Negotiating Your CME Allowance: 2026 Benchmarks for ICU Providers
Continuing Medical Education (CME) isn't just a licensure requirement—it's essential for staying current in the rapidly evolving field of critical care. Yet many APPs accept whatever CME package is offered without negotiation.
Here's what you should actually be getting in 2026.
Current CME Benchmarks by Setting
Academic Medical Centers
- Annual CME allowance: $3,000 - $5,000
- CME days: 5-7 paid days
- Additional perks: Often include conference registration, society memberships
Large Health Systems
- Annual CME allowance: $2,500 - $4,000
- CME days: 3-5 paid days
- Notes: May require pre-approval for specific conferences
Community Hospitals
- Annual CME allowance: $1,500 - $3,000
- CME days: 3-5 paid days
- Notes: More flexibility in how funds are used
Private Practice/Physician Groups
- Annual CME allowance: $1,000 - $3,000
- CME days: 2-5 paid days
- Notes: Highly variable; negotiate hard here
Locum Tenens
- Annual CME allowance: Typically not provided
- Alternative: Higher hourly rate should compensate; factor this into your rate negotiation
What CME Funds Should Cover
Don't assume—get it in writing. CME allowances typically cover:
Usually Covered
- Conference registration fees
- Travel (airfare, mileage)
- Lodging
- Course materials
- Board certification/recertification fees
- Online CME subscriptions (UpToDate, SCCM Learning, etc.)
Sometimes Covered (Negotiate!)
- Professional society memberships (SCCM, AACN, AAPA)
- Specialty certification prep courses
- Simulation training
- Journal subscriptions
- Books and reference materials
Rarely Covered (But Worth Asking)
- Meals during conferences
- Spouse/family travel
- Non-CME professional development
How to Negotiate More CME Support
1. Do Your Research
Come to the negotiation table with data. Use resources like:
- MGMA salary surveys
- AAPA salary reports
- State NP association benchmarks
2. Frame It as Investment, Not Cost
Emphasize how CME benefits the employer:
- Reduced malpractice risk
- Better patient outcomes
- Improved retention
- Enhanced reputation
3. Propose Specific Conferences
Instead of asking for "more CME money," request funding for specific high-value conferences:
- SCCM Critical Care Congress
- AACN NTI
- CHEST Annual Meeting
4. Negotiate the Total Package
If they won't budge on dollar amount, negotiate for:
- Additional paid CME days
- Conference registration paid separately
- Society membership dues covered
5. Get It In Writing
Verbal promises mean nothing. Ensure your offer letter or contract specifies:
- Exact dollar amount
- Number of paid days
- What expenses are covered
- Rollover policy (can unused funds carry over?)
- Reimbursement timeline
Red Flags in CME Policies
Watch out for these problematic policies:
- Use-it-or-lose-it with short timelines: Some employers require CME within fiscal year with no rollover
- Pre-approval nightmares: Excessive bureaucracy that makes using funds difficult
- Clawback provisions: Requiring repayment if you leave within X months of using CME
- Vague "at discretion" language: Get specific dollar amounts in writing
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your CME
- Plan early: Popular critical care conferences sell out; book months in advance
- Stack efficiently: Combine CME with vacation or required certifications
- Go virtual when appropriate: Save travel funds for must-attend events
- Track everything: Keep receipts and certificates organized for reimbursement and licensure
- Negotiate annually: CME allowances can often be increased at performance reviews
The Bottom Line
CME isn't a perk—it's a professional necessity. The average ICU APP should expect $2,500-$4,000 annually with 3-5 paid days. If your offer falls below these benchmarks, negotiate. Your continued competence benefits everyone.
Remember: Employers who invest in your education are investing in quality patient care.