Why Employers Should Support Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals

For nurses and other healthcare professionals, staying abreast of the latest advancements and skills in their field is not just a professional choice but a necessity. For them, pursuing knowledge and expertise doesn’t end with a degree. Instead, it’s an ongoing journey that involves continuous learning and adaptation to the ever-changing healthcare environment.

Continuous learning also provides an excellent opportunity for organizations to empower their employees. Supporting ongoing education among an organization’s workforce is a smart investment highlighting the value of highly skilled and motivated employees. Investing in their continuing education is beneficial for the people who enroll but also crucial for the organization’s overall effectiveness.

“The healthcare industry and consequently the field of nursing is constantly evolving, developing and improving,” according to Indeed. “Continuing your nursing education is the best way you can stay abreast with the latest trends, especially in the specific domains and specialties of your interest.”

Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders From Within the Staff

There’s a relationship between employee training and employment development. Enrolling in professional certificate courses, bootcamps, and industry-recognized certificate programs can qualify employees to take on positions of higher responsibility.

These programs also give healthcare professionals the skills they need for success as leaders. As noted by Forbes, this includes understanding the latest advances in technology, knowing how to build a positive work environment, and honing their decision-making skills. Most importantly, “strong leadership paves the way for improved patient care.”

Nurses can especially excel in this area. Many already serve in leadership roles, providing vital guidance to help those around them navigate constantly evolving healthcare systems. Nurses are often seen as role models, influencing people and policies at all levels. They prepare themselves to succeed in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment by continually updating their skills and knowledge through certificate programs.

Solid leaders in nursing are vital to help navigate the constant evolution of healthcare. Nurse leaders do more than balance costs, monitor productivity, and maintain patient and staff satisfaction. Influential nurse leaders motivate their colleagues, setting the tone for a safe, civil workplace with a culture of high morale and job retention.

Attracting and Retaining Talented and Skilled Healthcare Professionals

A commitment to continuing education for healthcare professionals also helps organizations attract and retain top talent in the industry. The commitment to professional development sends a clear message that the organization values its employees’ growth and is invested in their long-term success. This commitment also enhances staff morale and employees’ sense of job satisfaction.

Supporting continuing education allows a company’s workforce to address skill gaps and pursue specialized training. This enhances the team’s overall competency. Whether mastering leadership skills, using data to solve real-world challenges, or earning a certificate in specific areas like electronic health records or project management, gaining new skills and knowledge can improve the overall operation.

There are other benefits, as well, that impact workplace culture. By encouraging continuing education on the part of their employees, organizations foster a culture of lifelong learning. When encouraged to pursue ongoing education, employees are more likely to take ownership of their professional development. This proactive approach benefits the individual and creates a dynamic work environment where the pursuit of knowledge is valued.

In this way, supporting continuing education for healthcare professionals is an investment in the future of healthcare. Employers who make education a priority position their organizations for success and contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare delivery and outcomes.

St. Catherine University Continuing Education Programs

At St. Catherine University, professionals enjoy a variety of programs that focus on improving their skills, boosting their careers, and providing more value to their employers. Programs benefit people in many different career fields, with many focused on the healthcare professions.

For example, professional certificate programs such as Nurses Leading the Future and Leading the Future Healthcare Simulation provide the skills and knowledge needed for tomorrow’s healthcare leaders. St. Kate’s also offers a host of industry-recognized certification programs in healthcare, including Advanced Medical Interpreting, Holistic Health Studies, and Community Health Worker.