11.8 Professional Development
Anita Hedlund
Continuing to develop in your job, preparing for a higher-level position, or taking on more complex roles all require a commitment to lifelong learning, known as professional development. As research in healthcare provides new insights and technology evolves to offer more efficient methods, professionals must stay up to date and competent. There are several ways to achieve this.
- Pursue continuing education, such as online modules, webinars, and in-person conferences or workshops.
- Read professional journals. For example, nurses might refer to the American Journal of Nursing.
- Network with other professionals in similar roles through professional associations. There are organizations for most healthcare specialties, such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), for health data management, or the Washington State Medical Assistant Association for trends in medical assisting.
- Be open to feedback about your performance and set professional goals. Examining your work practices and changing behaviors that do not contribute to success are essential aspects of professionalism. Setting goals for your professional development could include pursuing certification, training for a new process, becoming a trainer, or even returning to school. You might also aim to contribute to a journal article in your field or participate in a research study.
New skills and updating current knowledge about the field you practice in such as research findings or use of a new product. Career advancement is often tied to professional development.
Groups of people with similar job titles who often produce materials about the work they do, hold conferences, offer continuing education, and set the standards for that occupation.
