If you are a medical professional and specializing in physical therapy, continuing education courses is a must. These courses will help you to stay updated about the mandate and guidelines. Physical therapists need to renew their licenses with proper CE courses. However, a lot of PTs may have doubt regarding whether to take these courses online vs in-person physical therapy continuing education courses. This can be a serious dilemma but solvable. Explore the pros and cons of both online and in-person PT continuing ED courses here. 

In this article, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both online and in-person courses. Get all the insights you need and decide accordingly. 

Read More : The Importance of Continuing Education in Physical Therapy

What Are The Differences Between Online & In-Person PT Continuing Education Courses? 

Read More: What You'll Learn in a Physical Therapy Course for Healthcare Providers?

Online Vs In Person CE Courses- Which One Is a Better Deal? 

With the digitization of everything, people are leaning towards online courses. Although in-person courses provide appropriate training, online courses have many benefits. A study by the US Department of Education shows that students have performed better in an online learning environment. 

The prime reason is the accessibility of such classes for all the students compared to traditional classrooms. Let’s find out the advantages of online physical therapy continuing education courses and decide whether it’s right for you. 

Benefits of Online CE Courses 

Timing Is Flexible: 

The flexible timing is one of the main advantages of online courses. You can always attend the classes according to your convenience. 

• Tailor your work-hours and take the courses accordingly 

• You can take learning materials and watch it in your freetime 

• Online PT continuing education courses save commute time 

An Exciting Digital Experience 

Online courses and classes can bring new and exciting opportunities. You can engage in various learning activities. 

• Discussion boards- You can have group discussions with other people taking the courses. You can clear all your doubts. 

• Video Presentations- You will be able to learn from videos and presentations. This will help you to get a better understanding of the course content. 

• Group Projects- In online PT continuing ed courses, you can go for group projects for the theory part. You can have team experiences. 

Inexpensive Mode of Getting the Courses 

Online physical therapy continuing education courses are cost-effective compared to in-person training. 

• Course fees are less compared to in-person training 

• No additional charges for hiring external coaches 

• You can save your commute expenses 

• No extra expense on parking, gas and more 

  
  

Read More : Advantages of Online Certifications for Physical Therapy Assistants

Benefits of In-Person CE Courses

In-Hand Experience: 

A physical classroom can give a new experience while taking physical therapy continuing education courses. 

• You can interact with people and make new connections

• You can clear your doubts instantly 

• Physical presence of course material and books 

• Instant access to various facilities and training materials 

• Acquiring practical knowledge directly 

Human Interaction: 

When you sit in a traditional classroom, you can directly interact with your classmates. This can give you a new perspective and experience. 

• You can engage with various learning activities

• You can talk about your doubts and sort them 

• You can make new friends and broaden your circle. 

The Future of Online Learning & Courses

To take the informed decision, you will have to understand the future of both the types. The online training and course system has witnessed a significant change post Covid-19. There are chances that online PT continuing education courses have a great future. 

Increased Access of Worldwide Interaction- Online platforms help you to get connected with people all around the world. People who stay in remote areas or have any physical disabilities can also benefit from online education or courses. 

Customized Learning Opportunities-  There are plenty of options available from online PT courses for continued education. You can trailer-made the course you need and update your skills. 

Access to Technology-  Online courses will develop overtime and include more technology. Starting from AI to ML, courses will change and give you new exploration and experiences. 

Microlearning- Online courses have various types of content starting from visuals to presentation. Breaking down the content can help you learn better, and be aware of the updated mandates and guidelines. 

Read More: 5 Benefits of Physical Therapy Training for Healthcare Providers

How In-Person Learning Can Help in the Future? 

The gravity of a traditional classroom might remain the same. As said earlier, it gives the opportunity to have human interaction directly. 

• New Classroom Technologies- New technology and facilities can help in-person courses take a new shape. 

  
  

• Developing social and emotional skills- Human conversation can help develop emotional and social skills with time. In this fast-paced world, that is an important thing. 

Online or In-Person CE Courses -How to Take the Right Decision? 

This decision depends on a few factors for any person. Check out the list and find a suitable solution for yourself. 

• Time- Figure out how much time you can dedicate to such physical therapy continued education courses. If you have little time and also need to attend work, online courses are better for you. 

  
  

• Budget- If you have a tight budget, go for online courses. Online courses are cost-effective as you do not have to commute to the traditional classroom. You can save travel money, gas money and more. 

  
  

• Flexible Schedule- Take classes at your own convenience. In person courses will need you to attend the classes at a specific time. On the other hand, online PT continuing education courses can be attended at a flexible timing. 

Consider these factors and decide which course you want to attend. 

Conclusion

Online vs in-person physical therapy continuing education courses can be a real fix. We have discussed the pros and cons of both the types of courses. Also, the article explores the future of these two types that one must understand while taking the decision. If you are convinced enough and already decided to take the course, go enroll yourself now! 

References:

https://www.webpt.com/blog/internet-or-in-person-the-pros-and-cons-of-online-ceu-courses 

https://educationresourcesinc.com/courses/professions/physical-therapy/ 

https://medium.com/@theorangehiltedsword/exploring-top-continuing-education-platforms-for-physical-therapists-benefits-and-course-5f90baed0ff3