CE Zoom

Category: Education

  • What Are CEUs?

    What Are CEUs?

    Some working professionals, such as healthcare technicians and IT specialists, have to complete competency assessments and ongoing training for their organization to maintain its accreditation and compliance. Continuing education units (CEUs), also called continuing education credits, represent the time spent in those continuing education programs. They help working professionals maintain the license their job requires.

    This article will cover everything you should know about CEUs if your employer requires you to keep current certifications.

    Why Is It Important To Earn CEUs?

    Continuing education is required in many fields, including education, healthcare, IT, interior design, architecture, insurance, and more. With continuing education, it will be easier for you to succeed in your current employment. These programs bring you up to date on the latest best practices and new technologies in your industry and equip you with the knowledge and skills you need moving forward. If you don’t earn the necessary continuing education credits for your job, you will likely lose your certificate and have to retake your certification exam. You may also lose your membership if you are part of a licensing body or association.

    What Are CE Credits? CECs vs. CEUs

    Continuing education credits (CECs) and continuing education units are both used to measure professional development in continuing education programs. A CEU equates to ten hours spent participating in a continuing education program, while a CEC is equivalent to one hour of educational experience.

    Why Should I Care About Earning CEUs?

    Healthcare professionals are required to recertify every three years to maintain their credentials. To do so, you either need CEUs, or you need to retake and pass the certification exam every three years. To go the CEU route, you have to earn thirty continuing education credits over the course of three years.

    To stand out in your field, it helps to stay current on your certifications and continuing education. It’s much easier to earn your CEUs rather than retake your certification exam every three years. Plus, earning CEUs helps you prove your competency to employers, improve the safety of your work environment, and stay on course with your career trajectory.

    How to Earn CEUs

    You can earn your required CEUs in several ways, many of which are free. You can:

    • Join an organization
    • Use an online learning module
    • Attend a conference or other event
    • Enroll in a college course
    • Participate in a technical committee
    • Use a competency-based training module
    • Deliver a presentation
    • Teach a course

    Once you reach the required number of credits, you’re finished!

    Join an Organization

    It can be a good idea to join your local healthcare professionals chapter. Being a part of this kind of organization will give you an excellent opportunity to access continuing education credits nearby or over webinars. It also allows you to connect with other professionals in your area.

    Online Learning Modules

    Online learning modules, such as CE Zoom, are an effective way to earn your required CE credits. With an online learning platform, you can find and attend courses that you wouldn’t usually be able to attend in person. CE Zoom even stores your certificates in one place, so you don’t misplace them, and keeps track of your state-specific requirements.

    Attend an Event

    If you can attend a conference or workshop, you can learn a lot from the experts who take the time to present at these events. There are many of these events every year that you can attend at the local, regional, state, or national level.

    Enroll in a College Course

    If you choose to enroll in a college or university course, it can count for up to 50% of your CEU requirements. Every semester you enroll in a minimum of three credit hours counts for five continuing education credits.

    Participate in a Technical Committee

    You can also get up to 50% of your CEU requirements by participating in an industry-specific technical committee. For each year you participate in a committee, you can get five continuing education credits.

    Competency-Based Training

    Properly documented competency-based training can also count for your continuing education credits. This training is often offered through your job and has to meet specific requirements to qualify. The instructor’s qualifications, the listed learning objectives, the application or hands-on component, and the length of time are all considered. The training has to last a minimum of 45 minutes per credit.

    Deliver a Presentation

    Instructing or facilitating an industry-specific course or presentation is another way to earn your credits. Delivering academic content is an excellent way to teach others and help them get credit while also furthering your own career and education. Each course or presentation of at least 45 minutes earns you two CEUs/CECs; for the dental profession, you receive one CE per hour.

    Who Can I Recertify With?

    Recertification is nearly always done through state boards. Recertification requirements and guidelines vary by profession and location, so check with the state in which you obtained your license(s) to find out where, when, and how often you must recertify.

