For those in the fields of psychology, counseling, or social work, Continuing Education is something that is constantly in the back of their minds, something that is constantly there, reminding them that they have to earn Continuing Education (CE) credits to keep their licenses in good standing. But to look at Continuing Education in this fashion is to miss one of the biggest opportunities for growth that one can have, something that can invigorate your life, expose you to new therapies, and, most importantly, expose you to new therapies that can benefit your clients.
With all of the Continuing Education opportunities that are out there, from webinars to conferences to courses, it can be daunting to find one that is right for you. But if one looks at the most important aspects, one can ensure that they are getting the greatest return on investment for their career.
Verify Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance
The first step in determining whether or not a particular Continuing Education course is going to help one fulfill their requirements is to ensure that it is accredited or compliant with regulatory requirements. While a course may promise new, groundbreaking information, it is not going to help one fulfill their Continuing Education requirements if it is not sponsored by a recognized organization within their industry, such as the American Psychological Association, National Board for Certified Counselors, or Association of Social Work Boards.
Additionally, there are differences in what is required by licensing boards, which can vary significantly. While one board requires synchronous learning, another board accepts asynchronous or text-based learning. It is essential that you check with regard to modality in relation to course requirements with your state licensing board.
The value of a CE program is directly related to the quality of instruction. When evaluating a potential CE program, it is essential that you not only read the title of the CE program, but it is also essential that you read the bio of the presenter of the CE program. The quality of instruction is derived from a presenter who is not only knowledgeable in the area, but they are also active in their practice. For example, a presenter who is currently treating patients in their office or clinic will have a much greater understanding of the intricacies of modern therapy techniques, unlike one who has been out of practice for decades.
It is also essential that you determine whether or not the presenter has written a book or completed research on the topic that you are to be studying. Think about whether the presenter is an expert in the area, not a generalist. For example, if you are looking at Zur CE credit programs for social workers, you’ll be glad to hear that a specialist will look after you from start to finish.
Prioritize Clinical Relevance and Practical Application
It is, of course, important that there be a theoretical base for mental health practice. However, it is also important that there be a practice base for successful mental health practice. The best continuing education programs will be those that can give a direct link to both theory and practice. It is important that, as you look at the objectives of a particular course, you see if there is a practical component. If it is too theoretical, then it is unlikely that it will be useful.
Some of the best training programs will be those that include case studies, role-playing, or demonstrations of particular techniques. If it is difficult to see how you will be able to utilize what you will be learning from a particular course, then it is too theoretical. It is, of course, important that, as a clinician, you be able to see how you can utilize new techniques in diagnostic work, therapeutic work, or new tools for ethical practice with your client base.
Evaluate Delivery Formats and Accessibility
Today’s professionals demand a level of flexibility, and the format of the course should be one that meets your requirements from that point of view. The accessibility of the online education that is available has also widened over the years. Although webinars are available, videos can also be an option.
Ease of use is another important aspect that needs to be evaluated while choosing an online education platform. If the platform of education becomes a distraction, then the purpose of the education itself is defeated. Look for providers that can give you easy access to the courses, the certification, etc.
Streamlining Your Professional Development
Discovering the right CE program for you is a thoughtful process. When you focus on accreditation, instructors, clinical content, and format, you’re not just doing your due diligence – you’re also tapping into a powerful career development asset. Your time is valuable, and so is your education!
