How to Keep Up with Continuing Education as a Locum Tenens Provider
If you’re a locum tenens provider, you already know how important continuing education is for your career. In a field as fast-paced as healthcare, staying updated with certifications, CME (Continuing Medical Education), and new training is essential for delivering the best patient care.
For locum providers, who move between different assignments, keeping your credentials current can also open more career opportunities. But let’s face it—balancing a busy locum schedule with ongoing education can be a real challenge.
Thankfully, there are flexible solutions and resources that make it easier to manage both. In this blog, we’ll look at why continuing education is crucial and offer practical tips and resources to help you stay on top of your education.
Why Continuing Education is Crucial for Locum Tenens Providers
In the locum tenens world, staying current with your medical knowledge isn’t just important—it’s required. Industry regulations are constantly changing, and staying educated ensures you remain compliant with the contracts you take on.
Whether it’s a new medical procedure or updated patient care standards, you need to be aware of the latest developments in your field.
Maintaining your certifications, especially your CME credits, is crucial for career growth. In fact, physicians are required to earn between 25 to 50 CME credits annually depending on their state and specialty. Falling behind could mean missing out on great job opportunities. Plus, hospitals and clinics expect their locum providers to come in ready and up-to-date on the latest practices, so having the right credentials is a must.
Best Ways to Access CME for Locum Providers;
As a locum tenens provider, you’re constantly on the move, which makes finding time for CME tricky. Luckily, there are several convenient ways to earn your credits.
Online CME courses are a game-changer—they let you work through materials at your own pace, which is perfect if you’re working a flexible locum schedule. Websites like UpToDate and Medscape offer easy access to accredited CME courses.
Attending medical conferences or workshops is another option. Many of these events offer CME credits, and they’re a great way to network with other professionals. If you prefer in-person learning and have some downtime between assignments, these events can be a solid option.
How to Balance Work and Continuing Education
Juggling locum assignments and continuing education can feel like a lot, but there are ways to make it work.
One practical strategy is to set aside specific time each week for CME. If you have downtime between assignments, use that to knock out a few credits.
Another useful tip is to track your certification deadlines so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Many apps help locum providers organize their education and track CME credits on the go.
Online CME courses offer flexibility, allowing you to squeeze in learning during your free time. Since locum providers often have varied schedules, having the ability to pause and resume coursework whenever you want is a huge plus.
You can even use travel time or breaks between shifts to chip away at your education.
Best Resources for Locum Tenens CME and Education
Continuing education is essential for all healthcare professionals, but it can be particularly challenging for locum tenens providers who often juggle multiple assignments and varying schedules. Thankfully, there are a wealth of resources available to help you stay on top of your CME requirements. Here are some of the best options to consider:
1. Online CME Platforms
MCE Conferences and CMEList are two standout platforms offering a wide range of accredited courses across various specialties. These sites allow you to easily filter courses that align with your professional needs, making it convenient to find relevant content regardless of where you are.
2. The ACT Program by Ingenovis Health
The ACT Program (Advocacy, Career, Tools) is an innovative initiative launched by Ingenovis Health as part of their clinician-first movement. Based on direct feedback from healthcare professionals, the program goes beyond traditional offerings by focusing on the personal well-being and career growth of clinicians within the Ingenovis Health family of brands.
The ACT Program curates diverse resources from across the healthcare industry, identifying what will benefit clinicians most. With a focus on service excellence, patient care, and continuous improvement, Ingenovis Health takes full ownership of these offerings to better serve both clinicians and patients.
The ACT Program at a Glance:
- Advocacy: Ingenovis Health fosters political engagement, educational partnerships, and professional alliances to empower clinicians and drive innovation. Through collaboration with their industry-leading CNO Advisory Board, they work to influence healthcare policies and create meaningful change.
- Career Development: The ACT Program offers diverse professional development opportunities. This includes annual scholarships, tuition discounts, and leadership training, designed to help clinicians advance their careers while balancing the demands of locum tenens work.
- Tools for Well-Being: The program also includes a comprehensive suite of tools to support clinicians’ overall well-being. These resources address various needs such as financial planning, mental health support, and professional satisfaction, empowering clinicians to succeed both professionally and personally.
For more information, you can explore the ACT Program and the wide array of resources it provides to clinicians.
You can learn more about the ACT Program and its offerings here.
3. Tech-Savvy Solutions
For those who prefer a more modern approach, the AIMICARE app is an excellent tool for tracking your CME progress. This app not only helps you stay organized but also provides access to CME courses directly, ensuring that you can continue your education anytime and anywhere.
Make Continuing Education a Priority with VISTA Staffing
Continuing education is essential for every locum tenens provider—it keeps you sharp, compliant, and ready for any opportunity that comes your way. While balancing work and education might seem tough, the right resources and strategies make it manageable. From online CME courses to specialized locum programs like the ACT Program, there’s no shortage of tools to help you keep up with your certifications.
At VISTA Staffing, we’re committed to helping locum providers like you maintain your credentials and advance your career. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by balancing work and education, let us help. We can connect you with flexible locum assignments that fit your schedule and ensure you have the time to focus on continuing education. Reach out to VISTA Staffing today for guidance on career development, continuing education resources, and locum tenens job opportunities tailored to your needs.
Make Continuing Education a Priority with VISTA Staffing
Continuing education is essential for every locum tenens provider—it keeps you sharp, compliant, and ready for any opportunity that comes your way. While balancing work and education might seem tough, the right resources and strategies make it manageable. From online CME courses to specialized locum programs like the ACT Program, there’s no shortage of tools to help you keep up with your certifications.
At VISTA Staffing, we’re committed to helping locum providers like you maintain your credentials and advance your career. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by balancing work and education, let us help. We can connect you with flexible locum assignments that fit your schedule and ensure you have the time to focus on continuing education. Reach out to VISTA Staffing today for guidance on career development, continuing education resources, and locum tenens job opportunities tailored to your needs.
