecca smith

CME Vacations, LLC

Editha J

This is my first time attending an in- person CME vacation, and I'm truly grateful for the experience. I would like to thank Dr. S. Burgess and Dr. M. Maddox for sharing their knowledge and providing valuable updates in hospital medicine, which have strengthened my confidence in my clinical practice.

Editha Jordan

CME Conference - Waikiki, Hawaii | April 8-11, 2026 | Hospital Medicine

Very relevant

Very beneficial to my practice as a hospitalist. I wish you had the option of chatting and asking questions while viewing the live stream

Bassem

04/10/2026

Cme vacations Waikiki

Excellent speakers well covered topics

CME Vacations, Waikiki

Lectures packed a lot of pertinent information in an abbreviated format. No frills or fluff, just targeted information that was very appropriate for my hospital medicine practice. Covered the most up to date information and guidelines that I will be incorporating into my practice. Highly recommend this conference at least every 3-5 years in one’s regular CME rotation.

Sarah C.

Waikiki CME

Very informative hospital medicine conference in a relaxed atmosphere.
Beautiful location

Excellent Location, Excellent delivery

CME in Hawaii? Sign me up! Second year in a row attending this conference, planning to make it three next year. I get to use my CME in the morning and have time in afternoon and evening to enjoy what the island has to offer. Great location in Waikiki. Last year I stayed at the Embassy Suites, which was really good. This year I’m staying a 10 minutes walk away. Equally as good. Don’t be afraid to stay at one of the other near-by hotels if that works better for you. Last year I brought my wife, this year we brought our kids. Next year it will just be the wife and I.

Anonymous

Hawaiian CME

Instructors are very knowledgeable and approachable with questions. We did the Hawaii CME and due to weather made arrangements to elongate 1 of our days so we can enjoy a full day with better weather. HOW GREAT WAS THAT !! 😁 We stayed at Embassy suites that had great location in Waikiki. Loved this experience of learning and playing after.

Liz Gonzalez