Archive for May, 2009
I need a acronym for something to deal with adults continuing their education seeking a college or tech degree?
Friday, May 29th, 2009Dixie S asked:
I’m using it for a project that will be a resource for adults wishing to continue their education. Ideas anyone?
Cody
I’m using it for a project that will be a resource for adults wishing to continue their education. Ideas anyone?
Cody
Introduction to Online Nursing Continuing Education
Saturday, May 23rd, 2009Amanda Jones asked:
In order to maintain licensure or certification, those in the nursing profession need to complete continuing education courses, also known as CEUs, or Continuing Education Units. Many CEU programs are available online, which makes obtaining CEUs much easier for many people. If you are new to online education, this introduction to online nursing continuing education will point you in the right direction.
Organizations to Know
The first stop along the introduction to online nursing continuing education is important organizations to know. One is the American Nurses Credentialing Center, or ANCC. This organization is the leading nursing credentialing organization in the U.S. When investigating continuing education courses, whether online or otherwise, an ANCC certified program is a good option. Information is available at http://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/
Another organization with useful information for nurses seeking CEUs is the American Nurses Association, or ANA. Their website is http://www.nursingworld.org/.
Types of CEUs
The next stop in the introduction to online nursing continuing education is the available options. One of the more exciting parts about CEUs is that you can find courses on virtually any aspect of nursing. If you specialize, you can choose CEUs that are directly related to your field. This option also allows you to learn about areas where you are not as familiar and want additional information or a “refresher” course on a certain aspect of nursing.
Be advised, however, that some states require that you complete certain CEUs. Before you choose only programs of interest, check with your state to determine if you need to complete a mandatory program first.
Accreditation
When choosing online CEU options, choose a provider that is accredited. You also need to be sure you understand what is required to earn the CEUs. Some online providers offer CEUs free of charge, but before you choose one of these options, ensure that the course meets all of your requirements.
While you still need to conduct thorough research into any CEU provider you are contemplating, this introduction to online nursing continuing education will help you get started.
Courtney
In order to maintain licensure or certification, those in the nursing profession need to complete continuing education courses, also known as CEUs, or Continuing Education Units. Many CEU programs are available online, which makes obtaining CEUs much easier for many people. If you are new to online education, this introduction to online nursing continuing education will point you in the right direction.
Organizations to Know
The first stop along the introduction to online nursing continuing education is important organizations to know. One is the American Nurses Credentialing Center, or ANCC. This organization is the leading nursing credentialing organization in the U.S. When investigating continuing education courses, whether online or otherwise, an ANCC certified program is a good option. Information is available at http://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/
Another organization with useful information for nurses seeking CEUs is the American Nurses Association, or ANA. Their website is http://www.nursingworld.org/.
Types of CEUs
The next stop in the introduction to online nursing continuing education is the available options. One of the more exciting parts about CEUs is that you can find courses on virtually any aspect of nursing. If you specialize, you can choose CEUs that are directly related to your field. This option also allows you to learn about areas where you are not as familiar and want additional information or a “refresher” course on a certain aspect of nursing.
Be advised, however, that some states require that you complete certain CEUs. Before you choose only programs of interest, check with your state to determine if you need to complete a mandatory program first.
Accreditation
When choosing online CEU options, choose a provider that is accredited. You also need to be sure you understand what is required to earn the CEUs. Some online providers offer CEUs free of charge, but before you choose one of these options, ensure that the course meets all of your requirements.
While you still need to conduct thorough research into any CEU provider you are contemplating, this introduction to online nursing continuing education will help you get started.
Courtney
Illinois Insurance Continuing Education - Single Premium Deferred Annuities
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009edward hulse asked:
Some of the major items that must be known in order to recommend a particular Single Premium Deferred Annuity (SPDA):
Issuing Company. As with all policies, the rating of the issuing company must be taken into consideration. If an agent recommends a policy from a particular company that eventually is taken over by a regulatory agency because of financial difficulties, at the very least the professional reputation of the agent will be hurt, perhaps irreparable.
