How to Create High-Quality CME Articles

GUEST POST: This is a guest post by James Davidson, on behalf of Learn at Pinnacle.

Are you a medical writer looking to tap into a fulfilling and profitable niche? CME writing isn’t the only avenue, but it’s a sure bet as an industry that continues to grow.

With healthcare professionals (HCPs) in need of reliable, accredited education to not only stay up to date on best practices but to keep their license to practice, the demand for well-crafted CME content is higher than ever.

But how do you write medical education content that sparks interest and makes a difference? Many medical writers looking to get into CME writing aren’t sure where to start, and this guide comes in. 

We’ll walk you through the key steps to crafting high-quality, CME-accredited articles and other health blogs. You’ll also learn about the accreditation standards and how to structure engaging CME content to keep readers hooked.

What is CME-Accredited Medical Writing?

Continuing Medical Education (CME) writing involves creating educational content that educates physicians about the latest medical research, treatments, and best practices. It ensures that doctors expand their clinical knowledge and acquire professional growth to treat patients effectively.

CME vs. CE vs. CPD

If you’ve heard of CME medical writing, chances are you’ve heard of CE and maybe, CPD. So, what’s the difference between the three? Well, you might hear differing opinions, especially between countries and continents. 

In the United States, CME refers to education designed for doctors, while continuing education(CE) refers to education intended for all other HCPs, including doctors. These terms may be used interchangeably, but neither CE nor CME is interchangeable with continuing professional development(CPD).

CPD, unlike CME or CE, teaches more than up-to-date best practices. CPD is designed to teach skills like business development and other skills that enhance the professional journey outside of clinical care. 

What happens when you get outside of the U.S., though? Well, CPD in the UK is fairly equivalent to CME in the US – and unlike in the US, it’s not a requirement for maintaining licensure, although most physicians choose to take CPD to stay up to date.

CME-accredited content is vital for healthcare professionals (HCPs) as it ensures continuous learning and skill development throughout their careers. 

Why CME Matters

Supports Evidence-Based Practice: Accredited CME materials are thoroughly reviewed to ensure they are based on scientific evidence. This reduces misinformation and promotes best practices in clinical decision-making, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Maintains Licensure and Certification: Many healthcare regulatory bodies require HCPs to earn CME credits for license renewal and board certification. These accredited activities help them stay competent and up-to-date in their field.

Provide Career Growth Opportunities: Taking part in accredited CME programs shows dedication to learning, builds credibility, and opens up more career opportunities for HCPs.

To maintain high educational standards, CME programs can be approved by recognised accreditation bodies, such as:

• ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education) is responsible for accrediting organisations that provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians in the United States. These credits, often based on AMA’s strict protocols, ensure high-quality education that supports safe and effective patient care. 

• ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) accredits organisations that offer continuing nursing education (CNE).  It also certifies nurses in various speciality practice areas.  

• ACPE (Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education) is the national agency for the accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy. This also accredits providers of continuing pharmacy education.

• Joint Accreditation: This accreditation allows organisations to provide continuing education for healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, through a single, streamlined process. 

Alternatively, organisations can work with accredited providers to accredit their materials without going through the entire accreditation process. This is usually the preferred option if you only have a few events or courses to accredit.

High-quality, accredited medical content helps HCPs refine their diagnostic skills, adopt innovative treatment approaches, and comply with evolving medical guidelines. This reduces medical errors, leading to safer and more effective patient outcomes.

Tips on How to Get into CME Writing

If you’re interested in CME writing, here’s how to get started and establish yourself in the field.

1. Position Yourself as a CME/CE Writer

Make it clear that CME/CE writing is part of your professional skillset.

• Add it to your LinkedIn headline and “About” section (e.g., Medical Writer | CME & CE Specialist | Evidence-Based Healthcare Content).
• Include a dedicated CME/CE services section on your website or professional portfolio.
• List it as a service on freelance platforms like Upwork.

2. Strengthen Your Foundation in Medical and Clinical Writing

CME/CE writing requires a precise understanding of medical terminology, clinical research, and treatment guidelines. It also requires an understanding of the complex nature of the industry, including the accreditation process discussed above(and below, in #3!) 

