Health Care Continuing Education

At a Glance

LLCC Continuing, Corporate and Professional Education is committed to helping health care professionals meet the increasing challenges of today’s health care environment and to promote and improve the health of society. Please review continuing education opportunities below. New health care continuing education classes are added throughout the year. We also offer custom training solutions to meet your performance goals. We will train at a location convenient for you: your workplace, off-site or at our location.


Interested in teaching a continuing education health care class? Submit a proposal form!

Health Care Proposal Form

2024 Peaceful Partners Illinois Domestic Violence Conference - Economic Justice

LLCC is proud to host, in partnership with Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals, and Sojourn Shelter and Services, the 2024 Peaceful Partners Illinois Domestic Violence Conference - Economic Justice. This conference will feature  Kim Pentico and the full five-module Moving Ahead financial planning curriculum for DV advocates and other professionals tasked with helping survivors recover from the effects of economic abuse. In addition, Ashley Slye will offer a health care and human services piece by examining the impact of domestic violence and it's intersections with HIV, other identities and social determinants of health.

CE credit for: CDVP, LCP/LCPC, SW/LCSW, LPN/RN/NP, OTA/OT, LMFT, LMT and NHA

Register for Domestic Violence Conference

  • Registration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Seats are limited.
  • Registration fee is $129 (includes lunch.)
  • Deadline to register, pay or cancel and receive a refund is Friday, Aug. 23 at 4 p.m.

Date

Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Location

Lincoln Land Community College, Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield, IL

Hotel Information

  • Drury Inn & Suites, 3180 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62703, 217-529-3900
  • Hilton Garden Inn, 3100 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62703, 217-529-7171
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 3050 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62703, 217-529-7771
  • Crown Plaza, 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62703, 217-529-7777
  • La Quinta, 1121 Lejune Dr, Springfield, IL 62703, 217-697-5686

Agenda

7:45-8 a.m. - Conference Check-In
7:55-8 a.m. - Welcome
8-9:15 a.m. - Keynote with Kim Pentico
9:15-9:30 a.m. - Break
9:30-10:30 a.m. - Understanding Financial Abuse with Kim Pentico
10:30-10:45 a.m. - Break
10:45-11:45 a.m. - Breakout Session 1 (see description below)
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. - Lunch (provided as part of conference registration)
1-2 p.m. - Breakout Session 2 (see description below)
2-3:15 p.m. - Breakout Session 3 (see description below)
3:15-3:30 p.m. - Break
3:30-4:20 p.m. - Shattered Silence: A Survivor's Story of Overcoming Domestic Violence with Kristin Mueller
4:20-4:30 p.m. - Wrap up 

7 CEUs


Speakers

Kim Pentico
Kim Pentico, Economic Justice Senior Director, NNEDV

Kim has been working with and on behalf of survivors of sexual and domestic violence since 1990. She first spent over seven years working for a local domestic violence program in Kansas and another seven years at the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. She has also worked for the STOP Technical Assistance Project in Washington, DC. Kim works to ensure and enhance survivor access to economic justice and long-term safety.

Ashley Slye, Deputy Director of Positively Safe and Domestic Violence Counts, NNEDV
Ashley Slye

Ms. Slye has supported Positively Safe, a program that addresses the intersection of HIV and domestic violence, since it was founded in 2010. Ms. Slye has been instrumental in the development of NNEDV’s DV & HIV curriculum, toolkit, topical trainings, and webinars for domestic violence and HIV advocates. Ms. Slye has expanded the Positively Safe Project over the past five years to include a demonstration project with the Rwanda Women’s Network which aims to challenge the global narrative on the intersection of gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, Ms. Slye oversees the Domestic Violence Counts project, which is an annual, one-day count of survivors accessing domestic violence services.

In addition to managing two national projects for NNEDV, Ms. Slye also sits on the board of the Global Network of Women’s Shelters, providing support for the global helplines project, Lila.help, and development of resources and webinars. Prior to joining NNEDV, Ashley supported the transitional housing program at the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley.


Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session One: 10:45-11: 45 a.m. 
Learning Financial Fundamentals with Kim Pentico

For those who would like to delve a bit deeper into financial planning this module of the Moving Ahead Curriculum covers financial resources and services available to DV victims, the concepts of budgeting and saving including how to navigate various emotions that may occur during this time. Module 2 also covers other introductory financial concepts such as assets and liabilities and highlights important things to consider for DV victims when reviewing and choosing financial institutions.

Changing the Narrative at the Intersection of Domestic Violence & HIV with Ashley Slye

Victims of domestic violence are at an increased risk for acquiring HIV and women living with HIV experience domestic violence at rates higher than the general population (Campbell JC, Soeken K. 1999; Machtinger 2012). For someone experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV,) they may experience reproductive coercion as part of the abuse they endure and, therefore, may not have control over their sexual health, which can lead to acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs,) including HIV. Therefore, we see a need for DV advocates to gain an understanding of health equity, access to health care, and connecting survivors to HIV supportive and preventative care.  
 
During this presentation, attendees will gain knowledge on health equity and barriers to health care, the dynamics of IPV and how it intersects with HIV, understand the financial impacts and supports for folks living with HIV, understand the importance of PrEP for victims, outline initial steps for creating partnerships with HIV organizations in their communities, and discuss how recent legal decisions impact safety and health for victims of IPV. 


Breakout Session Two: 1-2 p.m. 
Mastering Credit Basics with Kim Pentico

This module of the Moving Ahead Curriculum reviews the basics of credit including credit reports and scores, improving your credit score, and understanding bankruptcy. This module discusses the unique credit issues that domestic violence survivors may face and strategies for overcoming or minimizing these potential challenges. Lastly, the module covers how to build credit moving forward and how to locate helpful resources.

Our Intersectional Identities Beyond DV with Ashley Slye 

When survivors seek our support, they usually aren’t only dealing with the impact of domestic violence but come with the challenges of housing access, financial limitations, medical needs, and more. But what are we doing to address those needs and see the realities in which they live? Each person brings various identities with them, whether that is a survivor or an advocate – race, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, education level, health experiences, etc.  
 
Acknowledging the whole person and the breadth of their needs is critical not only for improved outcomes but better relationships, leaning into a trauma-informed, survivor-driven lens. Together, we will explore how we meet the ever-evolving needs of survivors and consider how we’re involving survivors in our services.


Breakout Session Three: 2-3:15 p.m. 
Financial Foundations & Long-Term Planning with Kim Pentico

The Moving Ahead curriculum modules 4 & 5 review more advanced financial management principles such as loans and loan options, housing options and costs, saving/budgeting strategies, insurance, and investment options. The focus on these 2 modules is helping survivors reach financial independence by educating survivors on their rights, responsibilities, and resources that may be available to assist them.

The Economic Impact of Social Determinants of Health with Ashley Slye

The economic impact of intimate partner violence can last years due to destroyed credit, lack of employment, and medical bills. But the economic challenges go beyond the abuse. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) can affect the financial stability of survivors – from lack of safe, affordable housing, to food insecurity and access, to education and job opportunities 
 
As a social determinant of health, domestic violence plays a role in the health and well-being of survivors even after leaving an abusive relationship; coupled with other SDHs, survivors are at an economic disadvantage. For some survivors, leaving an abusive relationship can lead to a loss of resources, including housing and health insurance, and lead to poverty. When survivors do not have access to safe, affordable housing, they often return to an abusive partner. In 2005, 50% of US cities surveyed reported that domestic violence was the primary cause of homelessness.  
 
Social Determinants of Health aren’t just impacting our physical and mental health but also our financial health, taking a toll on our overall quality of life and well-being. Together, we will explore the social determinants of health, their economic impact and where they intersect with domestic violence. 

Beyond Burnout: The Past, Present and Future of Nursing

In the face of record-high burnout rates among nurses, it's clear that the challenges extend beyond mere exhaustion. Historical factors such as staffing shortages and a culture of self-sacrifice have contributed to today's nursing crisis. To address this, nurses and healthcare professionals must prioritize self-care. This 3-hour workshop will emphasize journaling, forest therapy, and mindfulness as strategies to reduce stress and burnout among nursing professionals.