How Many SPDAs Does the Company Offer? If the company has several types of SPDAs, it certainly behooves the agent to find out what the difference is between the products. It may be possible to offer the applicant a wider choice with the same insurer - which may be the best or most financial secure company.
Minimum Premium for the Plan. This can range from $5,000 upwards to $50,000, most being in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. One would not be wise to offer an annuity with a minimum premium of $25,000 when the applicant only has $10,000 to invest in an annuity.
Maximum Issue Age and Maximum Annuitization Age. This can range from 80 to 95 issue age, and age 85 to 99 to indefinite for Annuitization age. For an elderly (very) person, this can be very important. Remember that many elderly applicants for SPDAs that can afford a sizeable premium, probably also have excellent attorneys in case the annuity does not perform as expected./
Current Interest Rate. The current interest rate jumps all over the place - in early 2004, for example, among the largest writers of SPDAs, the current rates ranged from 4.25% to 10.48%. The highest interest rate may not be the only criteria that matters, but it certainly is important. Clients usually want the “biggest bang for the buck” or why they don’t have it.
Bonus Included in the Interest Rate? Again, this ranges from 0% to 7%. One might surmise that the companies with the highest bonus would have the lowest interest rate - but that is not necessarily true. For instance, a company with the 10.48% current interest rate, has a bonus of 7%. Proves again, the agent must be familiar with the contract.
Minimum Interest Guarantee. Ranges from 1.5% to 4.7%. Some may ask if that has any relation to the Bonus or Current interest rate. Maybe. For instance, the company offering the 10.48% current interest rate and bonus of 7% has a minimum guarantee of 1.5%.
Initial Rate SPDA Paid on New Policies and Interest Rate Credited to SPDAs Over the Past Five Years. This information is important because the prospective annuity purchaser may want to know exactly what had others gotten in recent years. The agent must be prepared for this, as everyone knows that interest rates have plummeted recently and it is so very difficult to predict what interest rates will do in the future. Really not apropos to anything, but interestingly, the initial rate over the past 5 years have run from “Not Applicable” (obviously) to as high as 8.25%. Interest rate credited ranged from 3% to 5% (including some ‘proprietary information” - in other words, none of our business.) An agent should be aware of what interest has been credited on the annuities if they are licensed with the company.
Fees and Surrender Charges. Most companies have no fees, only surrender charges. This has been addressed in this text and can be different for the senior citizen than for other annuitants.
Free Partial Withdrawal, When Available and How Many a Year? Very important. The agent must know this “cold.” At this time there is only one company reporting that they do not have a partial withdrawal. The other companies make such withdrawal available from immediately, to after the first contract year (most prevalent) and most allow one per year. Some allow the amount by percentage, such as one company allows immediate withdrawal with 10% free corridor. Another point that must be known. Cold! Clients nearly always want to know how they can get their premium (investment) back if something happens.
Condition to Qualify for Free Partial Withdrawal. If free withdrawal is allowed, then what does the client have to do to qualify for a “free” withdrawal. Some companies limit it to a percentage after certain time has expired, to several other conditions. These vary widely, so again, it must be known.
Surrender Charges. This is not partial withdrawal, obviously, but is the penalty if the annuity is surrendered. Generally companies have a surrender charge of 8-9-10% the first year, graded down each year until it is zero or no charge, which usually occurs at or about the 10th year. Pretty standard, but a good agent would never take this for granted - one company, for instance, has charges of (from first year to year of no charge) 6-6-6-5-4-3-2-0%. Another has 7-7-7-7-6-5-4-3-2-1%.
Situations When Surrender Fees are Waived. Death and annuitization universally. Others offer nursing home, terminal illness or hospital confinement. One company adds natural disaster (if this sounds far-fetched, think Hurricane Charley!). Sometimes if death is waived, it is waived only if an optional death benefit is chosen. If this were missed and death of an annuitant occurred, someone would have a hard time explaining to the heirs that an option was not chosen that just happens to be covered under nearly all other annuities.
http://www.myceisonline.com/cie/state/Illinois/homepage.php
Illinois Insurance Continuing Education
Bill
Some of the major items that must be known in order to recommend a particular Single Premium Deferred Annuity (SPDA):
Issuing Company. As with all policies, the rating of the issuing company must be taken into consideration. If an agent recommends a policy from a particular company that eventually is taken over by a regulatory agency because of financial difficulties, at the very least the professional reputation of the agent will be hurt, perhaps irreparable.
