CE Categories: Pathways to Success
It’s never too early to plan your professional development pathway for the 2024-25 reporting period. To assist in this effort, we’d like to address one of the most common questions from Athletic Trainer (ATs) when completing their continuing education (CE) requirements. ATs often struggle with determining whether a particular activity is eligible for continuing education units (CEUs). Let’s take a closer look at the CE categories and highlight resources available to assist ATs.
DOMAINS OF ATHLETIC TRAINING
As a part of continuing competence, the BOC requires ATs to complete a predetermined number of CEUs within a given time period. All CE activities must fall within the domains of the “Practice Analysis, 8th Edition” (PA8) that defines the current entry-level knowledge, skills and abilities required for practice in the profession of athletic training.
The PA8 Domains include:
Accompanying PA8 documents are available for download on the BOC website at no cost. Copies of the full PA8 document may be purchased online.
CE CATEGORIES: AS SIMPLE AS …
The CE categories are divided into Category A, B, C and D. A summary of each category is listed in the table below.
To confirm if a CE activity qualifies for Category A, ATs can visit the BOC Program Directory on the BOC website. The certificate of completion for Category A programs will also list the BOC logo and a statement of credit including the maximum number of Category A CEUs eligible to report.
If the program is not Category A, it might qualify for Category B, C or D. If the program fits one of the category descriptions, the next step is to make sure the CE program was intended for credentialed health care providers and wellness professionals. If lay people are part of the intended audience, such as parents or coaches, program content is considered below entry-level and is not eligible for CEUs. As mentioned earlier, all CE activities must also fall within the domains of the PA8.
The “Certification Maintenance Requirements” document and BOC website are important resources that can provide more information on CE categories, the number of CEUs and the required documentation that will be needed if you are audited. The BOC CE Categories Tutorial videos and Individual Activity Review are also helpful resources available for ATs.
CE CATEGORIES TUTORIAL VIDEOS
To better assist ATs in understanding CE categories, the BOC developed the BOC CE Categories Tutorial videos that focus on category definitions and provide an overview of activities that qualify for CEUs. The BOC CE Categories Tutorial videos have been incorporated into the BOC website to assist ATs in better defining CE categories
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY REVIEW
The free Individual Activity Review tool is a resource to determine if CE activities fall within the domains of athletic training as defined in the PA8. The BOC ultimately determines if an activity is eligible for CEUs regardless of the outcome of this tool. Visit the BOC website for details.
Additional help in determining if a course falls within the domains of athletic training can be requested by logging into your BOC profile and completing form “AT205 – Individual Activity Review.” BOC staff will review your activity and provide a final determination for a fee.
The BOC CE requirements are intended to promote continued competence, development of current knowledge and skills and enhancement of professional skills throughout your career. Please contact the BOC if you have any questions determining whether an activity would qualify for CEUs. The BOC is available to support AT’s ongoing professional development and maintenance of BOC certification.
