What is the maximum allowable amount of non-contact hours in continuing education?

The maximum allowable amount of non-contact hours in continuing education for veterinary professionals is capped at half of the total required hours. This regulation is in place to ensure that continuing education includes a significant component of direct interaction, mentorship, and hands-on training. Contact hours generally involve live instruction, which facilitates better learning through direct engagement with instructors and peers, as well as opportunities for immediate feedback and practical application.

While some non-contact hours, such as online courses or independent study, can be beneficial for flexibility and access to diverse materials, relying too heavily on these formats may undermine the depth of understanding and skill development that occurs through face-to-face learning experiences. Therefore, limiting non-contact hours to half ensures that practitioners remain up-to-date with current practices and gain essential competencies in a collaborative environment.