    Recertification Requirements

    The recertification process is relatively simple. Before your current certification expires, you should complete the steps below:

    • Log in to the CE Zoom tracking system and enroll in the right program for you
    • Complete the program to earn your CEC
    • Receive credit for completed tasks by submitting them within 90 days in your CE portal
    • Use the CE system to track your progress
    • Obtain a transcript to submit to the state for recertification

    What Is the Cost to Earn CEUs?

    The cost depends on how you choose to earn your CEUs. Some CEUs don’t cost anything to earn, and some are offered through your employer. If you decide to travel or attend an event far away, it will cost you more, as will enrolling in a prestigious college course. On the other hand, you can also teach a course at no cost or take a webinar through your local organization and get a free CEU. It’s most important to focus on the quality of your CEUs, rather than the cost.

    Sign Up for CE Zoom

    If you need to earn CEUs and want a centralized location to find courses and track them against your state’s specific requirements, turn to CE Zoom. Our easy platform will inform you about all available continuing education opportunities in your area, help you find out what CEU is right for you, and make your recertification process as easy as possible. Sign up to get started.

  • What Is An RDH License?

    What Is An RDH License?

    An RDH license is your Registered Dental Hygiene license, and you need a valid one to maintain your career. Without your RDH license, taking patients and practicing dental hygiene is unlawful. You need to renew your RDH license regularly, and CE Zoom can help you do that.

    Renewing Dental Hygiene License

    Renewing your dental hygiene license is easier than ever these days. A dental hygiene licensee must renew their license every two years. At this point, you can renew most dental hygiene licenses online, and physical copies generally aren’t sent out unless you request them, and it can take weeks to get to you. Let’s look at some reasons why you may need to renew your RDH license.

    Expired/Canceled License

    If you wait longer than five years to renew your canceled license, it expires and can no longer be renewed or restored. When your license expires, you must reapply as a first-time applicant for your RDH license.

    Inactive License

    You can put your license on inactive status at nearly any time, and you can renew your inactive license indefinitely. To do so, you’ll have to complete an Active/Inactive form, attach copies of your continuing education taken within the last two years, return the original inactive license, and pay a fee. You’ll still have to pay the renewal fee, but you won’t have to complete the required continuing education courses.

    Disabled License

    You can certify that you’re eligible to waive the requirements for continuing education because of a disability. You’ll have to continue to pay the renewal fee, but for the duration of your disability, you won’t have to meet the continuing education requirements, and you can put a pause on your license. To waive these requirements, you will need to have a statement from your physician that includes the dates of your disability. You’ll also need to give your own statement that you didn’t practice as a licensed auxiliary throughout your disability.

    Duplicate/Replacement Licenses

    If you need a duplicate or replacement copy of your dental hygiene license, you’ll have to submit your request in writing with a form, pay a fee, and provide your pocket or wall license, as needed. If you’re replacing your license because of a name change, you’ll also need to send in documentation like your marriage license, divorce decree, or other court order that shows the name change.

    Your Dental Hygienist License Renewal Requirements

    Before you can renew your license, at minimum, you must pay the renewal fee, complete the required continuing education hours, hold a current basic life support CPR certification from the American Red Cross, and have taken and passed the appropriate Jurisprudence Assessment. In some cases, you must also be in good standing with the Attorney General’s Office for Child Support.

    Renewal Payment

    In most cases, you can renew your license online. This means that you can instantly renew your license, make your renewal payment by credit card, and see it go through quickly and go into effect immediately. Making your renewal payment quickly and easily makes it efficient to renew your license.

    Dental Hygiene CE Requirements

    If it’s your first time renewing your license after getting your RDH in the past two years, you don’t need to complete any CE credits. Otherwise, you have CE requirements to renew your license. Depending on the state you are licensed in, you will have mandatory continuing education courses you’ll need to complete to be able to renew your RDH license.

