Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library: Guides: Technical Writing: WR 227: Professional Organizations

What are Professional Organizations?

A professional organization, "sometimes referred to as a professional association or professional body, exists to advance a particular profession, support the interests of people working in that profession and serve the public good. It facilitates innovation, communication and connection. A professional organization typically requires member dues, has an elected leadership body and includes a range of subcommittees or functional areas. Professional organizations can be both national or international, and often have close ties to colleges and universities with degree programs in that field" (Q&a, 2020).

As students, many of you are at the beginnings of your careers and are unfamiliar with these professional organizations. This is why educators are encouraged "to introduce their students to the many benefits of joining and being active members in professional societies" (Clark & Vealé, 2020, p.15).

Websites of professional organizations can provide a wealth of knowledge about a specific career. Everything from job postings to salary surveys to job outlooks and everything in between. This makes them a great place for researchers to go!

References

Clark, K. R., & Vealé, B. L. (2020). Program directors’ perceptions of student membership in professional organizations. Radiologic Science & Education, 25(2), 15–23. https://proxy.umpqua.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=145635129&site=eds-live&scope=site

Q&a: What is a professional organization? (2020, December 27). Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-a-professional-organization

Professional Organizations

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
AAMFT represents the professional interests of more than 50,000 marriage and family therapists throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.
American Counseling Association
As the world's largest association representing professional counselors in various practice settings, the American Counseling Association stands ready to serve more than 55,000 members with the resources they need to make a difference.
American School Counselor Association
ASCA supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, career and social/emotional development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, represents the professional interests of more than 85,000 addiction counselors, educators and other addiction-focused health care professionals in the United States, Canada and abroad.

ABET
ABET accredits college and university programs in the disciplines of applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology at the associate, bachelor, and master degree levels.
American Society for Engineering Education
ASEE is a nonprofit organization of individuals and institutions committed to furthering education in engineering and engineering technology
American Society for Mechanical Engineers
ASME promotes the art, science and practice of multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences around the globe.
American Society of Civil Engineers
ASCE stands at the forefront of a profession that plans, designs, constructs, and operates society’s economic and social engine – the built environment – while protecting and restoring the natural environment.
National Society for Professional Engineers
NSPE is committed to addressing the professional concerns of licensed professional engineers across all disciplines.

National Human Resources Association
The National Human Resources Association (NHRA) is focused on advancing the individual career development, planning and leadership of human resource (HR) professionals. Through professional networking programs and development services offered across the country, we strive to support individuals throughout their career life cycle. From intern to executive, Human Resources leads the way for change in today’s businesses!
Society for Human Resource Management
HRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally.

American Public Human Services Association
APHSA pursues excellence in health and human services by supporting state and local agencies, informing policymakers, and working with our partners to drive innovative, integrated, and efficient solutions in policy and practice.
National Human Services Assembly
The National Human Services Assembly (National Assembly) is a leading voice in the human service sector and promotes collaboration among engaged organizations to advance the collective power, knowledge, strategy, and systems that build well-being within individuals and our communities. The National Assembly is a Washington, DC-based association comprised of some of the largest national nonprofit human service organizations in the United States. In aggregate, members and their affiliates and local service networks collectively touch, or are touched by, nearly every household in America—as consumers, donors, or volunteers.
National Organization for Human Services
The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) is a nonprofit organization representing Human Service practitioners, educators, students and future Human Service Professionals. NOHS works to support all Human Service Professionals in our primary purpose to assist individuals and communities to function as effectively as possible in all major domains of living.

Nurse.Org
Nurse.Org provides a comprehensive list of national, state, and international nursing organizations.
American Nurses Association
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's 4 million registered nurses. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. Founded in 1896, and with members in all 50 states and U.S. territories, ANA is the strongest voice for the profession.

California Governor's Office of Planning & Research
The California OPR provides a list of worldwide scientific organizations.
National Science Foundation
NSF is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…"