The Characteristics of Continuing Professional Education Systems in the Health Professions in Canada

Authors

  • Vernon Curran Memorial University
  • Fran Kirby Memorial University
  • Lisa Fleet Memorial University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21225/D57309

Abstract

Mandatory continuing education (MCE) has become widely accepted across many professions and jurisdictions in Canada as a re-credentialing mechanism. MCE is defined as continuing professional education (CPE) courses and/or programs, beyond the entry-level educational requirements, required by a licensure board, professional organization, or the workplace in order to maintain competence or retain licensure, certification, and/or employment. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the nature and characteristics of the CPE systems of the major health care professions in Canada. Overall, mandatory systems of CPE are increasing among allied health professional groups in Canada. This introduces significant opportunities for providers of CPE for the health professions. Important trends appear to include an increase in distance education formats, an increase in collaborative arrangements between providers, and an increase in the use of CPE to regulate practice.

Downloads

Published

2006-01-01

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 1 (2006)

Section

Articles

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.

Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.

Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).