As we celebrate the vital role of continuing education professionals, we want to hear from you — our partners, collaborators, and colleagues.

**In one word, how would you describe Northwest AHEC/OCME as a contributor to Healthcare Continuing Education?**

Drop your word in the comments 👇
Or fill out this form https://hubs.la/Q03J5bT60

The Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME) and the Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) of Wake Forest University School of Medicine is proud to recognize and celebrate Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day - a day dedicated to honoring the individuals who ensure that healthcare providers remain informed, skilled, and prepared to deliver exceptional care. 

These professionals are the backbone of lifelong learning in healthcare. They design, coordinate, and evaluate educational programs that directly impact patient outcomes and the quality of care across our communities. As we prepare to celebrate on January 23, 2026, we also reflect on the strength and impact of our partnerships. Our collaborations with healthcare institutions, academic centers, professional associations, and community organizations are foundational to our mission. Together, we create dynamic, evidence-based educational opportunities that empower healthcare professionals at every stage of their careers. 

Through these partnerships, we are not only advancing continuing education - we are shaping the future of healthcare. We extend our deepest gratitude to all continuing education professionals and our valued partners. Your dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence inspire us every day.

We would love your input!
Please provide a response to the question below no later than COB, Wednesday, December 10th. We plan to use the responses to create a word cloud and use on promotional item for recognition of this important day. 

Thank you for being part of this journey!

Let’s face it—life is busy. Between meetings, patient care, family responsibilities, and the occasional moment to breathe, finding time for professional development can feel like a challenge. That’s why Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning is designed to meet you where you are—on your schedule, at your pace, and when you’re ready to “endure” it.

Whether you're sipping coffee at 6 a.m. or winding down after a long day, our self-paced online courses are available 24/7, offering flexibility without compromising quality. These enduring activities span a wide range of topics, from clinical updates to behavioral health, public health, and more.

Whether you're looking to earn CE credit, stay current, or explore new areas of interest, Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning is here to support your journey—on your time.

👉 Browse the full catalog and register today: Northwest AHEC Enduring Education

Here are just a few highlights from our current catalog:

🩺 Clinical Preceptor Training

Available: May 15, 2025 – May 15, 2027
Perfect for new and seasoned preceptors looking to sharpen their teaching skills.

🧠 Behavioral Health Reverse Integration Series

Available through: September 1, 2026
Explore clinical, operational, and financial aspects of integrated behavioral health care.

🧬 2025 NC Annual STI Update Series

Available: August 22, 2025 – August 22, 2026
Includes sessions like:

• The Art of Taking a Sexual History
• Genital Dermatology
• DoxyPEP Implementation
• STI Syndemics and Point-of-Care Diagnostics

🍭 Sweet Success: A Deeper Look at Diabetes in Primary Care (Parts 1 & 2)

Available: May 19, 2025 – May 7, 2027
A comprehensive look at diabetes management strategies for primary care providers.

🧒 Pediatric Obesity Management

Available: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Become the expert in your clinic with evidence-based strategies for pediatric obesity care.

🎧 Podcast CE Series

Topics include:

• Collaborative Care for Behavioral Health
• Migraine and the Mind-Body Connection
• Health Disparities in Kidney Disease
• Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

🛡️ Human Trafficking Awareness for Healthcare Professionals

Available: October 17, 2025 – November 1, 2027
Essential training for recognizing and responding to human trafficking in clinical settings.

💊 Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder Series (2024–2026)

Topics include:

• New Strategies to Improve OUD Treatment Planning
• Reducing Barriers to OUD Treatment
• Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD): The Evidence is Compelling!
  

🧓Falls: Screening, Risk Assessment and Care Planning for Older Adults

Available: June 16, 2025 – June 16, 2027
Practical tools for reducing fall risk in community settings.

🤝Managing Difficult Patient Situations

Available: January 31, 2024 – January 31, 2026
Learn strategies to navigate challenging interactions with confidence.

Whether you're looking to earn CE credit, stay current, or explore new areas of interest, Northwest AHEC’s enduring online learning is here to support your journey—on your time.

👉 Browse the full catalog and register today: Northwest AHEC Enduring Education

The 20th Annual Neuroscience Conference will explore the latest advancements in acute hospital management, as well as post-hospital care of the stroke patient. This knowledge-based conference will include the most recent clinical practice guidelines and best practices in stroke care to maximize acute stroke care and recovery as well as provide transitional care post-hospitalization.

