Through Continuing Education (CE), professionals sharpen their skills, expand their clinical perspectives and build confidence in addressing today’s complex health care challenges. However, the benefits extend beyond individual success. As health care becomes increasingly interdisciplinary, CE fosters a shared language and deeper understanding among providers, enabling more effective communication and collaborative care. The goal is to lead directly to improved outcomes for patients and stronger, more integrated care teams.
Beyond student classroom training and instruction, CE helps alumni maintain their high standards. Recently, Jenna Glenn, DC, ’09; MS, ’12; ND, ’12 and Dean of National University’s Lincoln College of Post-professional Graduate and Continuing Education shared her insight.
Q: Overall, what does National University’s Continuing Education (CE) program look like?
A: NUHS’ program is designed to support lifelong learning for integrative health care professionals at every stage of their careers. We focus on offering high-quality, evidence-informed courses that reflect both the foundational principles of natural health care and the evolving demands of modern clinical practice.
What makes our program distinctive is that our course offerings include both live weekend seminars as well as online, on-demand modules. Flexibility is key. Topics range from advanced diagnostic techniques and rehabilitative therapies, to specialty certifications and emerging clinical research. Each course is led by expert faculty and seasoned clinicians who bring real-world insights and a strong commitment to professional development.
Q: What are the benefits of returning to NUHS for CE credits?
A: Returning to NUHS means investing in education that aligns with your core training and values. Our CE programs feature instructors with diverse expertise, focused on delivering practical, integrative content participants can apply immediately in their practices.
Those interested in obtaining their CE credits can start by identifying their professional interests and the skills they’d like to strengthen or develop. In-person and online programs are open to all alums. If you are an alumni association member, we offer a discount on most of our courses!
Q: How does NUHS make CE available and attainable?
A: We share our CE opportunities on the website with links to our in person as well as our online platforms. We also send out a monthly newsletter to keep alumni informed. Register here.
Q: What are the differences between online and in-person offerings?
A: Key differences are in flexibility and format. Online courses allow practitioners to learn at their own pace and according to their own schedules- an essential feature for those balancing demanding clinical hours, family responsibilities or weekend patient care.
In contrast, in-person seminars provide direct interaction with instructors, in some cases hands-on experiences, and opportunities for networking and collaboration that are difficult to replicate virtually. Alumni preferences often reflect the realities of their practice lives.
Q: Why is lifelong learning important in health care?
A: Lifelong learning is not optional in health care- it is essential. Research and technology, lab testing and diagnostic procedures, and delivery of care are constantly evolving. Practitioners who remain static risk falling behind both professionally and clinically.
In a field where even small knowledge gaps can impact patient outcomes, ongoing education sharpens clinical judgment, enhances diagnostic accuracy and improves treatment efficacy. But beyond technical skills, lifelong learning fosters a mindset of curiosity, humility and adaptability-qualities that are foundational for effective care. It also strengthens professional confidence, as clinicians are better equipped to handle complex cases, engage in collaborative care, and integrate new tools or research into practice.
I view lifelong learning as a professional responsibility and a personal investment. It reflects a practitioner’s dedication to excellence, to growth, and most importantly, to patients. Whether providers are early in their careers or decades into practice, there is always more to discover- and that pursuit of knowledge is what ultimately elevates health care as a whole.
Q: What are some of the obstacles to pursuing CE?
A: Real-world obstacles can make it difficult to prioritize, but for many, the greatest challenge is time. Balancing the demands of clinical practice, family life and business responsibilities often leaves little bandwidth for professional development.
When a practitioner is managing patient care, staff needs and the day-to-day operations of a practice, CE can eastly fall to the bottom of the to-do list-even when the desire to learn is strong.
Cost may be another barrier. Between tuition fees, travel expenses and time away from work, attending live CE events can be financially burdensome, particularly for those in private practice or early in their careers. Additionally, not all CE offerings are created equal. Alumni may struggle to find high-quality, evidence-informed programs that are directly relevant to their clinical focus or philosophical approach to care.
I recognize these challenges. Without guidance, it can be overwhelming to choose CE that is both meaningful and applicable. That’s why we address these barriers through flexible learning formats, affordable options and content that reflects the real-world needs of today’s integrative health care providers. Our goal is to make lifelong learning accessible- no matter where alumni are in their careers or lives.
Q: How does someone with CE credits stand out from other health care professionals?
A: Continuing Education credits are necessary for DCs, NDs, licensed acupuncturists and massage therapists to maintain their professional standing. The cycle depends on the area of specialty, but the cycle for DCs (in Illinois) is to earn 150 new CEs every three years, and for licensed acupuncturists and massage therapists to earn additional CEs every two years. The number of CEs acupuncturists and massage therapists are required to earn depends on the state in which they practice and are licensed. The number of CEs NDs and DCs must earn, as well as the timeframe in which they must earn them, is also subject to the state(s) in which they are licensed and practice, and varies.
Earning CEs are not merely boxes to check- they can be, but- they are a visible markers of practitioners who are actively engaged in refining their skills, staying ahead of emerging trends and holding themselves accountable to the highest standards in health care delivery. In an increasingly competitive and evolving health care landscape, CE differentiates practitioners by showing that they are not only competent, but also current. These individuals bring fresh insights, evidence-informed approaches, and a collaborative mindset to the clinical setting-all of which enhance the quality of care.
CE participation signals adaptability- a critical trait in professions where innovation is constant and best practices evolve rapidly. Those who invest in CE are often the ones leading change, mentoring peers and contributing to interdisciplinary solutions that benefit entire care teams. Throughout my time at NUHS, I’ve seen that practitioners who consistently engage in a variety of CE also tend to have higher patient satisfaction, better clinical outcomes and stronger reputations in their fields.
Q: How does CE impact a health care professional’s skills?
A: Continuing Education is the cornerstone of professional growth in health care. I believe CE does more than keep practitioners up to date- it transforms the way they practice, think and collaborate.
I often say that practitioners are only as good as the patients they serve and the clinical experiences they encounter. These real-world cases should not only inform our care- they should challenge us to learn more. For example, if a practitioner has never managed a patient with progressive neuropathy resulting from multiple sclerosis, relying solely on foundational education may not be sufficient. CE provides the critical opportunity to deepen clinical understanding, explore current research and gain strategies that improve care for complex or unfamiliar conditions.
In short, CE is more than a credential- it’s a reflection of a health care professional’s dedication to growth, relevance and excellence in service to their patients and community. It equips practitioners with the tools to not only keep pace with change but to lead with competence, compassion and a continual drive to do better- for themselves, their patients and the profession.
National University offers convenient weekend courses at our campuses in Illinois and Florida, and at select sites across the U.S. and Canada. If you have any questions, email us at [email protected] or call us at 630-889-6622.