CE credit for: LPN/RN/APRN/NP 

Register for Beyond Burnout for Nurses

  • Registration is required. Walk-ins will not be permitted.
  • Registration fee is $79.
  • Deadline to register, pay or cancel and receive a refund is Monday, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m.

Date

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, 9 a.m.-noon

Location

LLCC-Medical District, 130 W. Mason Street, Springfield IL, 62702
 


Agenda

8:45-8:55 a.m. – Check in
8:55-9 a.m. – Announcements and welcome
9-9:10 a.m. – Introductions
9:10-9:30 a.m. – History of nursing
9:30-9:50 a.m. – Causes of stress and burnout
9:50-10 a.m. – Break
10-10:30 a.m. – Purposeful journaling
10:30-10:50 a.m. – Forest therapy
10:50-11 a.m. – Break
11-11:30 a.m. – Mindfulness
11:30-11:50 a.m. – Wrap-up/questions/surveys

2.5 CEUs


About the presenter

Leslie Catalano

Leslie Catalano, MSN, RN has been a nurse since 2005. Throughout her career she has worked in several inpatient areas. In 2017 she received her master's in nursing education and now works to strengthen the field of nursing through empowering  nurses to take the time to care for themselves. 

Navigating Sensory Overload: Strategies for Supporting Students with Sensory Processing Disorder

Enroll in this incredible course where theory meets practice in our immersive workshop on Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) support. Designed for educators, caregivers and professionals alike, this dynamic course offers more than just information — it offers an experience. Through interactive activities and group discussions, gain practical skills and evidence-based strategies to create an inclusive learning environment for all students. From classroom accommodations to personalized interventions, equip yourself with a toolkit for success in supporting diverse sensory needs. Join us in championing sensory inclusion and fostering brighter futures for every student.

CE credit for: OT/OTA, LCSW/LSW, LMFT, LCPC/CPC, RN/LPN/APRN/NP, Teachers (CPDUs)

Register for Sensory Processing Disorder

  • Registration is required. Walk-ins will not be permitted.
  • Registration fee is $99 (lunch included in the registration fee).
  • Deadline to register, pay or cancel and receive a refund is Monday, Nov. 4 at 4 p.m.

Date

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 

Location

LLCC Main Campus, Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield, IL 62703


Agenda

8:15-8:25 a.m. – Check in
8:25-8:30 a.m. – Morning announcements
8:30-10 a.m. – Presentation
10-10:15 a.m. – Break
10:15-11:45 a.m. – Presentation
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – Lunch
12:15-1:45 p.m. – Presentation 
1:45-2 p.m. – Break
2-3:20 p.m. – Presentation
3:20-3:30 p.m. – Wrap up: Questions, evals, closing announcements, etc.

6 CEU's


About the presenter

Yvonne Cosentino

Dr. Yvonne Cosentino received a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from Chicago State University in 1988, became Ayres Sensory Integration certified in 2004 and earned a doctorate degree in occupational therapy with a specialty in pediatric science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2012. 

 She founded O.T. For Kids, Inc. in 1997 and has provided a wide range of occupational therapy services to children and their families at schools, hospitals, out-patient clinics and home health settings. O.T. For Kids, Inc. has worked to help children learn, grow and develop to reach full potential regardless of developmental, physical, emotional or economic barriers they may face.

Tapping Into Wellness: Exploring the Emotional Freedom Technique

The emotional freedom technique (EFT) also known as "tapping" is a proven technique shown to be effective in addressing a wide range of emotional and psychological conditions including PTSD, anxiety and depression. The EFT works by harnessing the body’s natural energy system to release emotional blockages, reduce stress and promote overall well-being. In this session, you’ll learn the science, art and practice of tapping, which involves gentle tapping on specific acupressure points in the face, head and fingers. Tapping can be seamlessly integrated into larger wellness and counseling programs or any setting wanting to offer a holistic approach to emotional and mental well-being. Whether you're a professional looking to enhance your toolkit or an individual seeking emotional balance, tapping offers versatile applications for various needs. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock emotional freedom and embark on a journey toward greater mental and emotional wellness. Enroll now and start tapping into your full potential!