How Many SPDAs Does the Company Offer? If the company has several types of SPDAs, it certainly behooves the agent to find out what the difference is between the products. It may be possible to offer the applicant a wider choice with the same insurer - which may be the best or most financial secure company.
Minimum Premium for the Plan. This can range from $5,000 upwards to $50,000, most being in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. One would not be wise to offer an annuity with a minimum premium of $25,000 when the applicant only has $10,000 to invest in an annuity.
Maximum Issue Age and Maximum Annuitization Age. This can range from 80 to 95 issue age, and age 85 to 99 to indefinite for Annuitization age. For an elderly (very) person, this can be very important. Remember that many elderly applicants for SPDAs that can afford a sizeable premium, probably also have excellent attorneys in case the annuity does not perform as expected./
Current Interest Rate. The current interest rate jumps all over the place - in early 2004, for example, among the largest writers of SPDAs, the current rates ranged from 4.25% to 10.48%. The highest interest rate may not be the only criteria that matters, but it certainly is important. Clients usually want the “biggest bang for the buck” or why they don’t have it.
Bonus Included in the Interest Rate? Again, this ranges from 0% to 7%. One might surmise that the companies with the highest bonus would have the lowest interest rate - but that is not necessarily true. For instance, a company with the 10.48% current interest rate, has a bonus of 7%. Proves again, the agent must be familiar with the contract.
Minimum Interest Guarantee. Ranges from 1.5% to 4.7%. Some may ask if that has any relation to the Bonus or Current interest rate. Maybe. For instance, the company offering the 10.48% current interest rate and bonus of 7% has a minimum guarantee of 1.5%.
Initial Rate SPDA Paid on New Policies and Interest Rate Credited to SPDAs Over the Past Five Years. This information is important because the prospective annuity purchaser may want to know exactly what had others gotten in recent years. The agent must be prepared for this, as everyone knows that interest rates have plummeted recently and it is so very difficult to predict what interest rates will do in the future. Really not apropos to anything, but interestingly, the initial rate over the past 5 years have run from “Not Applicable” (obviously) to as high as 8.25%. Interest rate credited ranged from 3% to 5% (including some ‘proprietary information” - in other words, none of our business.) An agent should be aware of what interest has been credited on the annuities if they are licensed with the company.
Fees and Surrender Charges. Most companies have no fees, only surrender charges. This has been addressed in this text and can be different for the senior citizen than for other annuitants.
Free Partial Withdrawal, When Available and How Many a Year? Very important. The agent must know this “cold.” At this time there is only one company reporting that they do not have a partial withdrawal. The other companies make such withdrawal available from immediately, to after the first contract year (most prevalent) and most allow one per year. Some allow the amount by percentage, such as one company allows immediate withdrawal with 10% free corridor. Another point that must be known. Cold! Clients nearly always want to know how they can get their premium (investment) back if something happens.
Condition to Qualify for Free Partial Withdrawal. If free withdrawal is allowed, then what does the client have to do to qualify for a “free” withdrawal. Some companies limit it to a percentage after certain time has expired, to several other conditions. These vary widely, so again, it must be known.
Surrender Charges. This is not partial withdrawal, obviously, but is the penalty if the annuity is surrendered. Generally companies have a surrender charge of 8-9-10% the first year, graded down each year until it is zero or no charge, which usually occurs at or about the 10th year. Pretty standard, but a good agent would never take this for granted - one company, for instance, has charges of (from first year to year of no charge) 6-6-6-5-4-3-2-0%. Another has 7-7-7-7-6-5-4-3-2-1%.
