What does "continuing education" refer to for healthcare professionals?

Continuing education for healthcare professionals refers to ongoing training designed to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge throughout their careers. This ongoing education is essential in the fast-evolving field of healthcare, where new technologies, treatments, and regulations continually emerge. By participating in continuing education, healthcare professionals not only stay current with the latest advancements but also improve their competencies, ensuring they provide high-quality care to patients.

Mandatory training sessions focus on compliance and may not necessarily enhance or update skills beyond what is required for immediate job performance. Limiting continuing education to only online courses overlooks the variety of learning formats available, such as in-person workshops, conferences, and seminars, which can also be crucial for professional development. Additionally, workshops held infrequently might not provide the ongoing training necessary to keep skills sharp and knowledge current, which is a core purpose of continuing education.