Don’t sweat it; understanding CME takes time. However, the biggest complaint from education companies, specialty organisations, hospitals, and others who work with CME writers is that they don’t understand CME. The easiest way to stand out is to have a strong foundation in medical writing and CME. 

Start by:

• Building a firm understanding of clinical data interpretation (study designs, outcomes, limitations).
• Practising translating complex medical concepts into clear, actionable information.
• Familiarize yourself with medical writing guidelines such as AMA Manual of Style and referencing formats.

3. Learn CME and CE Accreditation Standards

Understanding how accredited education works is crucial for producing compliant content – and the content your clients need so you can be a trusted writer in the field. 

• Study what makes content accredited (unbiased, evidence-based, and focused on clinical practice gaps).
• Review the requirements for learning objectives, disclosures, and evaluations.
• Stay familiar with Joint Accreditation guidelines for interprofessional education (IPCE).

4. Network with CME and CE Content Providers

To break into the field, connect with companies and professionals already creating CME/CE:

• Reach out to medical education companies that specialise in accredited content (many hire freelance writers).
• Join professional associations like AMWA, EMWA, and ISMPP to find opportunities and stay connected.
• Engage with journals, CME platforms (e.g., Learn at Pinnacle, Medscape, Pri-Med), and continuing education providers.
• You can also talk to medical SEO agencies and other medical writers to see whether they have any opportunities in the CE/CME space coming up.

5. Build a Portfolio of CME/CE Samples

Potential clients will want to see samples of your work, and creating portfolio samples, if you don’t already have them, will give you confidence and belief in your abilites as you seek out new clients.  

If you’re new:

• Create mock CME/CE manuscripts, needs assessments, patient cases, slide decks, or case studies based on recent research.
• Contribute to open-access educational platforms or offer to write under the supervision of an established CME provider.
• Get feedback from peer reviewers or experienced medical writers to ensure your samples meet professional standards.

On that note, let’s just acknowledge that CME is no cakewalk. When you’re first trying to break into the field, the terminology and types of content can be intimidating. Imagining where you fit in as a CME writer can be difficult. 

But if you love educating and you love healthcare, it can be an excellent fit for you. Finding peers to learn from and to get feedback from can help you build confidence as you navigate this new path. 

Types of CME Content

CME content comes in various formats, supporting healthcare professionals to learn in ways that best fit their schedules and learning styles. 

Here are some of the most common types:

• Courses: Structured learning courses are the best way to engage learners in quality CME insights. They can be online and self-paced or in-person training sessions that allow physicians to learn at their convenience. Many courses include quizzes or assessments to simplify key concepts and ensure a solid understanding of the material.

• Conferences & Live Events: These are large-scale gatherings where healthcare professionals gather to learn from experts through lectures, panel talks, and hands-on workshops. They also provide a great chance to network, share experiences, and stay updated on the latest medical breakthroughs.

• Journal Articles & Case-Based Learning: CME-accredited medical articles and case studies provide concise, research-backed insights into clinical topics. HCPs read the material, answer questions, and earn CME credits while staying updated on recent healthcare developments.

• Reflective Activities: These exercises encourage HCPs to reflect on learned concepts and ways to apply them in real-life cases. This promotes active learning that further refines their skills and improves patient outcomes.

• Webinars and On-Demand Videos: Another practical way to promote high-quality CME activities is through live online events or recordings to access later. These virtual sessions often feature expert presentations, Q&A discussions, and interactive elements to enhance engagement.

How to Create a High-Quality CME-Accredited Article

Have you just landed your first CME writing project and aren’t sure where to start? Fret not. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating clear, engaging, and evidence-based CME content below.

1. Create a Plan

Before you start writing, it’s essential to develop a structured plan. A well-thought-out approach ensures that your CME content is relevant, educational, and meets accreditation standards. Here’s how to do it:

Identify the Educational Need

CME content must address a clear gap in knowledge, skills, or practice. This is typically based on:

• New clinical guidelines or treatments
• Common misconceptions or outdated practices
• Emerging healthcare challenges

Define Clear and Measurable Learning Objectives

Once you’ve identified the need, it’s time to set specific learning objectives. These must clearly define what HCPs should know, understand, or be able to apply after completing the CME activity.

