When it comes to continuing education (CE), most professionals focus on what they need to learn, e.g., ethics updates, clinical skills, or new regulations. But an equally important question often gets overlooked: How do you learn best?
With so many CE options available today – live online trainings, on-demand video, and text-based courses – it’s worth considering whether your current approach actually supports your learning style. Each modality has its own strengths and limitations, and what works well for one clinician may feel frustrating or ineffective for another.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each format and who tends to benefit most from them.
Live Online / Synchronous Training
Live online trainings (such as webinars or virtual workshops) offer a structured, real-time learning experience. Participants log in at a scheduled time, often with opportunities to ask questions, participate in polls, or engage in discussion.
Pros:
The biggest advantage is interaction. Being able to ask questions, hear others’ perspectives, and engage with the instructor can deepen understanding, especially for complex or nuanced topics like ethics or clinical decision-making. The scheduled nature also helps with accountability; you’re more likely to complete the training because it happens at a set time.
Cons:
On the flip side, the fixed schedule can be limiting for busy professionals, especially those juggling clinical work and personal responsibilities. In addition, live sessions often require participants to manage multiple features such as chat boxes, audio settings, polls, or breakout rooms, which can feel overwhelming for those who are still getting comfortable with online platforms.
Best for:
Learners who thrive on structure, interaction, and real-time engagement. If you enjoy classroom-style learning and benefit from asking questions or hearing others’ insights, this format may be a strong fit. Additionally, many states have a requirement that a certain amount of CE hours must be live / synchronous – make sure you know your state’s rules.
May be challenging for:
Those with highly variable schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or who find it hard to stay focused through long presentations. It may also feel less comfortable for learners who prefer simpler, more straightforward technology experiences.
Video on Demand (VOD) / Asynchronous Training
VOD courses allow you to watch pre-recorded content whenever it’s convenient. You can pause, rewind, and revisit material as needed, followed by an assessment.
Pros:
Flexibility is the standout benefit. You can learn at your own pace, fit training into small pockets of time, and revisit challenging sections. This is particularly helpful for busy clinicians juggling caseloads, documentation, and personal responsibilities. Because there’s no live component, there’s also less pressure to keep up in real time, something many learners find helpful when navigating online platforms.
Cons:
The lack of real-time interaction can be a drawback. If questions arise, you may not have immediate access to clarification. It also requires a higher degree of self-motivation – without a scheduled session, it’s easier to procrastinate or disengage.
Best for:
Independent, self-directed learners who value flexibility. If you like to control the pace of your learning (pausing, taking notes, or reviewing material multiple times) and/or take your time navigating technology, VOD can be highly effective.
May be challenging for:
Learners who need accountability or interaction to stay engaged. If you tend to put things off or lose focus without external structure, this format may feel isolating or easy to abandon halfway through.
Text-Based Training
Text-based CE courses typically involve reading articles, modules, or case studies, followed by an assessment.
Pros:
This format allows for deep, focused learning. Reading encourages reflection and can be especially effective for absorbing detailed information, such as research findings, legal updates, or theoretical frameworks. It’s highly flexible – you can read at your own pace and revisit sections easily. It’s also typically the most straightforward from a technology standpoint, with fewer features to navigate.
Cons:
For some, reading large amounts of text can feel tedious or mentally taxing. Without audio or visual elements, it may be harder to stay engaged, particularly for those who prefer more dynamic learning experiences.
Best for:
Strong readers who enjoy processing information through text and reflection. If you like to highlight, annotate, and think critically about what you’re reading, this modality can be very rewarding.
May be challenging for:
Visual or auditory learners who prefer demonstrations, discussions, or storytelling. If you find it difficult to stay focused on written material or retain information without multimedia support, this format may not be ideal.
Finding the Right Balance
It’s important to remember that CE requirements vary by state and licensing board. Some may mandate a certain number of live (synchronous) hours, while others allow more flexibility with asynchronous or text-based learning, so make sure you know your state’s rules. Staying compliant is essential, but within those requirements, you often have room to choose how you learn.
The key is to be intentional. As you plan your CE, consider both your learning preferences and your comfort with technology. Research on adult learning suggests that people tend to have better experiences when the format feels familiar and manageable. For some, that may mean interactive, live sessions. For others, it may mean self-paced or more streamlined options.
In many cases, a blended approach works best. Mixing modalities can help reinforce learning, prevent burnout, and keep the process engaging.
Ultimately, continuing education isn’t just about checking a box, it’s an opportunity to grow as a professional. Choosing the right modality can make that growth more effective, more enjoyable, and more meaningful.