Free continuing education is generally for adults who have certification and/or some years of experience in a profession. Continuing education units (CEUs) are credits given to participants who complete a course; procedures vary depending on the profession and location, but a typical system is one credit given for each ten hours of class participation. Not all professions have free adult education; if you're in a health career, you're more likely to be able to receive it. Contact professional organizations in your industry to ask if free continuing education is available and how you would go about receiving it.
While free continuing education is usually designed for adults in careers, there are some programs that include younger people. These types of continuing education help those who didn't graduate high school to complete grade 12 or its equivalency plus they usually include training for entry-level careers. For example, the Jobs Corps in the United States helps young people ages 16-24 with high school completion and career training; it also provides a living allowance, food, accommodation and dental insurance. If you need and qualify for this type of education assistance, you'll have to have proper identification and immunization records and apply directly to each individual organization.
No matter what kind of continuing education you hope to receive, it's best to get contact information from a professional organization or specific charity. Many national cancer societies offer free continuing education to nursing students. For instance, the Irish Cancer Society is known for awarding educational bursaries to qualifying nursing students enrolled in upper courses in the palliative care field. Palliative care is the management of patients that focuses on treating symptoms when a cure isn't possible. Unlike loans, which must be paid back, bursaries are financial awards given to students in need and don't require repayment.
It's best to contact all of the respected professional associations in your industry for information on continuing education since you could have many different options, depending on your field. For example, not all free continuing education is presented in an in-person, class format. Much of the continuing education offered today is available in online home study formats; this may include Internet-based workshops and seminars.
In order to receive free continuing education online, you'll likely need to register by filling out a form over the Internet. You'll have to specify your job and previous education. By registering for the free adult education in your profession, you may receive regular industry newsletters as well as updates for new courses.
