When choosing the best psychologist continuing education program, there are four main factors that should be considered. These factors include the school's research facilities, the faculty's interest and type of research conducted, the types of courses offered and the program's accreditation with associations such as the International School Psychology Association (ISPA) or American Psychology Association (APA). Continued education training for psychologists can vary according to the exact field of study, so these factors can determine the best fit for each student.
Continuing education credits for psychologists can help advance current careers or assist in exploring new interests in psychology. Most psychology licenses require a certain number of continued education credits to keep the license current. Psychologist continuing education programs allow the student to choose from a variety of courses that best fit the field of study with which each student is currently involved. There are also broad-spectrum courses that cover basic skills and new or updated standard practices in the field of psychology. These courses can be an opportunity to expand current skills or help to develop new skills and expertise.
Many schools provide distance learning opportunities, such as online courses. This can be great for students who work well independently with little to no supervision. Psychologist continuing education programs that are based on independent study can be completed through various associations, such as the APA, or through private institutions offering accredited courses that follow industry guidelines. These courses can also be taken on college or university campuses in a traditional classroom setting.
Most students who are completing their psychologist continuing education program or courses have received their undergraduate degree and have obtained their clinical license or work in the field of psychology. There are some credit hours that can also be obtained by attending association conventions or conferences. Most psychology associations offer an annual conference or convention that host workshops. These workshops can be attended to earn credit or to simply add to your professional development.
While attending continued education courses, students have the opportunity to broaden their professional networks and meet expert psychologists in their field of study. Career management and professional networking are some of the benefits of attending programs that are geared toward furthering the education of psychologists. Continued education credits can be added to a curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé, and certificates can be earned for completion of psychologist continuing education programs.
