Navigating CRNA Continuing Education Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are dedicated to continuous improvement in safe, quality patient care. This commitment is reflected in the rigorous continuing education requirements they must meet to maintain their certification and licensure. Understanding these requirements is crucial for every CRNA. This article provides a comprehensive overview of CRNA continuing education, focusing on the Maintenance of Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program and specific state requirements, particularly in Florida.
The Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program
The NBCRNA introduced the Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program in 2024. As a CRNA, you will be enrolled into the Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program. This program supports lifelong learning and the strong CRNA credential, protecting your ability to continue practicing as a CRNA, and is designed to meet the APRN regulatory requirements of every state Board of Nursing. The MAC program has three main components: MAC Ed, MAC Dev, and MAC Check.
MAC Ed (Class A Credits)
CRNAs are required to earn 60 Class A credits through MAC Ed every four-year MAC cycle. These continuing education (CE) credits are earned by participating in CE courses or activities that sharpen your skills and increase your knowledge. AANA supports CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists on their recertification path by helping track MAC Ed (Class A) credits and providing a variety of courses to satisfy requirements.
MAC Dev (Class B Credits)
40 MAC Dev (Class B) credits are required every four-year MAC cycle. Class B credits include a wide range of professional activities, such as teaching, publishing, and research. Unlike MAC Ed, earning credits through MAC Dev does not require prior approval or an assessment.
Unlike Class A credits, Class B credits don’t require AANA approval, have an assessment, or undergo a prior-approval process. From teaching to mission trips, there are various activities that qualify as Class B credits. Each Class B category has a required audit document you’ll need to keep on file. There is also a category reporting document you can download. Maintaining your activity records is essential for reporting Class B credits in your credential renewal. Not an AANA member? You’ll need to report your Class B credits during your 4-year credential renewal.
Read also: Requirements for CRNAs
How can I earn MAC Ed (Class A) and MAC Dev (Class B) Credits? 40 MAC Dev (Class B) credits - Awarded for professional development activities that do not require AANA approval. You can fulfill this by using excess MAC Ed credits or through activities such as life support classes, serving on a board, research involvement, teaching, publishing, or taking on a new clinical practice role.
MAC Check
MAC Check is an updated approach to checking CRNAs' knowledge utilizing a longitudinal assessment format. These quarterly check-ins offers a series of multi-choice and multi-select questions conveniently available on mobile devices or personal computer. MAC Check replaces the Continued Professional Certification Assessment (CPCA).
According to NBCRNA, CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists will pay NBCRNA a one-time, upfront fee of $445 when submitting the renewal application for the four-year certification cycle. This means an average yearly cost of $111.
Florida-Specific CEU Requirements
An APRN license renewal requires seven (7) Florida-specific Continuing Education Units (CEUs). As a result of State legislation passed in 2014, ALL FLORIDA CRNAS WHO ARE CURRENT WITH THEIR NBCRNA CERTIFICATION CAN EXEMPT THEMSELVES FROM 6 OF THE 7 STATE SPECIFIC CEU REQUIREMENTS. This includes the following State-mandated CEU courses.
However, it's important to note that certain CEU requirements cannot be exempted. Requirements to complete three hours of continuing education on the safe and effective prescribing of controlled medications before each two year licensure renewal cannot be exempted whether or not you prescribe controlled substances in your practice. Also, both the Controlled Substance and the Human Trafficking CE are now required (non-exemptible) each time you renew your Florida license.
Read also: Comprehensive CRNA Info
Streamlining Your Recertification with APEX Anesthesia Review
With APEX Anesthesia Review, you can fit earning Class A and Class B credits into your busy schedule. Using APEX for your NBCRNA Class B credits? Perfect! APEX reports credits for active AANA members during business hours Monday through Friday, saving you the extra step of submitting Class B credits yourself. Any Class A credit (MAC Ed) earned in excess of the required 60 will automatically be applied to the Class B requirement (MAC Dev). APEX makes it easy to get everything you need for your entire 4-year MAC cycle! Ready to get started?
Read also: Explore LaGuardia's Programs
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