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HOME >>PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS Professional Development is an essential part of maintaining an effective registry of qualified professionals. An emphasis on Professional Development supports and increases the knowledge, skills, and professionalism of members of a professional association. For Registered Members of the Canadian Society of Homeopaths, on-going Professional Development enhances the individual's competency, credibility, and practice opportunities and ensures that the public has access to high quality homeopathic treatment. Individual homeopaths can achieve their Professional Development goals through: ● Pursuing continuing education ● Supporting the profession through dissemination of knowledge ● Expanding the body of homeopathic knowledge ● Promoting public awareness, understanding, and use of homeopathy All homeopaths registered with the Canadian Society of Homeopaths are required to satisfy Professional Development obligations as part of their commitment to their practice, the Society, and the profession. Professional Development Credits (PDCs) are assigned to various professional activities and are calculated bi-annually. For the period January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012, a minimum of 30 PDCs will be necessary to fulfill Professional Development requirements for the 2013 membership year. If excess credits are earned during this period, a maximum of 15 of those excess credits may be carried forward and applied to the following bi-annual Professional Development period. As of the current 2011-2012 Professional Development period, all post-graduate continuing education events require recognition from our Accreditation department before our Registered members can receive credit towards their annual PDC requirements. Sponsors of seminars, workshops, and conferences can apply for recognition in advance and the resulting CSH authorization can be included in their promotion of each event. Enquiries about the application process can be directed to our office. There are a number of ways in which Registered members can maintain their Professional Development obligations, some of which are listed HERE. Other forms of continuing education and professional activities will be considered on an individual basis. Following are some of the most common questions from our Registered members about their Professional Development obligations: 1. Why do I need Professional Development Credits? 2. How many PDCs do I need? 3. Can I renew my membership if I haven't been able to earn the required PDCs? 4. How do I know if a continuing education course will be accepted for PDCs? 5. What can I do if I am unable to attend continuing education events? 6. Can I earn PDCs other than through continuing education? 1. Why do I need Professional Development Credits? All professional associations require their members to continually upgrade their skills and knowledge and contribute to their profession. Professional development requirements demonstrate professional credibility to the general public, government, and insurance agencies. Our requirements are consistent with those of comparable professional associations. Back to Top 2. How many PDCs do I need? Registered members are required to accumulate an average of 15 PDCs per year or a total of 30 credits per 2-year period (currently covering January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012). A maximum of 15 additional credits can be carried forward to the next period. Back to Top 3. Can I renew my membership if I haven't been able to earn the required PDCs? Yes, you can renew your membership as long as you explain your specific situation on the second page of the calculation form. A representative will contact you later to discuss your situation and work with you to develop a plan to meet your PDC requirements. Back to Top 4. How do I know if a continuing education course will be accepted for PDCs? CSH recognizes many post-graduate courses in advance and these are highlighted with a ü on the CSH Calendar of Educational Opportunities. Sponsors of other homeopathic courses and events are invited to apply for advance approval by contacting our office. Events that have been pre-approved for Professional Development Credits (PDCs) receive authorization to include CSH recognition in their promotion of that event. Other post-graduate education will be considered on an individual basis. Back to Top 5. What can I do if I am unable to attend continuing education events? There are many distance learning alternatives to attending continuing education events. Have you considered any of the following? ● Online interactive studying, such as provided by Homeopathic Symposium ● Distance learning programs, such as senior clinics at Homeopathy Virtual Clinic ● Online courses, such as those available from Whole Health Now or Inner Health When claiming a distance learning course, include a certificate of participation from the sponsor of the course. CSH recognizes distance courses that involve the submission of assignments, which are marked and returned to you. Other courses without assignments will be considered on an individual basis. Back to Top 6. Can I earn PDCs other than by attending continuing education events? On-going Professional Development can also take the form of contributing to the homeopathic profession or providing service to the homeopathic community. See our Professional Development Requirements for details and suggested activities. We are also open to other ideas, which will be considered on an individual basis. There are many ways to contribute to the homeopathic profession, such as by increasing the body of knowledge in homeopathy through teaching, writing, or research. You can also earn PDCs through service to the homeopathic community. Have you considered volunteering with CSH or our affiliates to work on specific projects or committees? Most of these volunteer positions can be filled long-distance via e-mail and teleconferences. Homeopathy Awareness Month offers many opportunities for Registered members to accumulate PDCs. Your HAW activities will be calculated on an individual basis, based on the length of the event; the amount of preparation; additional promotion (e.g., an announcement in the local paper); and any additional features (e.g., discount coupons or a draw for a beginners' book). Possible Awareness Month activities range from giving an introductory talk to information booths, meet-n-greets, mini-clinics, or an open house, or media promotion. Contact the Homeopathy Awareness co-ordinator for details or to share your ideas. Back to Top |
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