What Is The Point of Counseling Continuing Education?

Each year thousands of college seniors graduation with their degrees and head out into the work-force. While earning a degree is an important step, fields such as counseling and education require that you take continuing education (CE) courses at regular intervals. What is vital to a college degree now may not be up to par with industry standards in a few short years. By taking additional courses, you can make sure that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for continuing in your field. Additionally, there are several benefits to taking these courses.

Certified counselors must work to maintain their certification, but the benefits of continuing your education go beyond maintaining this credential. By taking CE courses, you are able to stay abreast of current issues in your particular field. Also, this enables you to keep up with various techniques and enhance your personal counseling skills. While issues that your clients face may not change all that much, your understanding of people and how to help them will grow with the additional classes that you take.

Another benefit of completing continuing education courses is that you increase your experience and build your resume. You may not land your “dream job” until after Pomp and Circumstance is a distant memory. However, the experience you gain with your first employer and subsequent courses will help to prepare you for the job of a lifetime. Even if you stay with the same employer for the rest of your career, an enhanced resume and valuable experience provide a nice cushion to have in your back pocket.

In most fields, including counseling, you are rewarded financially for your personal investment in your education. As you take CE courses, your salary will likely see an increase. Companies thrive when their employees are successful, and by obtaining counseling continuing education you increase your effectiveness.

As a counselor, you may find that you want to learn more about a specific condition or diagnosis that you did not specialize in previously. Continuing education courses in the counseling field can be very specific, and this allows you to broaden your scope of knowledge and experience.

So, just where can you find continuing education courses? First, look into seminars that your employer recommends. Sometimes seminars can be a quick way to gain some insight and understanding. Next, check out your local community college. Many local schools offer evening and weekend classes that work well with most post-secondary students. Lastly, check online for classes or seminars that you can access via your computer. Completing CE courses online is a great way to maximize your time and priorities.

How often to CE courses need to be completed? According to the National Board for Certified Counselors (www.nbcc.org), you’ll need to complete 100 hours of continuing education (see site for how to calculate) or retake the certification exam. While this may seem daunting at first, if you work on it at a steady pace you should complete the requirements in plenty of time to recertify.

Counseling continuing education is a valuable tool in increasing your effectiveness, building your resume and achieving a higher income. Become a life-long learner and reach for your dreams!