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What are the Different Types of Mandatory Continuing Education?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

There are quite a few different types of mandatory continuing education, though in general they are connected to different types of careers. One common type of ongoing education is continued education for teachers who often have to either be working on a higher level educational degree or continuing learning about different teaching methods. Another common form of mandatory education pertains to nurses and doctors, who are often required to continue learning about different medical treatments and medications. There are also forms of mandatory continuing education that are not necessarily required to maintain a professional license, but are required by someone’s employer.

Mandatory continuing education refers to a form of ongoing education that occurs after someone completes a certain level of education, such as a degree required to work in a certain field. This education must be completed after the person gains employment in order for him or her to maintain employment. In general, there are a few major types of mandatory continuing education, which typically break down into those that are required by a licensing board for certain professions and those required by an employer.

Different career fields have varying requirements for continuing education.
Different career fields have varying requirements for continuing education.

One of the most common forms of mandatory continuing education required for licensure is ongoing education for teachers. Teachers typically must continue toward a higher level degree, often from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree, or continue taking courses on different teaching pedagogies and educational methodology. This education can be required at a regional level in some countries or at a federal level in other countries. School districts can also impose a certain amount of mandatory continuing education on teachers who are employed within the district.

In order for teachers to remain certified, they need to take various continuing education courses.
In order for teachers to remain certified, they need to take various continuing education courses.

Doctors and other medical professionals are also often required to take mandatory continuing education courses to maintain their licenses. These courses are often about new forms of treatment, diagnosis, and medication that are developed each year. Failure to complete such programs can cause a doctor to lose his or her job or medical license.

There are also forms of mandatory continuing education that are not involved in any form of professional licensure, but are instead required solely by an employer. Managers in a company may be required to attend seminars in managing techniques or attend classes in business practices to maintain their positions within a company. Someone looking to move up into a management position may also be required to attain a college degree or take certain classes to qualify for such a position. This type of ongoing education will not disqualify a person from working in his or her chosen industry, but may result in termination or loss of promotion within a particular company.

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    • Different career fields have varying requirements for continuing education.
      By: Robert Kneschke
      Different career fields have varying requirements for continuing education.
    • In order for teachers to remain certified, they need to take various continuing education courses.
      By: Nolte Lourens
      In order for teachers to remain certified, they need to take various continuing education courses.
    • Teachers often have mandatory continuing education requirements that must be met.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Teachers often have mandatory continuing education requirements that must be met.
    • IT professional often are required to undergo continuing education as technology develops.
      By: a4stockphotos
      IT professional often are required to undergo continuing education as technology develops.
    • Nurses may continue their education to learn the latest healthcare techniques.
      By: mario beauregard
      Nurses may continue their education to learn the latest healthcare techniques.