Online health care training good, but live classroom may still be best

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Health care workers who want to further their careers are drawn to online options to fit training into a busy schedule. Although convenience and flexibility are significant reasons to rely on this format, there are tradeoffs to consider when choosing online over live, instructor-led learning opportunities, according to industry leader Practice Management Institute (PMI).

Even in the Internet age, there are still benefits to live training that can’t be ignored. Some research shows that people who take courses online—including continuing education classes—are more likely to drop the course or get a lower grade compared with those taking the same course in a classroom setting.

For health care administrators and managers, instructor-led training sessions in medical practice management have certain specific advantages. Medical coding classes and medical billing classes cover a variety of complex topics, and course participants attending live classes report increased focus on presentations and question and answer sessions.

Also, there are typically more opportunities to practice new skills before implementing them in the work environment, and personal attention from instructors simply isn’t available for similar types of online courses.

Instructor-led class participants can also gain interpersonal relationship skills that enhance their careers. In live classes, attendees meet people from other departments and facilities, and build working relationships that complement and strengthen their own skills and knowledge.

Personal networks are expanded, and informal interactions among students can often lead to a firmer grasp of the course materials, as well as a greater appreciation for the knowledge gained.

PMI offers learners several online options, but the company also provides a variety of instructor-led courses and conferences to fit the medical practice training needs of health care organizations nationwide.

PMI’s 2017 National Conference, held November 8–10 in Las Vegas, gives attendees the chance to network, enhance practice management skill sets, and earn continuing education credits. The conference features several keynote speakers and presenters, all of whom offer unique knowledge and insights into the world of medical practice management. Conference attendees will boost their own expertise, which will benefit not only themselves, but also the healthcare organizations for which they work.