What Constitutes GREAT Continuing Education Benefits for Physical Therapists?
Continuing education is a top priority for most physical therapists when evaluating career opportunities. With numerous companies offering continuing education benefits, the range of dollar amounts and rules can be vast. This leads to an important question: What is considered a great continuing education benefits package?
Defining Your Continuing Education Goals
To answer this question, you first need to establish your goals for continuing education. If your primary aim is to meet the minimum continuing education unit (CEU) requirements to maintain licensure, you can manage with most of the con-ed stipends available. For instance, a yearly stipend of $250 can provide you full access to platforms like MedBridge, allowing you to earn your CEUs and move on.
However, if you are looking to build both knowledge and skills that translate into improved patient outcomes, you need more than just the basics. Ideally, a comprehensive continuing education plan would include a mix of lecture-based learning, lab skills, and hands-on guidance from experienced instructors who can provide feedback on your performance. Additionally, mentoring and accountability post-course are crucial to help integrate new skills into your practice. A GREAT continuing education package encompasses all these elements.
Financial Support for Continuing Education
When assessing continuing education benefits, it’s important to consider the financial support provided. We’ve observed stipends ranging from $250 to $2000 per year, with some rare instances of organizations offering unlimited continuing education budgets. More substantial financial support can provide access to higher-quality and more diverse educational opportunities, enhancing your professional growth and the quality of care you provide to patients.
Paid Continuing Education Time
In an ideal scenario, organizations would also offer a few “continuing education days” annually. These are paid days off dedicated to learning, allowing you to focus on your education without using your vacation time. This benefit is crucial for enabling you to engage in intensive, hands-on courses that require full attention and presence, further enhancing your practical skills and knowledge.
Finding the Right Fit
While finding a “perfect world” scenario for continuing education might be rare, organizations with a genuine commitment to continuing education excellence do exist. Here are some tips to help you identify such opportunities during your job search:
- Research Company Policies: Look into the company’s continuing education policies and speak to current employees about their experiences.
- Ask Specific Questions: During interviews, ask detailed questions about the continuing education benefits, including the annual stipend amount, types of courses covered, and availability of paid education days.
- Evaluate the Culture: Assess whether the company culture supports ongoing learning and professional development. A supportive environment can make a significant difference in how effectively you can utilize continuing education benefits.
Continuing education is more than just a licensure requirement; it’s an investment in your professional development and patient care capabilities. By seeking out a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial support, diverse learning opportunities, and paid time off for education, you can ensure you’re in a position to grow and excel in your career as a physical therapist. Use this guide to help navigate your job search and find an organization that truly values and supports your professional development.
Did you find these tips helpful? Let us know! Contact our PT Success Team at ptlighthouse@thejacksonclinics.com
To learn more about The Jackson Clinics and to explore a career with us, please visit thejacksonclinics.com/careers