Learning for Free Using Social Media and Online Resources

Continuing education is so important in our profession. Things are constantly changing, and new procedures and methods are being introduced. If you don't have a lot of extra time to go to conferences for continuing education, not to worry!

There are many online resources (many are free) that you can use to further your knowledge, whether through social media or other online resources.

Here are a few ways to get some new knowledge!

1) Participate in Twitter Chats! (hint, hint, I am hosting one tomorrow!) These are free, easy to navigate and gives you direct access to an expert on the topic. This month's topic is on Dentistry and features Vet Tech Specialist Janyce Cooper! Log-in toTwitter, go to @SavvyVetTech Twitter page at the time of the chat (or can log-in to TweetChat.com using hashtag #VetTechChat and your Twitter log-in which is the easiest way) and read/participate. (Follow link above for info on this chat.)

2) Visit the Idexx Learning Center. You can view archived webinars on a plethora of different topics with the click of the mouse. These are free and so valuable. Many of them actually give you a CE credit for watching. There are also live webinars you can sign up for. 

3) Visit OnTheFloor@Dove. They have a section for veterinary technicians with free blog articles. They also offer a free trial and paid content with videos and other features. 

4) Contact some of the drug or food representatives that sell to your hospital. They offer free educational talks on their products, not usually for CE credit, but free learning. They usually thrown in free lunch for the clinic!

5) Local specialty hospitals often have short free CE on a variety of topics. Contact them to see if they have any coming up, and visit the AVMA website for a CE calendar. A lot of times CE meetings are very low cost or free for technicians.

There are lots of opportunities for free learning, so take advantage whenever you can. It will help you to stay interested, gain knowledge, and your patients will benefit.