MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Simulation Technology program has just earned provisional accreditation status from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), the largest healthcare simulation accrediting body in the world.
SSH accreditation is a peer-reviewed, customized evaluation of a simulation program. They look at several factors including program structure, long-term plans and teaching outcomes.
The Big Bend program was commended for having state of the art labs and simulators, an innovative curriculum and staff and instructors who were highly-qualified industry experts.
Provisional accreditation status through SSH is good for two years. After that, programs are eligible to apply for full accreditation.
“Obtaining provisional accreditation is a huge accomplishment for our program. This gets us on the map alongside the more than 100 quality SSH accredited programs around the world,” said BBCC Simulation Technology Coordinator Dana Borschowa. “This also validates what we have been doing here, the education we have been providing students, and it’s nice to see our hard work paying off.”
Big Bend is one of the first to offer a Medical Simulation degree in Washington State. The program prepares students for entry-level employment in simulation centers and laboratories, where they’ll run realistic simulation scenarios for healthcare providers, first responders and even military personnel.
The program also offers simulation operator and simulation educator certificates.