THE PULSE - SSH Accreditation Sees Record Number of Applications

As the SSH Accreditation Department continues its work after receiving a *record number of applications* in July, this feels like a great time to highlight why our SSH Accreditation numbers continue to skyrocket.

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SSH Accreditation is the gold standard. It signifies your program's commitment to excellence and should be your program’s top priority, whether the goal is to achieve or maintain it. Specifically, SSH Accreditation helps your program with:
 

• Credibility and Recognition: Accreditation validates your program's adherence to best practices in simulation design, development, delivery, and evaluation. This external validation enhances your program's credibility and sets it apart from non-accredited programs.
   
• Improved Learning Outcomes: The SSH accreditation process involves a rigorous self-evaluation and peer review. This not only identifies areas for improvement but also provides valuable insights into optimizing your program's effectiveness, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes for participants.
   
• Enhanced Reputation and Visibility: SSH accreditation signifies your program's dedication to providing high-quality simulation experiences. This recognition allows you to stand out from the competition, attracting learners and potential collaborators who value a commitment to excellence.
   
• Faculty Development and Support: The SSH accreditation process emphasizes qualified instructors. By pursuing accreditation, you'll be aligning yourself with resources and support for faculty development, ensuring your instructors possess the necessary skills and expertise to deliver impactful simulations.
   
• Funding Opportunities: Several institutions and organizations prioritize funding programs that demonstrate a dedication to quality. SSH accreditation strengthens your program's position when seeking financial support.

The accreditation journey isn't just about achieving a status. It's a continuous process of improvement. SSH offers both FULL ACCREDITATION and PROVISIONAL ACCREDITATION options. Provisional accreditation is ideal for new programs, providing valuable feedback and guidance for establishing a strong foundation before seeking full accreditation.

Additionally, I want to remind you of an extremely important, groundbreaking event for SSH Accreditation, and subsequently, healthcare simulation as you know it.

At the beginning of August, SSH and the Sociedad Mexicana de Simulación en Ciencias de la Salud (SOMESICS) proudly announced the launch of a new Accreditation agreement made possible through the Commission for International Simulation Accreditation (CISA). This historic partnership aims to make SSH’s gold-standard accreditation more accessible globally and fuel the organization’s continued, meteoric relationship and standards growth with new programs.

The agreement is significant because the CISA initiative is designed to overcome barriers that limit international program participation in accreditation. By allowing these barriers to be managed at a regional level, CISA ensures that more programs can achieve the highest standards in simulation-based education. This agreement aligns with SSH's strategic goals of Advocacy, Credentialing, and Organizational Sustainability & Growth, and strengthens the partnership between SSH and its global affiliates.

It is incredible that we have moved our program to this place, and I’m excited to see what comes out of similar steps and other incredible work in the future.

Until next time,

Kristyn Gadlage
SSH Director of Accreditation