Practice Innovations, Vol 10(2), Jun 2025, 108-119; doi:10.1037/pri0000268
Principles of adult learning and, in particular, the concept of andragogy have direct application to the design of quality continuing education (CE) programming but have received little attention in health service psychology. This article provides a framework for identifying the underlying structure and successful programmatic application of adult learning principles to CE in health service psychology. Adult learning theory including a focus on the concept of “andragogy” as applied to CE program design is explored first. Examples from the literature of the use of andragogy principles for CE program design and outcomes of such learning opportunities will be presented across several professions. Recommendations will be offered for the application of andragogy principles as the foundation of an evidence-based, scientific approach for CE program design in health service psychology including discussion of its incorporation into technology-based programming. Challenges to integrating andragogy into CE programs are discussed with suggestions for mitigating them. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)