NEWS
PRELIMINARY RESULTS REVEAL KEY INSIGHTS INTO THE CPD/CE WORKFORCE
Thank you to all the accredited providers who participated in the CPD/CE Workforce Survey. Your responses offer an unprecedented insight into the composition, structure, and financial landscape of the continuing professional development (CPD)/continuing education (CE) workforce.
A collaborative effort of the ACCME, Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education (Joint Accreditation), State Medical Society Recognized Accreditors, the Alliance for Continuing Education of the Health Professions (ACEHP), the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and the Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education (SACME), the survey is the first of its kind to offer a detailed picture of our community. Conducted by a research team at the University of Illinois Chicago, the complete analysis is currently underway and will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication by the end of the year.
ACCME President and CEO Graham McMahon, MD, MMSc, shared these preliminary results during Learn to Thrive 2025 in April in Chicago:
Who Makes Up the CPD/CE Workforce?
Of the 524 respondents:
- 83% identified as female, 13% as male, and 4% as other or preferred not to answer.
- 54% reported holding duties outside of CPD/CE, highlighting the need for flexible and multifaceted staffing models.
Financial and Revenue Insights
Among 514 respondents:
- Slightly more than half generate external revenue for their CPD/CE units.
- Slightly less than half report having an expectation that external revenue should cover the costs of their programs.
- For about half of respondents, internal funding remains a primary source of revenue.
Workforce Changes and Staffing Dynamics
Over the past two years, there were on average:
- 1.31 new hires per organization
- 1.11 staff departures per organization
“On average, there were more hires than departures in continuing education over the last two years, and more positions created than lost,” Dr. McMahon said. “So, the system is growing overall from what we see.”
Roles and Experience
In terms of experience and full-time equivalent (FTE) status:
- Coordinators have an average of 6 years of CPD/CE experience, and 76% plan to stay in the field for the next three years.
- Managers have an average of 13 years of experience, with 84% intending to stay.
- Program Leaders have the highest average experience at 15 years, and 86% are committed to the profession.
This data underscores that as professionals advance in responsibility, they tend to stay for longer periods in the field and are more likely to serve in full-time roles.
What’s Next?
This preliminary data is just the beginning. The final analysis will provide even deeper insights into how organizational size, provider type, and accreditor affiliation relate to workforce structure and compensation. These findings will support CPD/CE professionals in:
- Benchmarking their programs
- Making informed staffing and budgeting decisions
- Advocating for resources and recognition within their institutions
Again, we are deeply grateful to all who participated. Your input is helping us build a stronger, better-informed CPD/CE community.
EDUCATION AND RESOURCES
JOIN A 2025 ACCME WORKING GROUP
Help shape new resources for the CE community! ACCME’s 2025 Working Groups are launching soon—and there’s still time to get involved. Register now for the Kickoff Webinar on Monday, June 9, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT to meet the group leaders and learn how you can participate. Topics include joint providership, connecting learners, professional development of the Frontline CE Educator, and Regularly Scheduled Series (RSS).
The webinar is free and open to all—attendance at Learn to Thrive 2025 is not required. Register now! Have questions? Contact us at education@accme.org.
JOIN US AT THE ACCME ACCREDITATION WORKSHOP!
Registration is open for the 2025 ACCME Accreditation Workshop—happening August 26–27 at the Loews Chicago Hotel! Whether you’re new to accredited CE or looking to strengthen your understanding of ACCME’s requirements, this in-person workshop is your opportunity to connect with colleagues, explore key strategies, and access valuable tools to elevate your program. Make the most of your experience by attending the optional Newcomers’ Orientation on August 25. Register now and learn more.
INAUGURAL CERTIFICATE COHORT LAUNCHES—MORE OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD
The first groups of learners in ACCME’s new Certificate Programs begin their work in June—and interest has been high. Nearly 200 CE professionals have joined our Spring 2025 cohort to strengthen their skills in implementing the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited CE or managing CE data, including 35 who enrolled in both programs. If you missed this round, stay tuned: registration for the next cohort will open later this year!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER
Sharon Cusanza, MSN RN, and Steve Singer, PhD
ACCME is pleased to recognize the winner of the 2025 Research and Scholarship Award, which was presented during Learn to Thrive 2025 in April. The winning project is “Impact of Perinatal Education and Clinical Decision Support Systems on Uterine Tachysystole” by Sharon Cusanza, MSN RN, LAMMICO/Medical Interactive; Carol Lawrence, PhD, Florida Gulf Coast University; Joyce Arand, PhD, Lee Health; and Karen Kolega, DNP, PeriGen.
This award was established in 2023 to recognize one research project presented at Learn to Thrive each year that both demonstrates excellence in the research process and addresses a key question or critical issues that can help the whole CE system evolve.
Judges noted that the project addressed “a serious problem whose detection is aided by artificial intelligence,” and they praised the “behavioral outcome study that shows a positive impact on nursing behavior.”
NEXT NATIONAL HEALTH EQUITY GRAND ROUNDS EVENT CANCELLED
The next National Health Equity Grand Rounds event, originally scheduled for July 16, has been cancelled. Watch https://www.healthequitygrandrounds.org/ for updates on future events.
PLANNING GREENER CONFERENCES: RESOURCES FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE CE
Continuing education professionals are committed not only to advancing healthcare but also to contributing to a healthier planet. With growing awareness of the environmental impact of travel and large-scale events, CE planners can play a key role in reducing the carbon footprint of medical meetings.
A helpful tool for estimating and comparing emissions from in-person and virtual conference attendance is the Network Greener Calculator, developed by GreenHealthLab. Designed for conference hosts, department leaders, and attendees, the calculator provides insights into the environmental benefits of hybrid and virtual models. Its methodology is based on a JCO Global Oncology study analyzing ASCO annual meetings (2019–2022, with over 40,000 attendees). You can also review a slide summarizing pilot findings to see how this tool has been applied in practice. Another additional resource, this JAMA Oncology case study, examined how the American Radium Society’s shift to virtual conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased greenhouse gas emissions.
As you plan your next activity or conference, we encourage you to consider these tools and examples as part of your strategy for delivering responsible, future-forward education.
