Continuing education programs are courses, seminars, lectures and demonstrations offered throughout the year for many different licensed professionals. These programs are often measured, depending on hours of time spent with the subject, in units. Most commonly, you will see the programs advertised for registered and licensed practical nurses; however, continuing education is for all health care professionals to benefit. To continue one’s education in their career is ambitious and maintains a level of competency employers thrive to find in their employees.

One may ask; if these continuing education courses are designed to maintain a license, are non-licensed personnel such as certified nursing assists or home heath aides required to obtain them? This answer is not a straightforward one. Unfortunately, where certified nursing assistants and home health aides are concerned much of their job responsibility and requirements are set forth by their employer. Where registered and licensed practical nurses are required to submit proof of continuing education to the board of nursing in their state, certified nursing assistant and home health aides most commonly report to the public heath department of their state. There are some states that require certified nursing assistants and home health aides to obtain continuing education units and there are some states that do not but the employers in those states do require it. The bottom line is you must research your states requirement for maintaining your certification as well as question your employer as to what their expectations from you are.

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