ETD RECORD

A qualitative study of mandatory continuing professional education and its effects on professionalism and standards of practice for licensed clinical professional counselors

Citation

Jackson-Sanford, Dawna.. (2006). A qualitative study of mandatory continuing professional education and its effects on professionalism and standards of practice for licensed clinical professional counselors. Theses and Dissertations Collection, University of Idaho Library Digital Collections. https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/etd/items/etd_343.html

Title:
A qualitative study of mandatory continuing professional education and its effects on professionalism and standards of practice for licensed clinical professional counselors
Author:
Jackson-Sanford, Dawna.
Date:
2006
Keywords:
Continuing education Professional education Counselors--Attitudes Counselors--Professional ethics Counselors--Licenses
Abstract:
This qualitative research study described the experiences, feelings, and thoughts of seven counseling practitioners regarding the phenomena of mandatory attendance at continuing professional education (CPE) for license renewal. The research question was "What is the lived experience of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC) with mandatory continuing professional education". The following five sub-questions provided details for enhancing meaning and understanding: (1) How do LCPCs define CPE and what purpose do they assign to it? (2) To what extent does mandatory CPE contribute to personal and professional growth? (3) To what extent does mandatory CPE contribute to ethical development? (4) To what extent does mandatory CPE contribute to professionalism? (5) Is the experience of mandatory CPE compatible with the principles of adult education?;It was the unanimous opinion of the participants that CPE was defined as ongoing education needed to keep current in the field and that it was necessary for relicensing. Practitioners' professionalism and ethical behavior were also affected by attending continuing education opportunities. Education, skill development, keeping up to date, prevention of burnout and stagnation, reduction of liability insurance, and license/certification renewal were benefits articulated by the participants. CPE not only benefited the counselor, but it also was seen as a way to provide consumer protection.;The findings of the study indicated that mandatory CPE could be compatible with the principles of adult education. The regulatory boards made CPE mandatory, but there was latitude for counselors to exercise autonomy by choosing their own continued learning experiences.;This study provided a comprehensive and insightful understanding of the phenomena of mandatory CPE for counselor relicensing in Idaho.
Description:
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Idaho, March 8, 2006.
Major Professor:
James A. Gregson.
Defense Date:
March 8, 2006.
Type:
Text
Format Original:
viii, 146 leaves ;29 cm.
Format:
record

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