Situations When Surrender Fees are Waived. Death and annuitization universally. Others offer nursing home, terminal illness or hospital confinement. One company adds natural disaster (if this sounds far-fetched, think Hurricane Charley!). Sometimes if death is waived, it is waived only if an optional death benefit is chosen. If this were missed and death of an annuitant occurred, someone would have a hard time explaining to the heirs that an option was not chosen that just happens to be covered under nearly all other annuities.
http://www.myceisonline.com/cie/state/Illinois/homepage.php
Illinois Insurance Continuing Education
Bill
Online Continuing Education More Popular Every Year
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009Andy West asked:
Advancing your education while working has become increasingly popular in the last few years, with online continuing education one of the fastest growing ways to improve your knowledge and skills while continuing to earn a living. In fact, most employers offer so many incentives for continuing education that over thirty million adults pursue some form of continuing education annually, with online courses making up a significant portion of those students.
If you are currently working and have been hesitant to return to school because you feel like you can’t afford the time or money to get an advanced degree or certificate, think again. Today’s businesses increasingly expect employees to push themselves to excel through not only their performance at work but through education and learning opportunities outside of the office or workplace.
Some of the reasons that today’s professionals are pursuing online continuing education include the convenience and the reduced cost. Enrolling in an online continuing education program saves you time. You can schedule your work according to your own schedule and don’t have to figure in commuting times or plan around someone else’s schedule. The cost savings is obvious. There is no commuting, no room and board, even if you are attending full-time via the Internet. A less subtle advantage can be that, if your employer is open to the idea, he may be more open to reimbursing you for educational expenses if you can show that you’ve taken a cost savings into consideration.
How Continuing Education Contributes to Success
It is easy to see why so many people who are already working bother to take more classes and get a specialized or advanced degree. It’s simple, in today’s rapidly changing marketplace, you have to have an edge to succeed and get ahead.
In certain fields, including the legal, information technology, criminal justice and health care fields, advanced are always being made. After a few years, even the most recent information can seem a bit stale. Taking new courses will introduce you to new trends, practices and protocols. With online continuing education, you can keep abreast of the most recent advancements in your field, making you a real asset.
Many industries expect employees to periodically update their credentials or licensing. Periodically taking courses to brush up on your knowledge will ensure you can pass any licensing exams with flying colors.
Higher education, especially when it is specialized, is a sign of expertise. You’ll advance more quickly in almost any industry if you can offer specialized knowledge that others don’t have. It will also make you the “go to” person who will be remembered at promotion time.
Some people worry that continuing their education with an online college or university may not be viewed as being as prestigious or impressive as doing so through a more traditional, physical campus. While this was a feeling with some employers two decades ago, recent studies reveal that this perception is long gone. In fact, today employers see no difference at all between a degree conferred by an online continuing education institution and a physical school as long as both are properly accredited. Some employers, however, do still favor an online degree that comes from a college that also has physical campuses since they have the same curriculum and demanding programs.
With over 2.6 million adults taking online classes in the fall of 2004 alone (and the number growing every year), it may be time for you to consider online continuing education.
Harry
Advancing your education while working has become increasingly popular in the last few years, with online continuing education one of the fastest growing ways to improve your knowledge and skills while continuing to earn a living. In fact, most employers offer so many incentives for continuing education that over thirty million adults pursue some form of continuing education annually, with online courses making up a significant portion of those students.
If you are currently working and have been hesitant to return to school because you feel like you can’t afford the time or money to get an advanced degree or certificate, think again. Today’s businesses increasingly expect employees to push themselves to excel through not only their performance at work but through education and learning opportunities outside of the office or workplace.
Some of the reasons that today’s professionals are pursuing online continuing education include the convenience and the reduced cost. Enrolling in an online continuing education program saves you time. You can schedule your work according to your own schedule and don’t have to figure in commuting times or plan around someone else’s schedule. The cost savings is obvious. There is no commuting, no room and board, even if you are attending full-time via the Internet. A less subtle advantage can be that, if your employer is open to the idea, he may be more open to reimbursing you for educational expenses if you can show that you’ve taken a cost savings into consideration.
How Continuing Education Contributes to Success
It is easy to see why so many people who are already working bother to take more classes and get a specialized or advanced degree. It’s simple, in today’s rapidly changing marketplace, you have to have an edge to succeed and get ahead.