    Completion of CE Credits

    It can be challenging to keep track of your dental hygiene CE requirements and current CE credits and know what credits you still need to complete your license renewal. That’s where CE Zoom comes in handy. CE Zoom brings the courses to you by tracking your courses based on your state’s regulations. That way, you won’t have to scramble to figure out which courses you need to take to be able to renew your license. CE Zoom can tell you quickly and easily and help you find providers and courses to help you complete your needed CE credits.

    Completed Dental Healthcare Workforce Survey

    The Dental Board requires that dental healthcare professionals complete the Dental Healthcare Workforce Survey. In accordance with the Business and Professions Code, you must complete this survey before obtaining or renewing your RDH license.

    Fulfillment of Fingerprinting Requirements

    To fulfill the fingerprinting requirements needed to renew your RDH license, you must complete an application. Once your application has been approved, you should get information about how to submit your fingerprints for your background check.

    Benefits of Renewing Your RDH Today

    There are many benefits to renewing your dental hygiene license with CE Zoom, including maintaining legal compliance, easily tracking the CE credits you need, and completing the entire process online. So, get the ball rolling today and begin the renewal process. Sign up for CE Zoom and make sure you’re on track with your CE credit requirements, so you’re ready for your new license renewal.

    Renewing Online With CE Zoom

    CE Zoom can assist you in preparing for the next time you need to renew your RDH license, and we help manage and track all of your CE needs. With help from CE Zoom, you can know precisely what you’re missing for your next renewal, and you’ll be ready to renew online when the time comes.

  • What Industries Need CE Credits?

    What Industries Need CE Credits?

    Learning is a lifelong process, and many professions require you to continue learning after completing your formal education. That’s where continuing education comes into play. What are CEU credits good for in your professional life? Let’s dive in and explore why you might need continuing education credits.

    What Is Continuing Education?

    To have the most updated knowledge in their industries, professionals must pursue continuing education. Professionals in dynamic fields often need continuing education courses. Jobs that require a license, such as teaching, accounting, law, insurance, etc., will usually require continuing education as well.

    How To Choose a Continuing Education Course

    The type of continuing education course you take will depend on the needs of your profession. When choosing a type of continuing education course, you have to consider several factors. You’ll need to look at the course’s length and topic and your industry’s requirements.

    Length

    Consider how many hours of continuing education you need. Look into what your needs are, and choose accordingly. Shorter courses are suitable for filling in gaps, while longer courses are good for more new information.

    Topic

    Depending on your industry and the state you live in, the topic of the continuing education course is important to consider. There might be a particular focus you’re required to study. You should also consider how you want to expand your knowledge and your professional goals.

    Industry

    As mentioned above, you might be required to take a continuing education course in specific subjects, depending on your industry. Take that into consideration when choosing a course. Another consideration is any specialty you might have within your industry.

    Industries That Require CE Credits

    There is a wide variety of industries that require CE credits. Check out the list to see if your chosen profession is included.

    Teachers

    Not all schools require certified and licensed teachers to teach, but some consider it a point of pride only to hire authorized teachers. The US Department of Education encourages teachers to participate in continuing education courses to keep the necessary certification.

    Accountants

    Continuing education as an accountant gives the accounting profession a uniform approach. The CPA licensure exam is only the beginning of education for an accountant. Most states require accountants to participate in continuing education courses throughout their careers.

    Real Estate Agents

    Real estate agents work in a field that needs to be the same across the board. Agents need to keep up with their continuing education to keep their license when there are changes in their profession.

    Dental Professionals

    Health care is one of the biggest industries that need continuing education credits, and dental professionals are part of that. Dentists and dental hygienists are required to keep up with their continuing education courses and keep up to date with the industry.

    Insurance Agents

    Insurance is a dynamic industry that can change yearly. To keep up with the changes, insurance agents are often also required to participate in continuing education courses to renew their licenses.

    Lawyers

    The American Bar Association has a rule about continuing legal education. There are many accredited activities, such as teaching, online education, writing publications, and more. This continuing legal education is required if you want to keep your law license.

    Engineers

    Technology is constantly changing, and engineering has to change with it. Depending on state requirements and your specific branch of engineering, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to keep up with continuing education mandates to update and renew your license.

