Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 1

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 3

Importance of Lifelong Learning

• World changing faster than ever before

• Technological advances

• New products

• Learning continues after graduation

• Need to keep up with changes on the job

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Keeping Up With Changes in Health Care

• Changes are constant

• Knowledge quickly becomes outdated

• Graduation is end of formal training, but beginning of lifetime learning

• Changes that affect health care

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Continuing Education Units

• CEUs – Credits for learning after graduation

• Also known as CPE

• Some professions require a specified number of CEU before relicensure or recertification

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Ways to Earn CEUs

• Special sessions or workshops

• Home study or study packets

• Distance education courses

• Internet courses

• Evaluate quality and applicability of course

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Criteria for Choosing CEUs

• Requirements of your current job

• Future career goals

• Reputation of educational provider

• Areas of personal and/or professional weakness that need improvement

• Personal and/or professional interests

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Self-Directed Learning

• Planned activities to increase your knowledge and skills

• Observe others

• Ask questions

• Read books and journal articles

• Study in small groups

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Self-Directed Learning

• Attend professional conferences and meetings

• Watch videos or DVDs and educational television programs

• Explore the Internet