What does the phrase “continuing education” mean to you? Do you picture a room full of senior citizens learning to use the computer? Or a room full of doctors learning about the latest surgery technique?
The many faces of continuing education.
Neither definition would be wrong. In fact, “continuing education” is a fairly generic term meant to encompass every single form of post secondary education.
However, it’s most commonly used to describe the following three types of education.
Continuing Education for Adult Learners
Nontraditional students returning to school are often said to be taking part in continuing education. People in this category could be pursuing a four-year college degree, learning new skills at a vocational school, or even taking post-graduate classes.
If you fall in this category of learners, your goal is to learn a new set of skills that will propel your career in a new direction!
Continuing Education for Dabblers
Some people are simply perpetual students at heart. They probably already have a bachelor’s degree (or three), but never tire of learning. If you usually take classes based on your interests—and not concrete career goals—you’re most likely a dabbler. You can even elect to audit classes—meaning you won’t collect college credit for them (and don’t have to worry about your grades)!
Continuing Education for Professionals
Some industries require practitioners to take a certain number of continuing education credits to stay licensed. For instance, if you work in the health services industry as a doctor, nurse or other medical professional, you will have annual continuing education requirements.
You can also expect to have to take continuing education classes in the fields of law, accounting, engineering, massage therapy—even hair styling!
Continuing Education the Online Way
No matter which category of continuing education aficionado you fall into, chances are you can fulfill your needs online. There are thousands of colleges and technical schools offering online degree programs—and many will allow you to cherry pick classes if you don’t want to pursue a formal degree!
People seeking professional continuing education credits can also find what they’re looking for online. Whether that’s through a series of webcast seminars, or taking an online class, there are plenty of opportunities for distance learning. Just check with your state licensing board to see what the requirements are!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, robynejay.
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