Continuing education units are an essential part of ongoing training and education for many professionals, especially for those in the medical field. Almost every medical or dental field requires a certain number of CEUs each year, but the exact number of courses required will vary from state to state and specialty.
But, in order to keep your certification and license, you will need to stay up to date on the requirements and complete various courses. From nurses to dentists to respiratory therapists, healthcare workers need to be aware and current on their accredited CEUs.
While this sounds easy, it’s not always simple when you’re busy with your life. As someone in the healthcare industry, you are active with your job and your other family and personal responsibilities. It’s easy to forget about these continuing education requirements, so if you’re looking for last-minute options or just want to get your credits done as quickly as possible.
Here are some tips to get you started.
Look Into Online Options
Depending on your job and training, it’s often possible to meet most of these requirements through online options to complete CEUs. And, within these courses, there are various opportunities, so you can pick which kind of approach meets your learning style and your schedule. Some of the more common options include:
- Online coursework with tests: Many programs offer an online course that’s already been put together. These function somewhat like an online college course and usually involve tests or assessments.
- Live online courses: If you’re not into test-taking, you could consider an online class that includes live lectures. While these are similar to taking a class that’s set up ahead of time, they sometimes don’t require you to take any particular test. These events are a good option if you don’t want to deal with the stress of an assessment.
Of course, you’ll need to do your research to see what requirements you need to meet, as these will vary significantly between a doctor and a nurse or depending on your exact field and even which state you live in. But, online options are simple, and you can complete them while sitting on your couch. It’s often much simpler to do things from home than go to a class or seminar because you are a busy person with a busy schedule. Plus, as online coursework and events become more of the norm, it’s great to hae access to these options.
Keep in mind that one unit is equivalent to 60 minutes, or one hour, of participation under a program that meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. So, you’ll have to spend the same amount of hours doing an internet class as you would an in-person option.
Seek Out A Comprehensive Seminar
While online coursework is an effective way to complete continuing education units, internet courses aren’t for everyone. Some people don’t learn as effectively this way, and you might have to take multiple classes to finish all your requirements. Luckily, you don’t have to get all your CEUs online, and this is the great thing about there being so many options. You can choose the one that works best for you.
If you prefer in-person instruction, a seminar is a good route. You can often knock out all of your requirements in one trip, and there are usually options in various cities each year. Going this route also allows you to meet other people in your field, which is valuable as a networking opportunity and for your personal development. Seminars are usually best for people who learn better around others and don’t enjoy internet meetings.
Another positive is you could use a seminar as an opportunity to see a new city or extend and take a vacation after you finish your credits.
Don’t Stress About Continuing Education Units Anymore
While it can seem like just another thing on your to-do list, finishing these credits is valuable and necessary for this in healthcare. You’ll stay up-to-date on best practices and emerging technologies, allowing you to take better care of your patients. The medical and other scientific fields constantly discover new information, so you want to be on the cutting-edge to deliver the best care possible. While figuring out how to get your CEUs can sometimes be stressful, there are so many options out there. It doesn’t have to be a worry any longer.
But, getting your CEUs does not have to be a big chore. You can find simple options that fit your needs. Always do your research before booking or setting up any particular program or course, as you want to ensure everything is accredited and by the book. Thankfully, most resources are easy to find. All you need to do is look them up online to get started.