    Physicians

    The majority of physicians are required to keep up with continuing medical education. Doctors need to stay competitive in an ever-changing industry, and continuing education helps to do that.

    Nurses

    Along with physicians, nurses must constantly update their industry knowledge. Most states require continuing education every couple of years for nurses.

    Psychologists

    Psychology has been experiencing a demand increase in the past few years. Similar to other health professionals, psychologists should be continually learning. Continuing education is necessary for psychologists to be able to provide competent care.

    Architects

    Continuing education is required for architects to keep their licenses. If you practice in multiple states, that can open up more needs for continuing education.

    Benefits of Continuing Education

    You can easily spend your whole life learning, and there are plenty of reasons why you should take advantage of your continuing education opportunities. Even if you’re doing it for your job, you might learn something new that will benefit your everyday life. By taking advantage of continuing education opportunities, you can increase your chances of promotion, increase your income, propel career development, build confidence in your knowledge and skills, and open more professional opportunities.

    Increase Opportunity For Promotion

    The more you know, the more opportunities you have to grow. Continuing education can increase your chances of promotions in your job. When you stay on top of your continuing education needs, your supervisors see that you are motivated and driven to do what needs to be done. This could mean that they consider you for other opportunities and promotions.

    Helps Increase Your Income

    Along with possible promotions, your income can increase when you continue your education. Continuing education keeps you up to date with your certifications and licenses. Having current certifications can help you get a raise and increase your income.

    Propels Career Development

    With continuing education, you can also propel your career development forward. You’ll be up to date with the latest information and skills in your field. With this knowledge, you can go further in your career and achieve more. Knowing the latest trends and procedures can propel your career development regardless of your industry.

    Build Confidence In Skills and Knowledge

    When you are up to date on the latest skills and knowledge in your industry, you have more confidence in yourself and your abilities. You feel more able to tackle whatever challenges come your way in your job and better equipped to help others when needed. In many cases, with more confidence comes better working opportunities.

    Can Open More Job and Professional Opportunities

    All of the above can help open more job and professional opportunities. Keep up with your needed continuing education courses, and maybe even more than what’s required, and see what a difference it can make for you and your career. When people in a decision-making position see your enthusiasm and dedication, they can help you go places.

    How To Succeed in Continuing Education

    If you want to succeed in continuing education, we have a few tips for you. Success in continuing education looks similar to success in traditional education. Manage your time well, set aside distractions and give yourself time to study, use your resources and network to your advantage, and take notes. Once you have good study habits in place, there’s no limit to your success.

    Manage Your Time

    One of the best ways to manage your time wisely is to have a routine. Your routine should give you enough time to adequately commit to the course and study. The recommended time is to allow for two to three hours per credit hour of enrollment. With this standard, prepare to spend six to nine hours each week studying if you enroll in a three-credit course. Even if you’re taking the class from home, you’re responsible for completing the course and the required work.

    Set Aside Distractions For Studying

    It can be helpful to have a dedicated study space. This dedicated space should be free of distractions and excess noise. Libraries are usually good for this, especially if you can reserve a designated study room. If the library isn’t an option, set up a dedicated space at home. This can be a home office, a bedroom, or just a desk. Get into the mindset of preparing to study when you use this space.

    Use Your Resources and Network

    Most educational opportunities will have resources available to you. These resources are provided to help you, so don’t miss out! Your network can also be helpful when you need to pursue a continuing education course. See if anyone in your network has connections to a good program or can tutor you if needed.

    Take Notes

    One of the most crucial studying tips is to take notes. Chances are, you won’t remember everything you need to know. Even if you think you’ll remember everything, write it down anyway. Take notes in a way that will help you study, and take notes often. They will be invaluable when it comes time to study for an exam or test.

    Where To Start?

    So, what now? It’s time to find a continuing education course that works for you! An excellent place to start is with CE Zoom’s offered courses. We also have ways for you to track your progress and the continuing education credits that you still need. Check us out and see what we can do for you!