Print
As the new Continuing Competence (CC) cycle begins, here is your guide to the CC program and its requirements.
First point: The CC cycle is a 12-month cycle that aligns with the member year, (October 1 to September 30 each year). To understand the program, first we should explain why there is a program. As part of the Health Professions Act (HPA) all regulated health professions are required to maintain currency in their practice and knowledge through a continuing competence activities set by their college.
The premise of the College’s CC program is that all members are expected to evaluate their own skills and pursue additional education or learning to address any deficiencies or areas of special interest. This is an excellent way for members to continue to stay up to date on medical practices while also advancing their skills in ways they haven’t previously.
The Continuing Competence program is broken down into two types of activities: Continuing Education and Self-Directed Activities.
Continuing Education (CE) activities are pre-approved programs. The College has a list of formal educational courses that meet the Continuing Education Standards. CE activities must also be inclusive opportunities to all members. To be considered continuing education, program and course providers must first seek approval from the College.
Self-Directed (SD) activities are professional development activities identified by regulated members based on specific interests and learning needs. These activities must provide intellectual and/or practical knowledge that is relevant to your practice setting or to your professional and ethical obligations in the provision of care. These activities could be anything related to current practices or future goals.
The two different activities give regulated members flexibility in how they choose to further their education each year. The CE activities provide a more structured approach that is geared to all members, while the SD activities are meant to further each individual members’ interests.
Second point: There are two types of credits that can be earned:
- Continuing education
- Self-directed
Continuing education are granted at a 3 credits per hour basis. At least 30 (or half) of the credits must be in the area of continuing education.
Self-directed are weighted less than approved continuing education activities at 1 credit per hour.
Once 30 credits in CE activities is achieved, the remaining 30 credits can be earned however each regulated member prefers. Meaning, if one member wants to claim all 60 credits in CE they can, while another can do an even split of 30 CE and 30 SD. As long as 30 CE activities are logged, the remaining credits can be any mix of CE and/or SD. It’s completely up to you and your interests.
Third point: All regulated members must achieve 60 credits in the CC cycle to be able to renew their practice permit for the next member year. CC activities can only be claimed for the cycle in which they are earned/taken, meaning anything you completed in one member year (October 1 – September 30) cannot be added to a different member year’s CC cycle.
Fourth point: Keep a record of all activities you log on your profile for five years after the cycle ends. So, activities logged in 2020/2021 must be kept until October 1, 2026. This is to make sure that if your records are audited, you can provide proof of meeting the CC requirements.
You are encouraged to pursue CC activities/credits throughout the year. If you have any questions about the CC program, activities or claiming credits, email CC@ABparamedics.com.