5 Tips for Continuing Education Success

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If you’re in a field that requires you to take continuing education (CE) courses in order to remain licensed, you don’t have much of a choice. However, there’s a difference between checking off a required “box” and actually making a commitment to learning. Want to make the most out of your CE? We’re about to show you how.

5 Tips for CE Success

Continuing education doesn’t have to be this impossible and undesirable thing that you do every couple of years. By committing yourself to the experience, you can reap an abundance of benefits. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your CE success:

Choose the Right Format

Continuing education comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s important that you find the appropriate format for your learning style and situational needs. Common formats include:

• Live in-person CE that takes place in a classroom with an instructor.
• Live online CE that takes place online with a remote instructor.
• Pre-recorded online courses that are self-paced.
• Pre-recorded classes and lectures that are consumed at your own pace.

There might be some other formats out there, but these are the four most common. Some people prefer to be in a physical classroom with a live instructor, while others would rather move at their own pace using online course materials. You have your own preferences – identify what they are and choose a course provider that aligns with them.

Some course providers, like Last Minute CEU’s, offer a variety of formats for students to choose from. Other course providers only offer one specific option. Make sure you research details ahead of time.

Select the Right Courses

In some cases, there’s a very specific CE course that you’re required to take in order to maintain proper standing in your career field. Other times, you can choose from a long list of courses. If you have the freedom to choose, spend some time carefully considering which one is right for you.

CE courses are designed to help you grow. You might as well take a course that’s going to help you advance in your knowledge (and career). And while it’s tempting to choose a course that will be easy, we recommend going with something that will challenge you. Identify your biggest weakness in your career and find a course that addresses this area. It won’t always be comfortable, but you’ll come out on the back end with greater skills and more confidence.

Take Notes by Hand

Most people take notes with a computer or tablet these days. And while that’s certainly the most convenient option, there’s something to be said for taking notes by hand. (Yep, with old-fashioned pen and paper!)

When you take notes by hand, it requires extra concentration and effort. There’s something that happens with the movement of your hand and the transmission of information from your brain to your fingertips that does a superior job of cementing the information in place. It’s definitely more work, but the benefits are clear.

Review Notes Daily

Taking notes by hand is great. But if you want to enjoy the full benefits, we recommend reviewing those notes each evening. There’s something about re-reading your notes and engaging with the material before going to sleep that strengthens your memory and enhances recall. All you need is 15 or 20 minutes. 

Apply Techniques Immediately

Everything you learn in a CE course is theoretical. The quicker you can turn theoretical knowledge into experiential knowledge, the better. And the only way to do this is by applying the techniques in your job. Look for opportunities to do so immediately. If you can’t apply them, try teaching them. (Research shows that teaching others the material you just learned helps you retain the information better.)

Adding it All Up

If you’re required to do something, you might as well do it right. By taking CE seriously, you put yourself in a position to reap all kinds of rewards. Not only will you improve your skills and knowledge, but you’ll also enhance your reputation and open doors for new career opportunities. The net result is better pay and greater career flexibility. So the next time you turn your nose up at CE or relegate it to secondary importance, remember that it’s not just something you have to do. It could actually elevate your career.