Continuing education (CE) is an issue of tremendous importance for healthcare providers. From allowing skills to become rusty to lacking the CE hours needed to maintain a current license or certification, failing to make CE a priority can have disastrous consequences. The following list highlights just a few of the ways in which CE can be of benefit to industry professionals.

Refine and Practice Skills

Lack of use means that skills can quickly become rusty. CE modules, classes and other opportunities to train and utilize skills that may see only limited use in real-world situations can play an essential role in ensuring that medical professionals are able to maintain their skills. Classroom hours alone are often not able to provide the full range of CE that healthcare professionals require, which can make skills-training opportunities even more important.

Learning About the Latest Technology and Developments

Medical professionals often find that quite a lot about the industry has changed since the last time they stepped foot in a classroom. CE and ongoing training is essential for ensuring that healthcare professionals are able to maintain a current and up-to-date understanding regarding new technologies and developments which may be reshaping the industry.

Networking with Other Professionals

Building and maintaining relationships with other professionals throughout the industry can often be very rewarding. Nurse practitioner conferences, lectures and similar events are often ideal for those professionals who are interested in making new contacts. Being able to meet, socialize and network is one reason why healthcare providers would do well to consider attending an upcoming conference or event.

Medical Licensing and Certification Requirements

A lapsed certificate or license can be a serious problem. From basic certifications like a CPR or BLS card to the most advanced medical licenses, a set number of CE hours and other requirements are often essential for keeping everything up to date. Failure to maintain a current and valid professional certification could leave professionals unable to work until they have been able to correct the situation.

CE Opportunities and Solutions

Many major medical publications provide tests and assessment modules which can supply a few CE credits. Major employers and large medical facilities also typically offer on-site opportunities to earn CE credits and hours. A professional conference or expo can also provide healthcare providers with the chance to learn more about major industry trends, network with other professionals and to find the CE opportunities they need to keep both their skills and certifications current.