What do you do if you want to advance your career in patient advocacy through continuing education?

2 What are your options?

Continuing your education as a patient advocate comes in many forms, depending on your goals, preferences, and budget. Online courses, webinars, conferences, and certifications are all popular options. Online courses offer flexibility and affordability, but require self-motivation. Webinars allow you to learn from experts and interact with other participants, though they often come at a cost. Conferences are events where you can attend sessions and workshops on various aspects of patient advocacy, but can be costly and time-consuming. Certifications demonstrate your competence in patient advocacy, helping you stand out from the crowd and increasing your confidence and credibility. All certifications require a combination of education, experience, and exams and must be renewed periodically.

3 How do you choose the best option for you?

When considering continuing education options, it's important to ask yourself some questions first. What are your learning objectives? What are your learning preferences? What resources do you have available? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each option? Answering these questions can help you narrow down your choices and select the one that fits your needs best. Consider if you want to update your knowledge, acquire new skills, or explore new areas of interest. Think about how you learn best: online or in-person, self-paced or structured, interactive or passive. Also consider how much time, money, and energy you can invest in continuing your education and if you have access to reliable internet, transportation, and childcare. Additionally, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option to determine which one will help you meet your learning objectives and fit with your resources.

4 How do you make the most of your continuing education?

Continuing education is a key component of professional development as a patient advocate, and there are several ways to maximize your learning experience. First, plan ahead by setting realistic goals and scheduling your time accordingly. Make sure you have all the materials and equipment you need to participate and try to avoid distractions and interruptions. Engage actively by participating in discussions, asking questions, and seeking feedback. Reflect critically by evaluating your learning outcomes and process, and keep learning by reviewing notes and resources, seeking additional information, and following up with contacts. By taking the right steps to make the most of your continuing education option, you can advance your career in patient advocacy and provide better service to your clients.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?