In certain fields, including the legal, information technology, criminal justice and health care fields, advanced are always being made. After a few years, even the most recent information can seem a bit stale. Taking new courses will introduce you to new trends, practices and protocols. With online continuing education, you can keep abreast of the most recent advancements in your field, making you a real asset.
Many industries expect employees to periodically update their credentials or licensing. Periodically taking courses to brush up on your knowledge will ensure you can pass any licensing exams with flying colors.
Higher education, especially when it is specialized, is a sign of expertise. You’ll advance more quickly in almost any industry if you can offer specialized knowledge that others don’t have. It will also make you the “go to” person who will be remembered at promotion time.
Some people worry that continuing their education with an online college or university may not be viewed as being as prestigious or impressive as doing so through a more traditional, physical campus. While this was a feeling with some employers two decades ago, recent studies reveal that this perception is long gone. In fact, today employers see no difference at all between a degree conferred by an online continuing education institution and a physical school as long as both are properly accredited. Some employers, however, do still favor an online degree that comes from a college that also has physical campuses since they have the same curriculum and demanding programs.
With over 2.6 million adults taking online classes in the fall of 2004 alone (and the number growing every year), it may be time for you to consider online continuing education.
Harry
Where do I find money for a continuing education class?
Sunday, May 17th, 2009nothingsguaranteed27 asked:
The fafsa does not pay for continue education. Nor does the pell grant. And everyone says that the course is to short but it is a two part class. I don,t want to go to school for years. Iwant to take a class and be done with it.
Kelly
The fafsa does not pay for continue education. Nor does the pell grant. And everyone says that the course is to short but it is a two part class. I don,t want to go to school for years. Iwant to take a class and be done with it.
Kelly
Your Guide to Continuing Education in Hypnotherapy
Friday, May 15th, 2009Smartie Arties asked:
Hypnotherapy is a good career option for those who wish to use their talents to help others. Hypnosis is being used for therapeutic value and is gaining popularity with medical practitioners as alternative medication. Hypnotherapists work with patients of all ages, races and social classes. These people have a background that may be different from self. There are different career opportunities available for hypnotherapists in areas like sports hypnosis, forensic hypnosis, pediatric, pain management etc.
There are different courses offered by different universities in a wide range of hypnotherapies. There are online courses as well that provide a basic understanding of hypnotherapy. Some programs also offer state licensed certifications with even more comprehensive education experience. Depending upon your career goals you can chose an appropriate course and school for training. Generally, such a program includes a detailed discussion of techniques such as age regression, post hypnotic suggestions, guided imagery, revivification, visualization etc. You can use these techniques to help patients in need of stress relief, pain management and treatment on fears and phobias.
There are various Diploma and Certificate courses available. There are educational opportunities with Certificate IV in NLP and Certificate in Clinical hypnotherapy. There are other options available like certified practitioner in NLP, Certificate in Advanced clinical hypnotherapy and Diploma in counseling and NLP. There are some specialty courses for competency in stop smoking, EFT, kinesiology, counseling, medical and Dental areas, Trauma management etc that may be undertaken. These can be taken up by already qualified professionals for professional development as well as those trying to find an alternative employment.
You may start you own business or may work for someone else for some time. If you plan to undertake a career as a hypnotist then you should first determine training programs that meet your requirement. Depending upon your need for specialization or an overall program as a therapist you should check out the different courses that are available. Another consideration that will have to be given is your finances and your financial abilities to you new career. You will have to invest some money in training as well as set some aside so that you may start your own business. You may also take the guidance of some professionals who are practicing and may be ready to guide you. What is most important is your commitment and readiness to enter the new profession and continue hard till you succeed in your goal. The commitment can help you take your passion to a career in hypnotherapy towards success. Your dedication to help others can take you a long way in making a successful career.
Once you undertake any course in your efforts for continuing education you can even find good opportunities to work with doctors and psychologist and can even get referrals working as a team with them to help each other to heal and help the patients. With continuous improvements and inventions in the field of science you will find new holistic treatments also being used and preferred for successful medical procedures. With continuing education you can even become teachers and supervisors over a period of time. Overall the scenario is of a great future for those who undertake continual education in hypnotherapy.
