Thanks to online and mobile learning, it is easier than ever to complete your national association and/or state-mandated Continuing Medical Education (online) requirements quickly, conveniently, and inexpensively. But with the influx of new providers coming to the market, it’s more important than ever to know what to look for. Choosing a CE provider that is unfamiliar with your license renewal requirements can result in a bad experience and unneeded stress. We’ve put together a list to help you find the best fit for your CE needs
If you’re interested in a focused, skill-based Continuing Medical Education online course—the kind that appears most likely to improve clinical outcomes—course descriptions and learning objectives provide limited information. Often, the only way to know whether a course truly matches what you’re looking for is to buy and take the course. And then, if the course wasn’t what you had in mind, you’re not likely to immediately seek out another course in the same content area.
Review the promotional materials and brochures, which should contain the following elements:
Course title/program description—Do they adequately describe program content? Is the program rationale clearly explained? Is the target audience clearly identified? Do I fit within that target audience? Is there a limit to the number of participants who may attend?
Learning outcomes—Are they stated? Do they indicate specifically what I will be able to do as a result of the program? Is the number of learning outcomes reasonable for the length of the program? Reviewing this element may help you distinguish broad overview courses from in-depth programs.
Faculty credentials—Do stated instructor qualifications lead you to believe a meaningful program will be delivered? Is the instructor presenting within his/her area of expertise?
Faculty disclosures—Has each instructor disclosed relevant financial and non-financial relationships (or lack thereof) related to the course content? Disclosures help you determine if the instructor has a bias toward the products, services or practices associated with the course. It is acceptable for an instructor to have a bias as long as it is disclosed.
Instructional methods—Are they described? Do they include active involvement of the audience?
Credit—Does the program offer ASHA CEUs? Is it offered by an ASHA Approved CE Provider? What are the criteria for satisfactory completion of the course and earning of ASHA CEUs?
Registration fees—Are they reasonable when compared to similar programs? If not, inquire.
Refund/cancellation policy—Is it clearly stated in the promotional materials?
Follow-up from program provider—Has the provider responded to your requests for additional information?
