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I joined ASHA in 1983 and consistently utilized the CEU registry. In 2006, I will need CEUs to maintain certification. We must remain current in our field while employer-sponsored education money is shrinking.
Contrast pharmacy (my husband) and nursing (friends), both with mandated continuing education: The process is inexpensive with no fees to return/score tests. Why are ASHA's fees so out of line with other professions? Fees to read a journal (already purchased!), take a test, and receive credits is ridiculous! Yearly dues cover our journals and we pay an annual CEU fee. Additional monies should not be charged for ASHA scoring tests and maintaining records. All ASHA journals should have very nominal fees for continuing education hours.
The 2005 ASHA catalog lists materials at $50 -$150 for two to four credit hours. Does this seem reasonable?
One transcript per year is not adequate. Access to our records online would assure accurate CEU recording. Technology exists to provide a secure site for members and ASHA alike! Errors on my record were corrected by notifying the course provider who contacted ASHA. If I had waited a year, I am not sure what would have happened. ASHA needs to streamline this process immediately, make it user friendly and efficient. Many ASHA members are disgruntled. School providers are considering dropping the CCCs and using only their teaching certificate to keep their job qualification!
There's rumbling out here in the workforce, and it's not pretty. Wake up!
P. K. Harrison
Boon, MI
Editor's note: Low-cost or free CEU ideas include forming a journal study group, registering for telephone seminars as a group, reading the Special Interest Division newsletters and completing the learning assessment, or serving as a pilot tester for new CEU programs. Visit the Continuing Education section for more information and to find courses offered by our 469 providers.
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