REGISTER NOW

November 14, 2025 - 8:30AM - 4:00PM

Location: Village Inn

6205 Ramada Drive, Clemmons, NC

• Identify key concepts of the Code Stroke Process.
• Explain pertinent findings after an interventional procedure.
• Identify and explain common post-stroke complications.
• Discuss the role and impact of interfacility telestroke services.
• Define the structure and function of a comprehensive stroke program.
• Understand stroke disparities and discuss potential strategies for improvement.
• Explain the importance and value of occupational therapy in stroke rehabilitation.
• Describe advanced surgical treatment options for stroke.
• Recognize common psychological effects of stroke (e.g. depression, anxiety, emotional changes).
• Define how the stroke program serves its patients.

Northwest AHEC is excited to present the Arts & Medicine series—an inspiring exploration of the connection between creativity and healthcare. This engaging series offers healthcare professionals, students, and community members a unique opportunity to experience how artistic expression enhances healing, professional well-being, and patient care.

Presented by Northwest AHEC & Wake Forest University School of Medicine

This fall, Northwest AHEC is offering a dynamic lineup of behavioral health webinars designed to equip professionals with the latest tools, strategies, and insights to support mental wellness across diverse populations. Whether you're a clinician, counselor, social worker, or behavioral health advocate, these sessions offer valuable continuing education and practical knowledge.

1. Assessments and Levels of Care: Guiding Clients to the Right Treatment

📅 Date: September 26, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Erica K. Smith, MSW, LCSW

This session provides a comprehensive overview of clinical assessments and screening tools used to determine appropriate levels of care for children, adolescents, and adults. Learn how to make informed referrals and navigate the behavioral health system effectively.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

2. Advanced Application of DBT Skills

📅 Date: October 10, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Rebecca Edwards-Powell, MSW, LCSW

Designed for professionals familiar with DBT, this workshop focuses on strengthening clinical application through skills training groups, behavioral strategies, and role-play techniques. 

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

3. Identifying and Addressing Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders in Adolescents

📅 Date: October 15, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00AM-12:15PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Sarah E (Betsy) E. 'Betsy' Bledsoe , PhD, MPhil, MSW

This program is designed to help practitioners become more familiar with identifying the signs and symptoms of anxiety and trauma related disorders in adolescents.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

4. Experienced SUD Professionals Panel: Sharing Their Expertise, Wisdom, and Hope

📅 Date: October 22, 2025
🕘 Time: 1:00PM-3:00PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar

👩‍🏫 Speakers: 
Jesse Battle, MSMHC, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
Tuesday Feral, LCMCHA (they, them)
Leslie D. McCrory, Retired Counselor
Geraldine A. 'Geri' Miller , PhD, LP, LCAS, CCS
Paul D. Nagy, LCAS, LCMHC, MS
Daniel H. Wilemon, M.Ed., LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS

Join a panel of seasoned substance use disorder professionals as they share insights, lessons learned, and hopeful perspectives on recovery and treatment. This interactive session is perfect for those seeking inspiration and practical guidance.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

🎓 Continuing Education Credits

Each session offers CE hours for psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other behavioral health professionals. Details are available on each registration page.

Northwest AHEC continues to lead the way in accessible, high-impact continuing education with its 2025 North Carolina Annual STI Update, now available as enduring material. This virtual event, held on August 13, 2025, marked a milestone with record-breaking attendance—992 participants from 98 North Carolina counties and 12 other states.

Northwest AHEC and the Office of Continuing Medical Education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are proud to present a dynamic lineup of educational programs designed to support healthcare professionals across disciplines. Whether you're looking to deepen your clinical expertise, explore emerging technologies, or connect with peers in your field, there's something here for everyone.

Whether you're looking for in-person training or the convenience of live webinars, we've got something for everyone in the healthcare field. Check out our upcoming events and register today!