Lance
Hypnotherapy is a good career option for those who wish to use their talents to help others. Hypnosis is being used for therapeutic value and is gaining popularity with medical practitioners as alternative medication. Hypnotherapists work with patients of all ages, races and social classes. These people have a background that may be different from self. There are different career opportunities available for hypnotherapists in areas like sports hypnosis, forensic hypnosis, pediatric, pain management etc.
There are different courses offered by different universities in a wide range of hypnotherapies. There are online courses as well that provide a basic understanding of hypnotherapy. Some programs also offer state licensed certifications with even more comprehensive education experience. Depending upon your career goals you can chose an appropriate course and school for training. Generally, such a program includes a detailed discussion of techniques such as age regression, post hypnotic suggestions, guided imagery, revivification, visualization etc. You can use these techniques to help patients in need of stress relief, pain management and treatment on fears and phobias.
There are various Diploma and Certificate courses available. There are educational opportunities with Certificate IV in NLP and Certificate in Clinical hypnotherapy. There are other options available like certified practitioner in NLP, Certificate in Advanced clinical hypnotherapy and Diploma in counseling and NLP. There are some specialty courses for competency in stop smoking, EFT, kinesiology, counseling, medical and Dental areas, Trauma management etc that may be undertaken. These can be taken up by already qualified professionals for professional development as well as those trying to find an alternative employment.
You may start you own business or may work for someone else for some time. If you plan to undertake a career as a hypnotist then you should first determine training programs that meet your requirement. Depending upon your need for specialization or an overall program as a therapist you should check out the different courses that are available. Another consideration that will have to be given is your finances and your financial abilities to you new career. You will have to invest some money in training as well as set some aside so that you may start your own business. You may also take the guidance of some professionals who are practicing and may be ready to guide you. What is most important is your commitment and readiness to enter the new profession and continue hard till you succeed in your goal. The commitment can help you take your passion to a career in hypnotherapy towards success. Your dedication to help others can take you a long way in making a successful career.
Once you undertake any course in your efforts for continuing education you can even find good opportunities to work with doctors and psychologist and can even get referrals working as a team with them to help each other to heal and help the patients. With continuous improvements and inventions in the field of science you will find new holistic treatments also being used and preferred for successful medical procedures. With continuing education you can even become teachers and supervisors over a period of time. Overall the scenario is of a great future for those who undertake continual education in hypnotherapy.
Lance
Analyzing A Nursing Continuing Education Opportunity
Thursday, May 14th, 2009Rita Henry asked:
Continuing Education (CE) is vital for the further development of a nursing career, but you shouldn’t choose just any courses to add to your credentials. Each CE program that you choose should enhance your knowledge, make you a more valuable employee and further you on your career path. Evaluating your nursing continuing education opportunities for each of the following criteria can help you choose just the right courses to keep you on the right career and professional path.
Is the Course Relevant to my Job?
Choose courses that enhance your ability to do your job. If your current position is in the school nursing environment, a continuing education course about the latest advances in ER technology isn’t likely to have much relevance to your job. On the other hand, some courses that seem to be irrelevant on the surface may have subtle connections that aren’t obvious at first glance. Is some of your school nursing time spent in a full-service on campus clinic? In that case, that emergency room CE course may just offer something of value.
Does it Enhance my Career Opportunities?
Even if you’re content in your position and have no plans to seek advancement, you should evaluate how a chosen continuing education course fits into your plans. The world of medicine changes every day, and so do expectations of nursing professionals. Keep your eye on advances in your chosen segment of the nursing field to be sure that the courses you choose keep you qualified for the jobs to which you aspire.
Is the Course Accredited?
If your main goal in taking nursing continuing education courses is to garner CE hours toward recertification or licensure, then accreditation is vital. Check to be sure that the courses you choose are accredited by The American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Is it Offered by Respected Professionals in the Field?
Do you recognize the names of the instructors, or of the institution offering the course you’re planning to take? Popularity isn’t always a measure of quality, but it is one way of checking the credentials of instructors and institutions. If you’re not familiar with either the instructors or the offering institutions, ask around. Nurses’ forums on the Internet are great places to find out about programs that you might be considering - and you’ll hear directly from professionals just like you whether or not the course material was helpful and suitable for your continuing education.
