Orthopedic CME is essential for NPs, PAs, RNs, and physicians who evaluate musculoskeletal complaints every day. Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts offers comprehensive orthopedic CME through two remaining 2026 in-person conferences (Denver and Las Vegas), the Best of the Best of 2026 package (18.75 credits), and a dedicated On-Demand Orthopedics package worth up to 13 credit hours. Sessions are taught by expert PA educators Vanessa Smith and Sarah Bolander.
Why Orthopedic CME Matters More Than Ever
Online CME training is increasingly a go-to strategy for nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), registered nurses (RNs), and physicians. These clinicians repeatedly share that online formats provide the flexibility they need as they juggle work and life. In a national survey of American orthopedic residents, in fact, a web-based training resource was found to be the most commonly used educational resource, used by 99.5 percent of respondents.
For those specializing in hip and knee surgery, surgical simulators and virtual reality (VR) platforms have been developed for total hip and total knee arthroplasty. That innovation has led more orthopedists to seek online options for ongoing education. Across all levels of practice, orthopedic CME has become a cornerstone of staying current with rapidly evolving guidelines, techniques, and treatment approaches.
What Is Orthopedic CME?
Orthopedic CME is continuing medical education focused on the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. It covers everything from wrist pain and shoulder examinations to hip and knee arthritis, fractures, and upper extremity conditions. Specifically, high-quality orthopedic CME helps NPs, PAs, RNs, and physicians diagnose complaints accurately, treat conservatively when appropriate, and know when to refer for surgical consultation.
Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts, a leading national provider of CME, has made Online CME a core part of our curricula. We also recognize differences in learning style and speed. Orthopedics has been a focus of study since day one. Through robust programming, both In-person and Online, we have made it our priority to connect clinicians with thought leaders and nationally accredited speakers covering topics as varied as wrist pain, shoulder examinations, hips, knees, arthritis, fractures, upper extremity conditions, and much more.
Who Teaches Orthopedic CME at Skin Bones?
Our orthopedic CME sessions are taught by two of the most respected PA educators in the field.
Vanessa Smith, PA-C
Vanessa brings over 16 years of experience in orthopedic hand surgery to every session. Her background spans surgical assistance, independent clinic management for non-operative hand and wrist injuries, and research involvement. As the first Advanced Practice Provider on the American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) board of directors, she leads orthopedic CME sessions grounded in real clinical practice.
Sarah Bolander, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
Sarah is a nationally recognized PA educator whose orthopedic CME sessions are included in the Best of the Best of 2026 package. Her approach emphasizes practical, evidence-based education accessible to clinicians across specialties.
“Professional development is essential for all PAs and NPs, because medicine is constantly evolving, and clinicians must remain current and prepared. Beyond clinical practice, we each have insights to share and opportunities to improve patient care together, and as the roles of NPs and PAs continue to expand, we must be ready to serve as educators, researchers, and leaders within our fields,” Bolander added when discussing the importance of continuing and building one’s professional education.
Best of the Best of 2026: Orthopedic CME Online
In our Best of the Best of 2026, worth up to 18.75 credit hours, Vanessa Smith, PA-C, and Sarah Bolander, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, take a deep dive into orthopedic CME. Because the content is pulled directly from an in-person CME conference, you get the same information as those in attendance. This online package makes high-quality orthopedic CME accessible to clinicians who need flexibility.
On-Demand Orthopedics Package: Deep-Dive Orthopedic CME
Another online orthopedic CME option is our On-demand Orthopedics package. Worth up to 13 credit hours, the package features Smith and Bolander with sessions including:
- Mastering the Hand Exam
- Making Sense of Wrist Pain
- Untangling the Web of Upper Extremity Complaints
- The Foot and Ankle: Understanding the Body’s Foundation
- Making Sense of Lower Extremity Pain
- Hands-On Differential: Shoulder to Digit Specialized Exam Techniques
- Hip to Heel Specialized Examination
- The Growing Pains of a Growing Child
- Fracture Fundamentals
- Red Flags in Orthopedics
Each session translates directly into clinical practice, giving NPs, PAs, and RNs tools they can apply with the next musculoskeletal complaint they evaluate.
In-Person Orthopedic CME: 2026 Remaining Conferences
If you need orthopedic CME before the end of the calendar year, we have two remaining in-person conferences, also available virtually. You can earn up to 39 CME credits per event (26 in-person or virtual, plus up to 13 with free online CME after the conference):
- October 27-30, 2026: Denver, CO
- November 10-13, 2026: Las Vegas, NV
Each conference pairs rigorous orthopedic CME with the chance to combine learning with a destination experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthopedic CME for NPs, PAs, and RNs
What is orthopedic CME?
Ultimately, orthopedic CME is continuing medical education focused on musculoskeletal care, including bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissue. In particular, it covers topics like fracture management, joint arthritis, upper and lower extremity complaints, and specialized exam techniques for NPs, PAs, RNs, and physicians.
How many orthopedic CME credits can I earn with Skin Bones?
To start, each in-person Skin Bones CME conference offers up to 39 CME credits per event. Additionally, the Best of the Best of 2026 package delivers 18.75 credit hours, and the dedicated On-Demand Orthopedics package offers up to 13 credit hours.
Who teaches orthopedic CME at Skin Bones?
Notably, orthopedic CME at Skin Bones is taught by Vanessa Smith, PA-C, and Sarah Bolander, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA. Specifically, both are nationally recognized PA educators with deep clinical and teaching experience in musculoskeletal care.
Can I earn orthopedic CME online?
Absolutely. In fact, Skin Bones offers orthopedic CME through the Best of the Best of 2026 package, the On-Demand Orthopedics package, virtual CME conferences, and the Encore Virtual CME series. As a result, clinicians have multiple flexible paths to earn credits on their own schedule.
Where can I attend in-person orthopedic CME in 2026?
Currently, two in-person orthopedic CME conferences remain in 2026: Denver (October 27 to 30) and Las Vegas (November 10 to 13). Each conference includes a full day of orthopedic programming taught by expert PA educators.
What orthopedic topics does Skin Bones cover?
Specifically, Skin Bones orthopedic CME covers hand and wrist exams, upper extremity complaints, foot and ankle, lower extremity pain, hip to heel assessment, pediatric growing pains, fracture fundamentals, and red flags in orthopedics. Additionally, sessions are designed to translate directly into daily clinical practice.
Is orthopedic CME required for NPs and PAs?
Yes. Specifically, CME is required for NPs and PAs by state medical boards and for national certification. However, exact orthopedic hour requirements vary by state. Regardless, orthopedic content is standard CME for primary care, urgent care, emergency, and specialty clinicians.
Build Your Orthopedic CME Plan Today
Whether you take in an in-person CME Conference at a destination location, or via our on-demand courses, like our Best of the Best of 2026, or virtual CME conferences, such as our Encore Virtual CME event series, you will learn from the best of the medical community as you earn CME credits, network, and gain knowledge on cardiology and emergency medicine, dermatology, diabetes, orthopedics, pain management, pharmacology and prescribing, and women’s health. We also offer the best value per CME credit in the CME training industry.
Ready to lock in orthopedic CME that advances your practice? Choose the destination conference, on-demand package, or virtual option that fits your schedule, and take the next step in strengthening your musculoskeletal care skills.