Featured Programs

August 2025

• 2025 North Carolina Lactation Educator Training Program - Fall- Opens 8/1/25

September 2025

• After Discharge: Maternal and Infant Assessment in the Home – 9/9/25
• Winston-Salem Dance Medicine Conference – 9/19/25
• After Discharge: Maternal and Infant Assessment in the Home – 9/9/25
• Pediatric Pulse: Vaccines and Immunizations - 9/11/25
• Otolaryngology Update (2025) – 9/13/25
• Iredell Health System 7th Cardiovascular Conference – 9/17/25
• Winston-Salem Dance Medicine Conference – 9/19/25
• Assessments and Levels of Care: Guiding Clients to the Right Treatment – 9/26/25
• Southeastern Shock Symposium – 9/27/25

October 2025

• Basic Fetal Monitoring Fall 2025 – 10/1/25
• 2025 Licensed Practical Nurse Symposium – 10/10/25
• Advanced Application of DBT Skills – 10/10/25
• Moving Mountains and Community Conference – 10/12/25
• Identifying and Addressing Anxiety and Trauma Related Disorders in Adolescents – 10/15/25
• NCPAT Conference - Making Group Work, Work in Abuse Intervention Programs – 10/16/25
• Experienced SUD Professionals Panel: Sharing Their Expertise, Wisdom, and Hope – 10/22/25
• Charles L. Spurr Piedmont Oncology Symposium – 10/24/25

November 2025

• 43rd Annual Conference Gravidas at Risk – 11/5/25
• 27th Annual Diabetes Management Conference – 11/14/25
• 20th Annual Neuroscience Conference - 11/14/25
• Emotional CPR (eCPR) Training Series – 11/19/25

2026 Preview

• 40th Annual Northwest AHEC Respiratory Care Conference 2/25–2/26/26
• 17th Annual NC "One Community in Recovery" Conference – 3/4/26
  
  

📚 Explore More

Looking for additional learning opportunities? Browse our full Course Catalog to discover even more programs tailored to your interests and professional goals.

Summer is the perfect time to sharpen your skills, explore new topics, and earn continuing education credits - all from the comfort of your home. Whether you're a healthcare professional looking to deepen your expertise or simply passionate about improving patient care, our self-paced online programs are here to support your growth.

📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC
💡 Format: In-Person (limited to 150) or Live Stream
💵 Cost: FREE (Pre-registration required)
🍽️ Bonus: Pre-Conference Dinner on Friday, September 26

Presented by Northwest AHEC & Wake Forest University School of Medicine

This fall, Northwest AHEC is offering a dynamic lineup of behavioral health webinars designed to equip professionals with the latest tools, strategies, and insights to support mental wellness across diverse populations. Whether you're a clinician, counselor, social worker, or behavioral health advocate, these sessions offer valuable continuing education and practical knowledge.

1. Assessments and Levels of Care: Guiding Clients to the Right Treatment

📅 Date: September 26, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Erica K. Smith, MSW, LCSW

This session provides a comprehensive overview of clinical assessments and screening tools used to determine appropriate levels of care for children, adolescents, and adults. Learn how to make informed referrals and navigate the behavioral health system effectively.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

2. Advanced Application of DBT Skills

📅 Date: October 10, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Rebecca Edwards-Powell, MSW, LCSW

Designed for professionals familiar with DBT, this workshop focuses on strengthening clinical application through skills training groups, behavioral strategies, and role-play techniques. 

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

3. Identifying and Addressing Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders in Adolescents

📅 Date: October 15, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00AM-12:15PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar
👩‍🏫 Speaker: Sarah E (Betsy) E. 'Betsy' Bledsoe , PhD, MPhil, MSW

This program is designed to help practitioners become more familiar with identifying the signs and symptoms of anxiety and trauma related disorders in adolescents.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

4. Experienced SUD Professionals Panel: Sharing Their Expertise, Wisdom, and Hope

📅 Date: October 22, 2025
🕘 Time: 1:00PM-3:00PM
📍 Format: Live Webinar

👩‍🏫 Speakers: 
Jesse Battle, MSMHC, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
Tuesday Feral, LCMCHA (they, them)
Leslie D. McCrory, Retired Counselor
Geraldine A. 'Geri' Miller , PhD, LP, LCAS, CCS
Paul D. Nagy, LCAS, LCMHC, MS
Daniel H. Wilemon, M.Ed., LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS

Join a panel of seasoned substance use disorder professionals as they share insights, lessons learned, and hopeful perspectives on recovery and treatment. This interactive session is perfect for those seeking inspiration and practical guidance.

🔗 Register Here
📄 Download Brochure

🎓 Continuing Education Credits

Each session offers CE hours for psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other behavioral health professionals. Details are available on each registration page.