How to Become a Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist
Healthcare simulation plays a crucial role to train healthcare professionals by provision of realistic scenarios in a controlled environment. Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialists (SOS) are essential to ensure the effective implementation and management of clinical simulation programs. The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) offers a certification known as the Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) and the Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist Advanced (CHSOS-A), which validate the skills and knowledge required for this role. This article by TIffani Chidume, DNP, RN, CCRN-K, CHSE, CHSOS, outlines the steps individuals can take to become a CHSOS, such as: academic preparation, acquisition of relevant experience, and the achievement of certification.
How to Understand the CHSOS Role
Before delving into the steps to become a CHSOS, there is an essential need to have a clear understanding of the role and the significance in healthcare education. To become a CHSOS marks the start of a large commitment. Clinical simulation operations specialists are responsible for the technical aspects of healthcare simulation-based education, which ensures that healthcare simulation scenarios run smoothly and effectively. Duties may include set up and maintenance of clinical simulation equipment, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaboration with other educators to design realistic and impactful scenarios.
Sponsored Content:
The first step to become a CHSOS involves acquisition of a solid educational foundation. While the specific educational requirements may vary, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as healthcare management, nursing, or education is typically recommended. Some individuals may choose to pursue a master’s degree in healthcare simulation or a related discipline to further enhance knowledge and skills.
Coursework in healthcare simulation, instructional design, and technology is beneficial for individuals who aspire to become a CHSOS. Multiple institutions offer graduate programs specifically designed for healthcare simulation professionals. These programs cover topics such as scenario development, debrief techniques, and the use of healthcare simulation technologies.
Additionally, attendance at workshops and conferences focused on healthcare simulation provides valuable network opportunities and allows individuals to stay current on industry trends and best practices. The International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) and the Simulation Summit are examples of conferences where professionals can gain insights into the latest developments in clinical simulation education.
How to Gain Hands-On Experience
Sponsored Content:
Hands-on experience is a critical component of the preparation for a career as a healthcare simulation operations specialist. Many individuals in this field start with employment in entry-level positions within clinical simulation centers or related healthcare environments. These roles may involve the support of clinical simulation activities, maintenance of equipment, and collaboration with educators to develop and implement clinical simulation scenarios. As clinical simulation gains prominence across healthcare education and assessment, CHSOS certification aids professionals to cement leadership roles and advance immersive educational capabilities.
Mentorship is invaluable in this stage, as seasoned healthcare simulation professionals can provide guidance and share practical insights. Development of a mentorship relationship can help individuals navigate the complexities of healthcare simulation operations and gain a deeper understanding of the field. To gain comprehensive experience, a CHSOS applicant should actively participate in the plans and execution of healthcare simulation sessions. Involvement in scenario development, implementation, and debrief sessions allows individuals to hone skills and build a breadth of experiences.
The Process to Earn the CHSOS Certification
The next crucial step in the journey to become a CHSOS is to obtain the Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist certification. The CHSOS certification is offered by the SSH and is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary for effective clinical simulation program management. To be eligible for the CHSOS exam, candidates must meet certain criteria. These requirements include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and a specified number of hours of experience in clinical simulation operations. If one does not hold a bachelor’s degree, the certification board may accept equivalent hours in healthcare simulation as an alternative. Be sure to refer to the SSH website or contact the certification board for the most up-to-date information on eligibility criteria.
How to Prepare for the CHSOS Exam
The CHSOS exam covers a range of topics, such as: healthcare simulation program administration, operations, and technology. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in areas such as facility design, equipment maintenance, and the integration of healthcare simulation into educational curricula. The exam is typically administered in a computer-based format, and successful candidates receive the CHSOS designation, which signals expertise in healthcare simulation operations. The book Comprehensive Healthcare Simulation: Operations, Technology, and Innovative Practice has also been recommended for reading.
The CHSOS certification exam evaluates competency across five major knowledge areas vital to healthcare simulation oversight. The five domains are concepts in healthcare as applied to clinical simulation, healthcare simulation technology operations, healthcare simulation practices/principles/procedures, professional role: behavior and capabilities, and concepts in instructional design as applied to clinical simulation.
View the LEARN CE/CME Platform Webinar Professional Development for Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialists to learn more!
Preparation for the CHSOS exam involves a combination of self-directed study, formal education, and practical experience. The SSH offers resources such as study guides and practice exams to help candidates assess readiness for the certification process. Additionally, attendance to review courses and workshops focused on clinical simulation operations can provide valuable insights and enhance exam preparation.
With recognition as a CHSOS this signifies proficiency in management of healthcare simulation operations. This pursues elite distinction and offers professionals a way to:
- Verify mastery of industry standards, best practices, and technologies through a comprehensive credential exam
- Enable competitive differentiation for healthcare simulation centers to attract talent
- Support consistent, evidenced-based delivery of clinical simulation experiences
- Gain peer acknowledgment of specialized expertise
- Access discounted conference fees and educational offers
Benefits of CHSOS Certification
To become a CHSOS is a multi-faceted journey that involves a combination of academic preparation, hands-on experience, and professional certification. Individuals who aspire to excel in this field should pursue relevant education, actively participate in healthcare simulation activities, and seek certification through SSH. Healthcare simulation centers rely on knowledgeable professionals to operate advanced technology equipment, coordinate complex programs, train participants, compile data, and manage the myriad aspects to run immersive, interdisciplinary clinical simulations. A CHSOS possesses the robust expertise needed to effectively administer these complex educational environments. Continuous education and engagement in professional development activities are essential for SOS to stay current in a rapidly evolving field. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and debrief practices, underscore the importance of maintenance of the highest standards in healthcare simulation operations.
The value, eligibility prerequisites, exam content domains, and maintenance requirements involved to attain the prestigious CHSOS certification have been outlined. With use of these steps and a commitment to ongoing growth, individuals can contribute to the advancement of healthcare simulation. Ultimately CHSOS enhances education and preparedness of healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes.
Learn More About the SSH CHSOS Certification
Dr. Tiffani Chidume is an associate clinical professor simulation center coordinator at the Auburn University College of Nursing. She has 22 years of combined experience in nursing education, simulation methodology, critical care, emergency nursing, long-term healthcare, and health information technology. Dr. Chidume is dual certified in simulation as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator-Advanced (CHSE-A) and as Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS).
Sponsored Content:
