A lot of careers today require a post-high school education. But there are many careers that don’t stop at prerequisite education and that require continuing education. Professions may include nurses, doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, certified public accountants (CPAs), financial advisers architects, educators and social workers, among others. These professionals must complete continuing education programs for a specific amount of hours during a predetermined time period in order to retain their licenses or certificates.

The hours required are called Continuing Education Credits (CEC) or Continuing Education Unit (CEU). Typically in the United States, one credit is equal to 10 hours of education or training in an accredited program specific to the profession and designed for those who want to retain their certificates or licenses to practice. In Canada, credits are earned at 1-2 credits per hour based on the program.

The amount of Continuing Education Credits required varies by country, state, territory and profession, but proof of credits earned is necessary. Typically, those who complete the program are given certificate, which many professionals display in their offices.

Standards for Continuing Education Credits

The International Associated for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) establishes the standards for Continuing Education Credits. IACET is an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Developing Organization (SDO). This means the IACET must relay standards and aid institutions in administering the continuing education programs. Organizations need to go through the IACET for accreditation.

The ANSI is the U.S. representative of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and it is their responsibility to ensure the health and safety of the environment and consumers. Safety is one reason that many in the healthcare industry must retest for certifications and licenses. Because illness, disease, treatment and safety regulations can change over time, it is imperative that medical practitioners stay up-to-date on these changes. These professionals do just that by continuing their education yearly, every 2 years, every 3 years or every 4 years, depending on the requirements of the state and their profession. Any organization, school or company that meets the ANSI/IACET standards may be accredited and able to award Continuing Education Credits.

In Canada, there are two governing boards which are responsible for certification and regulating credit hours. For the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), 400 credits are required during a 5-year cycle. The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) requires 250 credits earned over a 5-year cycle. Each province and territory requires proof of certification and Continuing Education Credits.

Does an organization have to be accredited?

Organizations must adhere to requirements and criteria that design and deliver continuing education programs that are based on standards of practice and codes of ethics. These programs are frequently updated, usually every few years, to accommodate changes to an industry or trend. Accredited organizations are subject to peer review and must demonstrate their ability to deliver high-quality educational activities. Because of the strict standards, many view accredited organizations to be more prestigious over those that have not received accreditation.

Continuing education for nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals

Professionals in the healthcare industry at one time were responsible for keeping themselves apprised of new treatments, health laws, patients’ rights, etc. However, stricter guidelines, enforced by the IACET in the United States, changed this voluntary practice into a mandatory program. With a governing board to regulate courses, Continuing Education Credits are an instrument to gauge a professional’s knowledge while serving as an opportunity to better the professional, sometimes at no cost.

The amount of credit hours needed can vary greatly and fall between 15 credits and 100 credits every two years, depending on the profession and country. Continuing Education Credits are a way to measure the knowledge gained from a program. This is intended to reduce workforce incompetence, however, the topic is hotly debated as to whether continued education actually prevents incompetence in the field.

Earning Continuing Education Credits ensure that every healthcare professional is held accountable for changes that can impact their patients. With such a rapidly growing and changing industry, treatments and care can become obsolete. Without continued education, this could leave a nurse or doctor to treat patients in an way that is no longer commonly practiced or even considered dangerous.

Nursing continuing education: Is it worth it?

The benefits of continued education can include career advancement opportunities, professional growth and retaining current trends in the nursing field. Many view a continued education as a small step in the dedication to the field and a necessary step for a successful career. Continued education standards help regulate practices to ensure consistency throughout the industry in a country.

Continuing education for nurses can come from many resources, such as courses, lectures, seminars and re-certification programs. Topics can vary greatly, but may include the legal issues of health care, personal development, clinical practice review and behavioral and social sciences. These are just a few of the hundreds of program topics offered in the healthcare industry. Specific course curriculum depends on the county’s governing board, academic institution and profession. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) may not be required to complete the same programs as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Benefits of online continuing education

There are thousands of continuing education programs in the United States and Canada. Due to the hectic schedules of many professionals who require further education, many programs offer online courses. Some of these courses are offered for free or for little cost. It is important to check for accreditation if your profession requires Continuing Education Credits to be earned from accredited organizations.

There are various reasons for choosing to earn Continuing Education Credits online. Convenience is the most common reason, as learning can be done anywhere, at any time. There is no commute or travel expense, and many professionals find they can still commit to their career to provide excellent service. And if you’ve registered too late for a sit-down exam or re-certification, online is a quick option to make sure you don’t lose your license. Also, the range of courses available online may be different than those available locally. This increase in options can put you ahead of other professionals in your field who do not take advantage of online continuing education.

While some topics may need to be covered in a hands-on environment, such as a lab, online courses can supplement the lab material to give a better understanding of the learning material.