What is CPD Training and Why is it Important for Professionals?

In healthcare and assistive technology, keeping your knowledge up to date is essential to providing the best support for clients. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training helps occupational therapists and allied health professionals maintain confidence, competence, and compliance with industry best practice.

At Enable Lifecare, our CPD training is designed to be practical and evidence-based, showing you how to get the most value from our assistive products in real-world settings. By bridging theory and practice, we help you apply our solutions effectively to enhance independence, improve wellbeing, and achieve better outcomes for your clients.

What is CPD Training?

Continuing Professional Development, or CPD, refers to ongoing learning activities that expand and refine your skills and knowledge. It can take many forms, such as:

  • Webinars and online courses
  • Hands-on workshops
  • Conferences and seminars
  • Peer discussions and case studies

For occupational therapists in Australia, CPD is required to maintain registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Occupational therapists must complete a minimum of 20 CPD hours annually, with at least 5 hours in interactive settings with other practitioners. This ensures that every professional has up-to-date knowledge and can apply the latest evidence-based techniques in their practice.

Why CPD Training Matters in Healthcare

When you work with vulnerable populations such as clients requiring mobility aids, pressure care equipment, or seating solutions, staying up-to-date is critical for maintaining clinical effectiveness and reducing risks for vulnerable clients.

Here’s why CPD training is so important:

  • Keeps skills current: Healthcare technologies and clinical guidelines change quickly. CPD ensures you’re using the safest and most effective approaches.
  • Improves client outcomes: Using evidence-based practices can boost your clients’ mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life.
  • Supports career growth: Employers value practitioners who actively work on developing their skills. It shows commitment and initiative.
  • Maintains compliance: Meeting CPD requirements protects your professional registration and reputation.

How CPD Applies to Occupational Therapists

In occupational therapy, CPD has real, practical uses every day:

  • Choose the right pressure care mattresses for different clinical needs
  • Adjusting seating configurations to prevent pressure injuries
  • Selecting and fitting client lifters and slings for safe transfers
  • Staying up to date with the 2025 International Pressure Injury Guidelines

The right CPD course gives occupational therapists the confidence to make accurate decisions that improve client safety, comfort, and independence.

Types of CPD Training at Enable Lifecare

Enable Lifecare offers both free webinars and in-person workshops to meet different learning styles.

1. CPD Webinar: Smarter Pressure Care in 2025 - Avoiding the Big Mistakes

  • Covers the 2025 International Pressure Injury Guidelines
  • Learn the top 3 clinical mistakes and how to avoid them
  • Demonstrates product use across beds, seating, and manual handling
  • Includes live Q&A with clinical specialists

You can check out upcoming webinars and register here.

2. In-Person Training Across Australia

Enable Lifecare delivers regional sessions in NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, SA, and WA. Topics include:

View our full CPD training schedule here.

What Makes Enable Lifecare’s CPD Different

  • Specialised expertise: A clear focus on assistive technology for seating, beds, and client handling equipment.
  • Evidence-based content: All training is based on solid evidence and follows the latest clinical guidelines.
  • Hands-on learning: Practical skills you can use immediately, not just theory.
  • Nationwide access: Sessions are offered nationwide, making it easier for both rural and city practitioners to participate.
  • CPD recognition: The courses provide CPD certificates that contribute to your annual CPD requirements.
  • Expert trainers: Led by professionals with years of frontline experience in occupational therapy and clinical equipment prescription.

The Impact of CPD Training

Healthcare professionals who complete continuing professional development training commonly report:

  • Deeper clinical knowledge gained through evidence-based learning
  • Greater confidence in assessment and treatment planning
  • Better client outcomes through application of current best practices
  • Increased professional competence in their area of expertise
  • Stronger compliance with industry standards and guidelines
  • Career advancement opportunities through skill development

Enable Lifecare's CPD sessions aim to provide these benefits by combining expert-led training with hands-on learning experiences.

Common CPD Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving it to the last minute: Cramming CPD hours at the end of the registration period instead of spreading them throughout the year.
  • Picking random topics: Choosing courses that aren’t related to your practice just to hit the required hours.
  • Not applying what you learn: Failing to bring new knowledge and techniques into your daily work.
  • Skipping documentation: Forgetting to log your CPD activities, which can cause problems if you’re audited.

Getting Started: Your CPD Action Plan

  1. Identify your learning needs: Assess current skills and identify three priority learning areas for 2025.
  2. Choose relevant topics: Select sessions that align with your professional goals and daily work.
  3. Book early: Enable Lifecare workshops and webinars fill fast, so secure your spot ahead of time.
  4. Track your hours: Keep detailed records to make sure you meet compliance requirements.

Take Action: Invest in Your Professional Future

Quality CPD training is essential for healthcare professionals, particularly occupational therapists, to maintain skills, stay compliant, and grow their careers. Enable Lifecare offers CPD-recognised training through free webinars and nationwide in-person workshops. Every session is designed to boost your confidence, sharpen your skills, and improve client outcomes.

Ready to start your CPD training? Register for an upcoming session or browse our full course catalogue today.

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