CE credit for: LCP/LCPC, SW/LCSW, LPN/RN/NP, OTA/OT,LMFT, LMT

Register for Tapping Into Wellness

  • Registration is required. Walk-ins will not be permitted. 
  • Registration fee is $59.
  • Deadline to register, pay or cancel and receive a refund is Monday, Nov. 11 at 4 p.m.

3.5 CEUs

Date 

Thursday, Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Location

 LLCC-Medical District, 130 W. Mason Street, Springfield, IL 62702


About the Instructor

Teri Freesmeyer (female) smiling for a photo on a pink and white background.

Teri Freesmeyer has worked for over 30 years to create a unique and integrated approach to mind-body wellness. She started her journey in the '90s on a personal quest for stress relief and a desire to support a family member grappling with chronic illness. Along the way, she discovered the large gap between conventional medical approaches and alternative approaches until she discovered the field of energy

psychology. Energy psychology was a steppingstone that bridged the chasm between modern medicine and a holistic approach, which would help balance and nurture the mind-body connection. 

Freesmeyer has harnessed the power of adjunct wellness services to people who are recovering from trauma including sexual assault victims. Her approach uses a “bottom-up” model to support the regulation of the nervous system. In her trauma-informed holistic methods she weaves together an array of body and mind therapies including massage, bodywork, acupressure, reflexology, hypnosis, sound healing, breathwork, energy medicine, meditation and mindfulness. She also serves as an intentional creativity teacher, using the creative arts and intuitive medicine painting as a powerful self-empowerment healing tool. 

2025 CNA Instructor Conference

Check back for conference updates and announcements as planning has begun for 2025!

Date

  • Friday, April 11, 2025.
  • Meet-and-greet: Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Location

Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, Springfield, IL
3280 Northfield Dr, Springfield, IL 62702

Hotel Information

Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, Springfield, IL 3280 Northfield, Dr., Springfield, IL 62702


About

Join your fellow Illinois CNA instructors to rejuvenate your minds and classrooms as ideas are shared to meet your students where they’re at.


Call for Proposals

Have an industry topic you’re passionate about? Grow your professional reputation and credibility by presenting a breakout session during the 2025 conference. Breakout session presentations are 50 minutes in length. We will begin accepting proposals in October.

LLCC is proud to be an official continuing education provider site for paramedic, basic and advanced level EMTs through endorsement from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

We offer affordable and convenient in-person CE opportunities on a revolving basis to keep your knowledge fresh and relevant in the field. These courses are intended to provide EMTs the chance to review specific components of training within their scope of practice. All courses are provided by knowledgeable and highly trained instructors. 

Who should take this training?

Any EMT looking to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to help fulfill their continuing education requirements.

Where are classes held?

All classes are held in-person on the LLCC Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road, in Logan Hall. 

Continuing Education Units 

CEUs will be earned on an hour-per-hour basis for the four-hour classes. The eight-hour classes will earn seven hours as there is a break for lunch. 

  • Four-hour class = four hours of CEUs
  • Eight-hour class = seven hours of CEUs

You will receive a transcript of your continuing education courses via email within 30 days after course completion.

Registration and cost

Pricing is on a sliding scale. The more hours you register for, the lower the cost per hour. Class dates, prices, registration details and cancellation policies will be available through the registration links. 

Popular topics for EMT-Basic include

EMT-B offerings coming soon

  • Pathophysiology
  • Assessment
  • Pharmacology
  • Behavioral Health
  • Trauma

Popular topics for EMT-Advanced include

CEUs for this level only available spring semester.

Register: EMT-Advanced

  • Pharmacology
  • Trauma
  • Special populations

Popular topics for paramedics include

Register: Paramedic

  • Pathophysiology
  • Acid/base
  • Patient assessment
  • Cardiology
  • Trauma patient management
  • Psychiatric disorders
  • Hemorrhage, shock and fluid resuscitation
  • Pediatrics

Specialty certification classes

Register: Specialty Certification Classes

  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Geriatric Education for EMS (GEMS)

LLCC-Medical District is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to offer continuing education credit to nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, professional counselors and massage therapists. LLCC is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health to offer continuing education units to emergency medical technicians. If you have any questions about certification please let us know.