Continuing education is an essential part of maintaining and enhancing your skills as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. For those practicing in Indiana, it's crucial to stay updated on the state's specific requirements to ensure your license remains in good standing. Here's a friendly guide to help you navigate the continuing education (CE) requirements in Indiana.
Understanding the Basics
In Indiana, speech-language pathologists and audiologists must complete thirty-six (36) hours of continuing education every two years. These hours need to be earned within the biennial renewal period and cannot be carried over to the next cycle. If you've been licensed for less than a year, you're off the hook for CE requirements during your first renewal cycle. However, if you've been licensed for more than a year, you must complete the full 36 hours.
What Counts Toward Your CE Hours?
Not all educational activities qualify for CE credits. Here's a breakdown of what counts and what doesn't:
Qualifying Activities
- Educational programs presented by state scientific and professional organizations.
- University courses beyond those required for initial licensure, as long as the course content is relevant to speech-language pathology or audiology.
- Lectures or workshops, whether live or recorded, if they are pertinent to your field.
Non-Qualifying Activities
- In-service training and competency assessments.
- CPR training, but only for the first renewal cycle.
Self-Study: A Flexible Option
If you prefer a more flexible approach to learning, self-study is a viable option, but it comes with limitations. You can earn up to six (6) hours of your CE requirement through self-study activities. These activities include:
- Reading journals and books.
- Listening to audio tapes.
- Watching films and video tapes.
- Visiting facilities relevant to your practice.
- Meeting with other professionals for knowledge exchange.
- Writing articles for publication.
Remember, the content must pertain to the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology to count toward your CE hours.
Why Continuing Education Matters
Continuing education is not just a requirement; it's an opportunity. It allows you to stay current with the latest research, techniques, and best practices in your field. It's a chance to expand your knowledge, improve your skills, and ultimately provide better care for your clients.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the continuing education requirements in Indiana may seem daunting at first, but with a clear understanding of what counts and what doesn't, you can plan effectively and make the most of your learning opportunities. For more information, please follow this
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