ARC/STSA and EdAccred’s 3rd Annual AccredX Conference revved into high gear in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 3 – 5 with workshops, hands-on learning labs, roundtable discussions, and individual and panel presentations by nationally respected speakers, all focused on accreditation standards. This year’s event was fueled with creativity, possibility, and empowerment – one for the leader’s podium!
This year’s demographic.
Wednesday morning began with Pre-Conference Workshops including Site Evaluator Training led by Alicia Buck, Janice Grewatz and Kristy Pierce. Program Director Training was presented by Jerad Claytor, John Hadley, Jennifer Lloyd, and Stefanie Vaughn. Pam Siggers and Candice Spencer directed the Clinical Coordinator Training.
Wednesday afternoon was filled with energetic demonstrations and hands-on activities as educators had the opportunity to explore teaching and learning possibilities through simulation with Anatomage, Simulab, and Surgical Science.
Technology implemented by Anatomage can assist students in visualizing anatomic structures and differences, using interactive 3D simulations to expand perspectives with surgical approach, positioning, and preparation of the surgical case.
Simulab demonstrated how educators can utilize their technology to assess students prior to their clinical assignments, providing both laparoscopic and open procedures to evaluate student readiness at the field and critical thinking. 
Surgical Science expressed integrated simulation technologies to transform educational programs. Participants gained information with simulation tools to optimize student learning environments and competencies and ensure improved preparedness for real-world scenarios.
Session Highlights
Dr. Robbie Melton kicked off the AccredX conference as the first speaker with “Demystifying Artificial Intelligence in Allied Health Education”, Standard III, emphasizing how artificial intelligence can augment teaching and learning opportunities in the classroom.
“Fostering Mutual Respect and Continuous Learning in the Perioperative Environment”, Standards III & IV-Sponsored by First Case-The Operating Room Network podcast was led by Chris Blevins, Jennifer Parrott, and Melanie Perry, who discussed the importance of mutual respect in the operating room amongst students and colleagues as well as interdisciplinary collaboration within all Perioperative Services.
Cortney Hartman, MBA, CST, FAST, gave a presentation titled “Building Confidence with Learning Styles: A Simulation Approach”, Standard III. This presentation delved into the integration of learning styles within surgical education, emphasizing how understanding and applying these styles can enhance training.
Day 2 opened with a discussion of ethical dilemmas that challenge educators, including the consideration of ethical responsibilities to the profession and broader community, as they prepare students for their careers in healthcare “Making the Right Call-Developing Ethical Responsibility from the Classroom to Clinical”, Standard II, was presented by Mike Miller, EdD, RN, NPR.
Next up, Michael Glenn, BA, CST, delved into the topic of student assessment, Standard IV, from not only a data-driven approach, but a psychological perspective as well during “Meeting Students Where They Are: An Individual Approach to Outcomes Assessment Examinations”
Indiana state workforce leader, Claire Berger, and educators Teresa Hess and Jeanne Rieger shared the process to tap into state and federal funding, expansion opportunities, and resources during their session, “Developing Apprenticeships with State and Federal Support”. (add credentials for consistency)
The Ask-the- Experts roundtable discussions, in the middle of day 2, were a crowd favorite again this year, expounding on topics from Obtaining Grants, Dean’s Discussion, Student Engagement, Preparing for a Site Evaluation, Distance Education, Sterile Processing Programs and so much more!
After the roundtables, Eboni Saurage, PhD, CST, FAST, and Kristy Pierce, BS, CST, presented “Community Projects-Learning Through Immersion”, sharing age-specific projects to introduce youths and adolescents to various careers within the operating room as well as how to initiate and fund community programs.
We then leaped into a holistic look at strategies that increase retention to lead students to success. “Tackling Retention Head On-Student Success Strategies from Enrollment to Certification and Beyond”, Standard V, presented by Alicia Buck. (add credentials for consistency)
“All Hands on Deck-Interdisciplinary Training”, Standards I, III, IV, presented by Kristina Vines, reviewed the live simulation event put on by Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, WI, and the value of engaging multiple disciplines in a live simulated disaster.
Day 2 wrapped up with an open dialog, “Organization Collaboration-Working Together to Support Our Educators”, amongst executive directors Gina Scarboro (CAAHEP), Jodi Licalzi (AST), Linda Stewart (interim, NBSTSA), and Ron Kruzel (ARC/STSA), focusing on the organizations’ common mission to advance the professions through quality education, professional credentialing, growth, and greater public understanding and recognition.
The Accreditation Fundamentals for Educators (AFE) Workshop was conducted on the last day of the 2024 AccredX conference. ARC/STSA staff provided an overview of the accreditation process, updates on new policies and procedures, and clarification of commonly misunderstood Standards and policies.
We thank our incredible educators for their willingness to contribute to our event by providing information and support to fellow educators.
To all attendees, volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors, and to our board; the entire ARC/STSA staff thank you for your support and dedication to our mission to empower our educators in providing students with a quality education driven by the notion of providing all patients with quality care.
Please visit our EdAccred website to learn more about our event sponsors, exhibitors, and the stellar speakers featured above.
