Joining a professional organization can provide a powerful boost to your career, and it's worth the investment of time.

"Professional associations offer an enriched community for learning and staying abreast of the rapidly changing environment of health care," said Debbie Hackman, CAE, CEO of the Georgia Nurses Association. "As a member-driven organization, we provide opportunities for our members in education, professional development and workplace advocacy."

Most allied health professions have their own associations.

"From clinically oriented product lines, such as cardiology or oncology, to specific fields, such as occupational therapy or nursing, organizations offer great opportunities for their members," said Robin Singleton, FAAHC, FACHE, senior vice president of Tyler & Co., a national health care executive search firm headquartered in Atlanta. "Most groups are focused on providing some sort of continuing education. Many have annual conferences as well as regional meetings. Most publish journals or newsletters that can keep you abreast of developments in your field of practice in other parts of the country."

If you're not sure which association to join, talk with your peers and get recommendations. More than likely, your employer will pay for some or all of your membership expenses. If not, dues, continuing education classes, and costs associated with conferences may be tax-deductible.

To reap the full benefits, become involved in the organization you join. The Georgia Nurses Association has about 20 chapters throughout the state that form based on geography or around shared interests.

"We have several groups forming chapters now," Hackman said. "There's a new graduate chapter and also discussions about starting a nurse practitioner chapter." Other groups include hospice nurses and pediatric oncology nurses.

Attend meetings and get to know other professionals in your field.

"This way, you'll have a forum for sharing ideas," Singleton said. "You will also be able to identify committees to join and offer your time, talent and expertise to advance your profession."

Most organizations maintain Web sites and publish journals that provide the latest information about the profession and list continuing education opportunities and annual conferences. Some list job openings.

For those on a management track, the American College of Healthcare Executives offers a national platform for networking and involvement. "It's a chance to make connections with professionals in management in other parts of the country," Singleton said.

Some organizations, such as the Georgia Nurses Association, work with lawmakers as part of their mission, helping shape public policy on issues that affect health care professionals and the public.

Belonging to and being active in your profession's association is a wise investment of time, talent and money. It shows that you're truly vested in your career, that you want to stay abreast of new knowledge in your area and that you're interested in your professional future.