For continuing education courses, what is the main factor in determining contact hours?

The total duration of the course activities is the main factor in determining contact hours for continuing education courses. Contact hours are defined as the number of hours spent in a structured educational activity. This encompasses all aspects of the learning process, including lectures, hands-on practice, discussions, assessments, and any other course-related activities.

While the time spent in lectures, hands-on practice, and assessments contribute to the overall learning experience, it is the total duration that is considered for awarding contact hours. This holistic approach ensures that all educational activities contributing to the learner's professional development are accounted for, providing a comprehensive indication of the time invested in learning. Therefore, recognizing the entirety of the course activities as a basis for calculating contact hours aligns with educational standards and guidelines in nursing professional development.