Continuing education (CE) is a key element to a mental health career. It brings you current with new research discoveries, therapy techniques, and ethical standards. There are, however, so many CE providers to choose from that it can become hard to identify one with superior-quality training applicable to you and accredited by a reputable organization. This short guide will help you with finding out what to look for when you’re choosing a CE provider so you can spend your time and money intelligently and efficiently.
Check Accreditation Status
The initial and most important step is to verify a provider’s accreditation. Professional boards and licensing boards have certain stipulations for CE, and only courses through approved providers will apply to your license renewal.
Search for those providers who are accredited by large organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA), National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), or Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Legitimate providers will proudly show their accreditation information on their website so it is simply a matter for you to check their credentials and confirm with them that completed hours will transfer.
Assess Course Material and Relevance
Once verification of accreditation has been checked, take a close look at the quality and relevance of courses offered. Information should be evidence-based and taught by lecturers who have demonstrable experience in their field. There should be course descriptive information, learning outcomes, and faculty CVs. Check for an understanding of clinical supervision frameworks and training needs before making a decision.
There will be a breadth and depth of subjects relevant to you and your practice to choose from, from specialist therapeutic techniques to foundation subjects like an appreciation of clinical supervision models and training. This makes it possible to choose and customize learning to meet individual professional goals and client needs.
Keep Formats and Flexibility in Mind
Today’s CE providers present a range of learning formats to meet various schedules and learning styles. They can range from live webinars to on-demand video courses, and from workshops done face-to-face to print materials. Decide what works best for you.
If you prefer face-to-face interaction and have questions to ask at any time during learning, you might prefer to choose live learning sessions. If you want flexibility to learn at any speed when it suits you, you may prefer to choose an on-demand learning option. The modern and responsive provider will present a range of formats to meet the lifestyles of busily engaged mental health professionals.
Request Referrals and Opinions from Peers
Lastly, take some time to browse and solicit recommendations from peers. Responses from other mental health professionals can aid you in gaining access to a provider’s course quality and customer satisfaction. Go to a provider’s site and read reviews, or peruse professional forums and social networking sites for unbiased comments. A provider with a quality image and excellent reviews is likely to provide a valuable and satisfying learning experience.
Making an Educated Choice
The selection of a suitable CE provider is an important decision with implications for your working life. By carefully reviewing accreditation, perusing course matter, considering learning formats, and scanning reviews, you can select with confidence a provider who is suitable for you. This is key to turning continuing education into an investment with worth and value to you and to your practice.
