Featured | Jul 4, 2025
North Carolina requires 60 CME credits every 3 years for MDs and DOs, including 3 hours on controlled substance prescribing. Credits must align with the physician’s specialty. Use our CE app to track and manage progress easily.
As healthcare advances, North Carolina’s CME requirements serve as a cornerstone in upholding high standards in medical practice. In this dynamic field, where progress is constant, Continuing Medical Education (CME) ensures healthcare providers remain at the forefront of medical knowledge. This guide explores North Carolina's CME requirements for medical license renewal, offering healthcare practitioners a roadmap to meet their obligations and excel in a demanding, innovative environment.
The North Carolina Medical Board sets the CME requirements for MDs and DOs practicing in the state. Here's an overview of the key requirements: http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2021%20-%20occupational%20licensing%20boards%20and%20commissions/chapter%2032%20-%20north%20carolina%20medical%20board/subchapter%20r/subchapter%20r%20rules.html
Your credential requirements
North Carolina MD
Due: 31 Dec, 2025
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Profession: Medical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
CME Credits Required: 60
Licensure Cycle: Every Three Years
Credit Type: AMA PRA Category 1 and AOA Category 1-A credits are required.
Special CME Requirements:
A physician licensed to practice medicine in the State of North Carolina, except those physicians holding a residency training license, shall complete at least 60 hours of Category 1 CME relevant to the physician's current or intended specialty or area of practice every 3 years.
Every physician who prescribes controlled substances, except those physicians holding a residency training license, shall complete at least 3 hours of CME from the required 60 hours of Category 1 CME designed specifically to address controlled substance prescribing practices. The controlled substance prescribing CME shall include instruction on controlled substance prescribing practices and controlled substance prescribing for chronic pain management.
More information on North Carolina CME requirements for physicians on the state medical board
Supercharge your Continuing Medical Education with our cutting-edge CE app! Stay ahead of the curve, effortlessly track your CME credits, and access high-quality courses tailored to your specialization.
Medical doctors in North Carolina must complete 60 CME credits every three years. These must be Category 1 credits approved by AMA PRA or AOA Category 1-A. Of the 60 required hours, 3 credits must focus on Controlled Substance Prescribing Practices, including chronic pain management. Always refer to the North Carolina Medical Board for the most current guidelines.
MDs in North Carolina are required to complete 60 Category 1 CME credits every three years to maintain licensure. Physicians who prescribe controlled substances must ensure that 3 of these credits address controlled substance prescribing and chronic pain management.
Required CME topics for North Carolina MDs include general education relevant to the physician’s specialty, and 3 hours focused on Controlled Substance Prescribing Practices, including guidelines for chronic pain treatment. These must be part of the 60 total Category 1 credits required every three years.
Medical doctors must renew their CME credits every three years, completing 60 total Category 1 CME credits per cycle. Physicians who prescribe controlled substances must include 3 credits on prescribing practices and chronic pain management within the same cycle.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in North Carolina must complete 60 CME credits every three years. These must be Category 1 credits, such as AOA Category 1-A or AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. DOs who prescribe controlled substances must complete 3 of these credits on controlled substance prescribing and chronic pain management.
DOs must complete 60 Category 1 CME credits every three years. Among these, 3 credits must be specific to Controlled Substance Prescribing Practices if the physician is licensed to prescribe controlled substances. The remaining hours must be relevant to their area of practice.
North Carolina DOs must earn 60 Category 1 CME credits every three years, including 3 credits focused on controlled substance prescribing and chronic pain management if they hold prescribing authority. Other credits should be relevant to the physician’s intended or current specialty.
DOs must renew their CME credits every three years, completing 60 Category 1 CME credits. For prescribers, 3 of those hours must address Controlled Substance Prescribing Practices, as mandated by the North Carolina Medical Board.
