Thrive in Your Career: The Value of Continuing Education & Professional Development for NPs and PAs
Getting your dream job is just the first step in building a great career. Learning should be a lifelong process and the need for continuing education and professional development has never been more important than it is today. Expanding your knowledge beyond what you learned in school will keep you current with the latest trends in the industry and give you a competitive edge over your peers. Let’s dig deeper into the benefits of continuing education and professional development and what you should consider when getting started.
Why Should I Focus on Continuing Education?
If you’re considering continuing education, here are the top four reasons why you should make it a priority in your career.
Stay up to date with healthcare advancements
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving with new processes, concepts and treatment options. By staying up to date with these changes, you can remain knowledgeable and develop new skills necessary to provide the best patient care.
Expand clinical skills
Continuing education can help you develop the skills, competencies and the practical knowledge necessary to transition to clinical practice. By combining the new skills you learn with those you already possess, you can become a more well-rounded, productive, and efficient healthcare professional.
Enhance career opportunities
Investing in yourself is essential to your career development. By expanding your knowledge and skill set, you become a valuable contributor to your current and future employers. Your additional skills will set you apart from your competition, making you more proficient and ultimately saving your employer time and money. You’ll also be seen as a key member of the team, which can lead to future advancement opportunities.
Network with peers
Continuing education programs provide an opportunity to network with like-minded peers. Meeting other APPs with similar professional goals is as important as learning from an instructor. You’ll have a chance to learn from them and see how they solve challenges that you may also be facing. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn and grow.
“Being enrolled in the ThriveAP program has been super helpful. I learned a lot that I didn’t learn in my NP program, or if I did, having not put it into practice I didn’t understand the intricacies.”
– Kathryn Feeney, NP, Meridian Health Services.
The Different Types of Continuing Education
When it comes to continuing education, there are numerous resources to choose from. Are virtual classrooms or live courses better suited to your learning style? Would you benefit from pre-recorded lectures or a webinar? To ensure you select the best option, consider how you learn best. Do you thrive in live sessions where you can ask questions, or do you prefer to work at your own pace to fully grasp the lesson? Embracing your preferred learning style is the key to finding the perfect environment for your education.
In addition, the curriculum you choose should be specific to your field and tailored to your needs. The healthcare industry is rapidly changing, and it’s crucial for the curriculum to keep up and deliver accurate and up-to-date teachings. By selecting a program that focuses on your specific area of expertise and is regularly updated, you can ensure the content is relevant and that you get the most out of the course.
Finally, it’s essential to consider who is teaching the program. Experienced and knowledgeable instructors can create an engaging and supportive learning environment. They can provide pearls of wisdom that are relevant and on-task, building a strong educational network that sets you up for success. Choose a continuing education program taught by expert faculty to enhance your learning journey.
Why Many Avoid Continuing Education
Financial constraints often prevent many APPs from pursuing continuing education, but there are ways to reduce the burden. Consider the following options:
- Look for CME-approved programs.
- Ask your employer about reimbursement options.
- Seek out flexible payment plans when available.
Time constraints can also create hesitation in starting a continuing education program, but it’s essential to prioritize your learning and invest in your future. To make the most of your education, choose a program that can fit your schedule and help you stay committed.
Get Started Today
Investing in yourself and your career is one of the best decisions you can make. From expanding clinical skills to building professional networks, the benefits of investing in your professional development are numerous. But who you partner with for continuing education and transition to practice opportunities can be equally important.
ThriveAP’s transition to practice education is an excellent option for NPs and PAs looking to advance their careers. The ThriveAP curriculums help you with didactic knowledge and skill development in a supportive clinical environment while facilitating application of what you learned in school to real world clinical practice. With ThriveAP, you’ll develop the skills, competencies and the practical knowledge necessary to perform your job with proficiency, productivity, and confidence.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to invest in your future as an APP. Apply for ThriveAP’s transition to practice education today and take the first step towards achieving your career goals.