Teachers, real estate agents and doctors are among the many professionals required to obtain ongoing education in order to maintain their state licenses and keep their skills up to date.

"You are more likely to get better treatment" when physicians receive continuing training in the latest trends, said Benita Stennis, director of scientific affairs for the Missouri State Medical Association.

The state and the professional also benefit, said Chris Cline, director of communications for the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration, which oversees more than 40 licenses and certifications.

Referring to the requirements for real estate agents, advantages to the state include "some assurance that all licensees are receiving at least the required amount of education geared at protecting the consumer," Cline said by email.

In addition to keeping abreast of emergent practices, professionals gain a better understanding of their responsibilities to consumers and increase their overall knowledge of real estate through continuing education, he said.

The number of hours of required instruction varies by discipline. Teachers generally complete 30 in the first four years of certification, then 15 annually, according to guidelines provided by the Missouri Department of Education and Secondary Education. Real estate brokers and salespersons have to obtain 12 hours every two years, as stipulated by Section 339.040 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Physicians must document 50 hours every two years, according to Jeffrey S. Howell, director of government relations and general counsel for the Missouri State Medical Association.

Licensees typically foot the bill for continuing education themselves, said Cline. Sometimes education is provided as a benefit of employment, said Howell.

Failure to complete ongoing education can result in license suspension or revocation, penalties and increased training requirements.

"Failure to complete the 12 hours of (continuing education) prior to the expiration of their license will cause the individual to have to complete a 24 hour Missouri Real Estate Practice course before they can renew. Late fees may be incurred and the individual may not practice real estate until they are again properly licensed," said Cline.

Physicians lose their licenses to practice if requirements aren't met, said Howell.

Continuing education providers, whether they hold classes in person or online, must be approved by state licensing entities.

For information on approved providers, contact the Department of Education and Secondary Education at 573-751-4212, online at http://dese.mo.gov, or the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration at 573-751-4126 or http://difp.mo.gov.