(BPT) - A volatile economy and tough job market have revived American workers’ interest in continuing education. Now more than ever, adults are returning to educational environments to advance their skills, training and knowledge.

“Continuing education generally refers to any type of post-secondary education for the purpose of keeping current with changes in a particular field of study or for preparation to obtain a certification,” says Dr. Marianne Greenfield, a program chair at Argosy University, Atlanta. “Some professions require that you earn continuing education credits in order to maintain a license. The goal of continuing education is to offer adults who already possess a college or university degree further opportunity for learning without having to enroll in a degree program.”

“Now more than ever, it’s important for employees and professional to keep up with all the latest skills and relevant knowledge necessary to compete in today’s workforce,” says Dr. George Spagnola, chair of the College of Education at Argosy University, Sarasota. “While a traditional education is necessary in today’s workforce, it is also a cornerstone upon which one can build a better future through continuing education.”