As a pharmacy professional, you’re bored with tons of time on your hands. (Have you stopped laughing yet?)
You’re busier than ever, of course. So, how do you make time for a vital part of your life as a healthcare professional, namely Continuing Medical Education (CMEs) or Continuing Professional Education (CPEs) First, a quick review.
Continuing professional education
Continuing education content must represent the body of knowledge and skills generally recognized and accepted within a profession. The healthcare field isn’t the only area that requires ongoing professional education. In fact, think law, accounting, architecture, engineering or other pursuits requiring special certification. Each profession has its own strict requirements necessary to stay licensed in the field.
Regardless of specific profession, the process to find and complete relevant content is challenging. First, identify accredited CPE courses. While lifelong learning is always positive, that “Calligraphy for Beginners” class likely isn’t accredited for pharmacy professionals.
Once you find an appropriately accredited course, weigh its relevance against your state’s specific requirements. Finally, track and organize your completed coursework and submit it in time for the renewal of your license.
If you’re a community pharmacist with several employees or, even more complicated, a community pharmacist running a small chain, that’s a lot of extra “busy-ness” that produces no business.
3 tips to make it simple (well, simpler)
Find a good class
You’re in charge of your own curriculum. The easiest way to make sure you’re spending your time productively is to go straight to an accredited online source. Check the provider’s website for accreditation credentials. Visit the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education© or the Accreditation Council™ for Continuing Medical Education.
Keep your transcripts tidy
Collecting your educational transcripts can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a last-minute crammer. Instead, put technology to use. Use a cloud-based filing system to help you organize. When you save your transcripts, label each file clearly. Your proof of completion is always organized and ready to go. No more scrolling or searching through stacks.
Paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork
Now you have to fill out the paperwork for your state medical board and medical board association submissions. Different states have different requirements. But all of them require you to file your paperwork correctly and on time. Completely read and understand all of the reporting requirements.
Stay on track and use calendar reminders, whether it’s an old-school wall calendar or a synchronized, cloud-based calendar system. Use two-week reminders for the submission dates so you can get your paperwork together far enough in advance to catch and rectify possible issues.
Continuing education is never going to be easy. But your patience will pay off for your patients.
A Member-Owned Company Serving Independent Pharmacies
PBA Health is dedicated to helping independent pharmacies reach their full potential on the buy-side of their business. Founded and owned by pharmacists, PBA Health serves independent pharmacies with group purchasing services, wholesaler contract negotiations, proprietary purchasing tools, and more.
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