Getting the Most Out of CE Conferences

The importance of continuing education (CE) in veterinary medicine cannot be understated.

Veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians are required to complete a certain amount of continuing education each year, or bi-annually.

Even if you are not certified, you should still partake in the CE to further your knowledge about medicine, treatments, and changing protocols. Here is how you can get the most out of your continuting education experiences!

• CE conferences are held in every state several times throughout the year. Many vet clinics will even pay your way to attend a conference. Not sure? Just ask! Seek out a conference you would like to attend, and ask your boss if he/she would be willing to help you out to further your vet tech knowledge. 
• At the conference, attend the meetings you are interested in, and ones that will be beneficial to you and your practice. If you don't see birds in your practice, then attending one on avian handling or treatment isn't going to help you out. Keep it practical.
• Make sure to partake in wet labs. Many conferences will off wet labs these are great for hands-on learning. This is where you can practice new techniques and have experts on hand to help you learn new skills you can take back to work with you. 
• Can't go for a CE conference? Do some online courses. There are many free or low-cost continuing education lectures online. Idexx Learning Center has lots of free CE courses, archived and live webinars. Also look for Twitter Chats to interact on a variety of topics with others in the field. Our local veterinary speciality hospitals host several freebies or low cost CE thoroughout the year, so check your local hospitals. NAVTA has a list of online resources for veterinary technicians from Idexx Learning Center, On the Floor@Dove and others!
• When you return from a conference, offer to share your notes or booklet with your colleagues at work. The information you have may be valuable for all to share, and vice-versa.
• No one except you can make the effort to better yourself, your career, and your knowledge. So, take the initiative to stay educated and keep your interest and love for your profession alive!