Is the Learning Style Accessible for You?
One often overlooked facet of evaluating a nursing course is personal learning style. No one knows better than you do whether you learn best with hands-on instruction, or can absorb more information if left to explore and gather it on your own. Choose classes that are conducted in your best learning style to get the most out of your continuing education hours.
Continuing education courses for nursing represent a substantial investment of your time and money. Take the time to evaluate each course that you plan to take to make sure that it meets all your expectations and needs.
Suzanne
Continuing Education (CE) is vital for the further development of a nursing career, but you shouldn’t choose just any courses to add to your credentials. Each CE program that you choose should enhance your knowledge, make you a more valuable employee and further you on your career path. Evaluating your nursing continuing education opportunities for each of the following criteria can help you choose just the right courses to keep you on the right career and professional path.
Is the Course Relevant to my Job?
Choose courses that enhance your ability to do your job. If your current position is in the school nursing environment, a continuing education course about the latest advances in ER technology isn’t likely to have much relevance to your job. On the other hand, some courses that seem to be irrelevant on the surface may have subtle connections that aren’t obvious at first glance. Is some of your school nursing time spent in a full-service on campus clinic? In that case, that emergency room CE course may just offer something of value.
Does it Enhance my Career Opportunities?
Even if you’re content in your position and have no plans to seek advancement, you should evaluate how a chosen continuing education course fits into your plans. The world of medicine changes every day, and so do expectations of nursing professionals. Keep your eye on advances in your chosen segment of the nursing field to be sure that the courses you choose keep you qualified for the jobs to which you aspire.
Is the Course Accredited?
If your main goal in taking nursing continuing education courses is to garner CE hours toward recertification or licensure, then accreditation is vital. Check to be sure that the courses you choose are accredited by The American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Is it Offered by Respected Professionals in the Field?
Do you recognize the names of the instructors, or of the institution offering the course you’re planning to take? Popularity isn’t always a measure of quality, but it is one way of checking the credentials of instructors and institutions. If you’re not familiar with either the instructors or the offering institutions, ask around. Nurses’ forums on the Internet are great places to find out about programs that you might be considering - and you’ll hear directly from professionals just like you whether or not the course material was helpful and suitable for your continuing education.
Is the Learning Style Accessible for You?
One often overlooked facet of evaluating a nursing course is personal learning style. No one knows better than you do whether you learn best with hands-on instruction, or can absorb more information if left to explore and gather it on your own. Choose classes that are conducted in your best learning style to get the most out of your continuing education hours.
Continuing education courses for nursing represent a substantial investment of your time and money. Take the time to evaluate each course that you plan to take to make sure that it meets all your expectations and needs.
Suzanne
What is the difference between certificates and continuing education classes?
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009Leigh asked:
I attend a community college district that offers the usual Associates degrees… the first two years of school.
I attend a community college district that offers the usual Associates degrees… the first two years of school.
However, they also offer certificates and continuing education.
My sister is dead set on me taking a continuing education course in electrocardiography because she claims I can find a job in the hospital just performing those functions.
What gives with these continuing education classes? Who are they for? Would I be better off just getting a cerftificate or degree? Do EKG (ECG) Techs perform alone, or is it just one of the tasks of a medical assistant??
Thanks!
Do you need experience or a certificate to be an EKG tech? What does it take?
Ann
How do I go about continuing my education?
Monday, May 11th, 2009Laneymom asked:
I have my Associates Degree. I want to work towards continuing my education and complete my Bachelors Degree. However, I am a working mother of 4, and a wife. I have no time to go to school. I would like to obtain my degree through an online program. Has anyone ever done this ? Where do I start ? I want to get my degree from an accredited university, not some “online university”. Any advice ? Thanks!
Lori
I have my Associates Degree. I want to work towards continuing my education and complete my Bachelors Degree. However, I am a working mother of 4, and a wife. I have no time to go to school. I would like to obtain my degree through an online program. Has anyone ever done this ? Where do I start ? I want to get my degree from an accredited university, not some “online university”. Any advice ? Thanks!
Lori