Here’s the best example of how to structure a statement of need with actionable learning objectives.

Engage Learners Effectively

CME content should keep HCPs engaged while delivering complex medical information. To achieve this:

• Use case-based learning to present real-world scenarios.
• Incorporate interactive elements (quizzes, reflection prompts).
• Keep the language clear, concise, and practical.

This helps you to communicate your message effectively without overwhelming them.

2. Write Evidence-Based Content

While writing CME-accredited content, include up-to-date medical research and credible resources to support your claims. Using peer-reviewed journals, authoritative healthcare organisations, and government health agencies goes a long way to maintaining credibility and ensures HCPs receive the most relevant information.

• Use studies published within the last 3–5 years to reflect the latest advancements.
• Cite evidence from trusted sources like JAMA, The Lancet, NEJM, WHO, CDC, and specialty medical societies.
• Avoid outdated or biased information by cross-referencing multiple reliable sources.

While clinical insights are essential, overly complex information can be challenging to understand and apply. To make content more accessible:

• Use easy-to-read terms instead of technical jargon.
• Break down complex concepts with bullet points, visuals, and case examples.
• Focus on key information that HCPs can apply in practice instead of overwhelming them with too much data.
• Maintain a logical flow that smoothly connects concepts, making it easy to follow.

For example, this CME article on the gender pay gap perfectly blends strong research with an easy and engaging content structure.

3. Structure Your Content for Engagement and Retention

Keeping readers engaged while presenting complex scientific concepts is no easy feat. However, with the right approach, you can make your CME content both compelling and visually appealing. Here are some practical ways to do so.

Use an Active Voice & Clear Structure: Long, complex sentences can quickly lose your reader. Keep it direct, concise, and impactful while making sure that every word adds value.

Break Up Text for Readability: No one likes a wall of text. Try using short paragraphs, bullet points, and lists to make information easy to digest.

Incorporate Headings & Subheadings: A well-organized layout helps busy HCPs quickly find what they need without endless scrolling.

Enhance Learning with Case Studies and Scenarios: Real-world examples bring concepts to life, making them easier to understand and apply in practice.

Utilise Interactive Elements: Charts, tables, and infographics simplify complex data, while quizzes or reflection prompts keep readers actively engaged.

You can see how the above-linked article includes stats, visuals, and structured sections. This is an excellent example of making your content readable instead of throwing a huge block of text filled with scientific terms.

4. Check Against Accreditation Standards

Before finalising CME content, a writer must ensure it meets accreditation requirements. This guarantees compliance and maintains the integrity of the education provided. Here’s what to look for:

• The article should mention the name of the accredited provider responsible for the CME activity. 
• Ensure that the clinical guidelines are current, accurate, and based on valid scientific evidence.
• Identify and mitigate conflicts of interest per accreditation rules.
• Keep content free from promotional influence.
• Have subject matter experts check for accuracy and compliance.
• Follow accreditation checklists and review your content against their criteria.
• Evaluate thoroughly if the content defines its target audience, addresses a specific educational need, and includes well-stated learning objectives.

Ready to Branch Out Into CME Writing?

Breaking into CME writing may seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s truly achievable. Remember, CME writing isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about genuinely improving clinical practice and patient outcomes through effective education.

Now that you have a solid understanding of what we discussed in the article, you can pursue it in the long term. 

Ready to get started?

1. Define Your Niche: Decide which medical specialties align with your expertise or interests.
2. Build Your Foundation: Strengthen your skills in medical writing, evidence interpretation, and accreditation processes.
3. Network Strategically: Connect with CME providers, education companies, and industry peers.
4. Showcase Your Expertise: Develop a robust portfolio of CME-specific samples.

The more you practice, the stronger your skills will become with time. Now, take your first step. Start researching, build your portfolio, and connect with your future clients. The CME community is ready to welcome you!