How to Get Training Classes for Continuing Professional Education

Some continuing professional education programs award a certificate to graduates.

Students attend and graduate from college to get an education and complete a degree program for a career. However, after their school turns them loose into the real world as professionals, their need to continue learning does not stop. Though some college majors are considered timeless and "classical," such as philosophy, science and history, educators adapt these subjects to fit in with modern-working life and popular culture. As you seek out these training classes, you might find that the teachers and the delivery methods of continuing professional education varies greatly from that offered with your past undergraduate and graduate studies. (See Reference 1, "IACET CEUs may be awarded by a college, association, company or any other organization...")

Instructions

1. Enroll in continuing education classes at a college or university. Schools generally offer on-campus classes, but distance learning and online classes are available for the working professional. Some programs offer continuing education for credits, while other programs and courses are for non-credit or personal enrichment. Harvard University has a department called the "Division of Continuing Education." Their programs and courses include a wide range of subjects, including liberal arts, information technology and the environment (See Reference 2)

2. Inquire about continuing education through professional and licensing associations for your field of work. After obtaining an undergraduate or graduate degree, these associations offer the opportunity to receive additional certification, sometimes mandated by state agencies before you can work in the field. The American Dental Association offers its "Continuing Education Recognition Program" to registered members and provides advice about oral health to the general community. (See Reference 3)

3. Consult companies and industry sectors for direct, first-hand continuing education instruction. Some for-profit corporations are so vast and important to society -- economically, environmentally or medically -- that they need to keep their end users and customers (business-to-business) adequately trained about their products and services. As an example, Siemens is a global corporation that specializes in clinical, laboratory and health care products and services. They have a program called the "Personalized Education Plan," which aims to standardize understanding of its products and services. (See Reference 4, "My Transcript: The learner.....")

4. Seek out think tanks and institutes for continuing education credits. These organizations could be considered a conglomeration of the previous three methods -- maybe college professors, association directors and CEOs -- that include individuals with years of experience, extensive knowledge, and heavy influence in their particular industry. The Chartered Financial Analyst, or CFA Institute is a global association of investment professionals and it has a voluntary "Continuiing Education Program" for its members. (See Reference 5)

Tips & Warnings

• Use the US Department of Education's "The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs" as a starting point to research if an organization is accredited to offer continuing education credits (see Resources).

• Consult with the mandating entity, such as your employer or association, first, before enrolling and paying for any continuing education program. Though some programs are well known and accredited, your employer or association might not accept the credits.

• Be sure to get clarification on courses that are for credit vs. non-credit.

References

• International Association for Continuing Education and Training
• Harvard University: Division of Continuing Education
• American Dental Association: Continuing Education Recognition Program
• MarketWatch: Siemens Launches PEP, a Personalized Education Plan for Clinical Laboratory and Healthcare Professionals
• CFA Institute: Continuing Education Credits

Resources

• US Department of Education: Professional Development: Continuing Education
• US Department of Education: The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs