Continuing Education (CE/CME)

What is continuing education (CE/CME)?

Continuing education (CE) refers to ongoing learning that professionals complete to maintain and expand their knowledge and skills after earning a degree or certification. Continuing education is common across many industries, especially healthcare, where professionals must stay current with evolving clinical knowledge and standards of care. In healthcare, continuing medical education (CME) is a type of professional continuing education designed for physicians. Other healthcare professionals, including nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and behavioral health practitioners, often complete continuing education to maintain licensure and strengthen their expertise. Today, many organizations offer continuing education online, making it easier for busy professionals to access training and keep their skills up to date.

Example: The hospital offered training to help nurses complete their continuing education requirements before license renewal. They used a hybrid training model, with some sections delivered online and others in a classroom setting.

Why is continuing education important?

Continuing education helps healthcare professionals stay informed about new treatments, technologies, regulations, and evidence-based practices. By participating in professional continuing education, clinicians can strengthen their skills, improve patient outcomes, and maintain compliance with licensing standards. Regulatory boards and accrediting organizations often require continuing education for nurses, physicians, pharmacists, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. Offering continuing education online gives healthcare organizations a flexible way to deliver training at scale without disrupting patient care or clinical operations.