Licensing Requirements for Physicians

License Cycle

3 year cycle

Continuing Medical Education Required

150 hours - 60 hours must be earned through MI LARA Category 1 and 40 hours must be AOA approved.

One-Time Requirements

• Human Trafficking Training: One-time training for initial licensure.
• DEA MATE Act Training:  8 hours, one-time training for initial licensure.
  • Note: Osteopathic physicians in Michigan still must obtain 3 hours of training on pain and symposium management each licensure cycle.

Specific Training Requirements

• Implicit Bias Training: 3 hours
• Pain and Symposium Management: 3 hours (1 hour must be on prescribing controlled substances)

CME Policies and Requirements for AOA Board-Certified Physicians

Physicians certified by an AOA specialty certifying board demonstrate expertise in their specialty through Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC), which provides opportunities for professional development centered on patient care and lifelong learning.

The 2025-27 certification CME cycle is Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2027. The requirements for OCC Component 2: Lifelong Learning/Continuing Medical Education and the activities that may serve to meet those requirements for the 2025-27 Certification CME Cycle as of Jan. 1, 2025, are outlined below.

The AOA Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (BOS) maintains the right to update CME requirements for AOA Board Certification as needed. The BOS reserves the right to evaluate all programs and activities on an individual basis. Physicians are responsible for reviewing the rules and regulations of CME throughout the Certification CME cycle to remain informed.

Reporting activities approved for AAFP or AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ only:

Physicians are responsible for reporting to the AOA all CME earned from an ACCME-accredited provider for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ or AAFP CME program. A certificate of attendance must be submitted through the CME Self-Reporting Tool (login required) or by emailing Physician Education & CME at cme@osteopathic.org. Submissions must include the physician’s name and AOA ID number, and the certificate must specify the total number of CME credit hours earned. Transcripts from other institutions (hospitals, CME trackers, etc.) will be accepted if the total number of CME credit hours earned is specified.

Updated 5/9/2025