We get it: Having a thriving therapy practice is hard work. Between seeing clients, completing paperwork and billing, staying up to date with CE credits is a task best left for the “off-season.” But if you procrastinate or wait too long, you could lose valuable CE credit opportunities – not to mention risking running out of time to earn your credits. Even worse, you could get audited if you’re not careful!
So what’s the best way to stay on top of your CE credits while managing a thriving practice? Here are some tips:
1. Plan ahead.
As with most things in life, being proactive when it comes to CE credit is the key to success. Figure out which courses you need to take and sign up for them well in advance. That way, you won’t have to worry about squeezing them in during the busy season.
2. Take advantage of online courses.
Technology has made it easier than ever to take CE courses online, which means you can complete them at your convenience (and often for a fraction of the cost of live classes). You can even download them for listening at the gym or in the car.
3. Set a schedule.
Use your calendar to keep track of some time every day or week when you can listen to the course(s) you’ve prioritized for the season. That way, you’ll always know what’s on deck and be able to race through them quickly before the end of the month.
4. Find a study buddy.
If you’re someone who learns better when you have someone to bounce ideas off of, find a study buddy to take courses with. You can help each other stay on track and quiz each other on the material between classes.
5. Utilize your calendar.
Make sure all of your important deadlines are written down on a calendar that’s easily accessible from day one of each year – including those related to CE credits and license renewal, as well as upcoming client appointments. That way, you’ll be less likely to forget anything important.
6. Use a tracking system.
It can be difficult to remember everything when it comes to CE credits – especially if you’re taking more than one course at a time. That’s why it’s helpful to use a CE tracking system, (like CE Hub!) which will not only store the details of your course, but also keep your certificates safe, and help you keep track of how many credits you’ve earned.
Staying up to date with the CE credits required by your state board is vital if you want to maintain a thriving therapy practice. Although it can seem overwhelming at times, planning and taking advantage of online courses, utilizing your calendar, and using a tracking system will go a long way in mitigating that stress.
7. Get help from a colleague.
If you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask a colleague for help. They may have gone through the process before and can offer valuable advice on what to do – and what not to do! Having a support system in place can make all the difference.
8. Take a break.
In the words of Ferris Bueller, “life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” The same goes for your CE credits – if you’re not careful, they’ll fly by and you’ll find yourself scrambling to catch up. Make sure to take some time for yourself during the busy season, even if it’s just a few minutes each day to relax and rejuvenate.
Permit yourself to start planning for CE credits early.
One of the best pieces of advice for procrastinators is to give yourself more time than you think you need. The same goes for staying on top of your continuing education credits – especially if you’re a busy therapist. If you’re like most practitioners, your “off-season” is actually pretty hectic, so you may need to allow a little extra time to get your courses planned and registered.
Sign up for credits you’ll enjoy.
You have to take CE credits anyway, so they might as well be enjoyable, right? That’s why it’s a good idea to sign up for courses that you’re at least somewhat interested in – you’ll be more likely to stay engaged and motivated. If there are a few topics that always pique your curiosity, try signing up for a course on each of them.
Don’t forget to sign up for courses that are relevant to your niche.
Even though you might enjoy learning about other areas of psychology, it’s important not to neglect the courses related to your field of work. You want to be able to provide your clients with the best service possible, but if you’re not receiving continuing education credits in the areas that correspond with your niche, it can be difficult to keep up.
Don’t forget to take into account your license renewal date.
When signing up for courses, it’s important to keep your license renewal date in mind. Most boards require therapists to complete a certain number of credits every year or two – so do the math and make sure you’re not signing up for more than you’ll need. If you’re renewing your license soon, try to plan your courses accordingly – that way it won’t be quite as stressful to fit them into your busy schedule.
Don’t forget to include courses offered by your state.
Did you know that some boards require therapists to complete a specific number of state-specific CE credits? That’s why it’s helpful to check with your licensing board before signing up for any courses – you don’t want to spend money on something that won’t meet your needs! Keep an eye out for courses that focus specifically on issues relevant to your state.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to stay on top of your continuing education credits is essential for maintaining a thriving, successful therapy practice. Although it can be difficult to find the motivation to carve out time for it amidst all of your other responsibilities, investing some extra attention into this task will help you avoid stress later down the line. Staying organized by utilizing an online portal, such as CE Hub, can be a simple yet effective way to keep tabs on your continuing education hours. By setting up a visual representation of your courses and assignments, it’s easy to see what you have left to do – and when you need to get started. Sign up for a free trial today!
