Simulation Instructor Training

Healthcare Simulation Essentials:
Design and Debriefing

(HSEDD)

Course Details

For healthcare educators, directors, faculty, fellows of a current or prospective simulation program.

  • Credits Earned
    Eligible Credits
    33.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
    for 5 day CMS-hosted courses held in Boston or online
  • Course Duration
    Course Duration
    5 days in person at CMS in Boston
    5 days online from CMS or Host Sites
    4 days in person at Host Sites

Welcome to the Healthcare Simulation Essentials: Design and Debriefing course! This exciting program, led by some of the best simulation educators in the world, is the Center for Medical Simulation’s flagship faculty development course. We feature our unique Debriefing with Good Judgment© and SimZones approaches to empower you to use simulation to address real challenges in your healthcare organizations and health profession schools.

To help you make the most of your experience, we ask you to do a little work before the course begins. Take the time to speak with at least one key partner in your organization to pinpoint a specific problem that could be tackled with simulation, like a patient safety issue or a curriculum challenge. Then, during the course, you will collaborate in small, immersive groups where you will work with faculty and peers to design a simulation curriculum together and practice Debriefing with Good Judgment© techniques.

We can’t wait to work with you and see the amazing impact you will make!

Tuition

NOTE: Tuition covers 1 person to participate in the course.Special pricing is available for institutions purchasing seats for teams of two or groups of five or more. Please Contact Us for more information.

NOTE: Tuition covers 1 person to participate in the course. If you would like us to run this course exclusively for members of your department or institution, please Contact Us.

Individual Attendee Tuition for courses held at or hosted by CMS: $5,995 USD
Individual Attendee Tuition for courses held at or hosted by other institutions: Varies by host site
Cost to Host this Course at your Institution: Contact Us

Participant Comments:

"The course provided an opportunity to refresh my skills, learn new skills and debriefing techniques, and to have plenty of deliberate practice with early specific feedback."
"The educators modeled what they were teaching us throughout the course, which helped reinforce the concepts."
"The course is provided with respect and understanding to both learners and instructors who have passion for truth, safety, and the advancement of improved outcomes in healthcare through simulation."
"It was a privilege and pleasure to participate in this learning experience with such a talented and skillful group of educators in the instructor cadre and fellow course participants."
"Course is conceived with exquisite detail to gain better understanding of the learner as well as the instructor."
"Enjoyed learning from a group of truly inspirational simulation educators/instructors who are world leaders in their fields in a safe supportive learning environment."
"Amazing faculty - committed to education, super involved and enthusiastic - also leaders in their fields and experts on the matter."
"Great opportunity to work in different groups and practice what we learned."
"Faculty were great and did a really good job creating a safe and friendly learning environment."
"Instructors modeled great behaviors on how to guide discussion and limit distractions and frustration."
"Great opportunities to practice developing, running, and debriefing sims."
"Great faculty, great progression of activities to build on what we have already learned."
"It was such a privilege to have attend this course when taught by such simulationistas. Amazing instructors."
"The educators were the absolute strength of the course - they were excellent, engaged, and thoughtful. "
"The faculty was absolutely amazing. The curriculum was very very well designed as expected and I learned a lot."
"This course has been an amazing experience - and I wish it could have been longer! "
"This course was excellent. Probably the best course I have attended."
"I like the many modalities that were used for teaching."
"I thought there was a really nice mix of didactic, group work, discussions, good use of videos and of course time to practice both designing and debriefing sims."

Course Readiness Goals

  • Co-create a strategic plan with partners to make a sustainable impact with simulation
  • Build a challenging and safe learning environment
  • Design, conduct, and debrief simulations across the SimZones
  • Conduct and debrief interprofessional simulation scenarios with high learner engagement
  • Apply the “With Good Judgment” approach to change behavior
  • Thrive as an educator and change agent

Format

Whether online or in person, courses hosted by CMS take place over 5 consecutive days. Courses hosted online by other institutions will take place over 5 consecutive days. Courses hosted in person by other insitutions take place over 4 consecutive days.

It is our experience that this intense course is best accomplished via continuous, individualized mentoring from both highly experienced CMS faculty, as well as from peers in the course. The course interweaves discussions, immersive practice with feedback and reflections. Participants will facilitate prebriefings and debriefings and receive coaching and feedback from leading debriefing experts.

What are the differences between the in-person course and online course?

The content and course schedule are the same for both the online and in-person courses. Attendees will still engage in simulation cases in both formats.

In the in-person format, we tend to have more opportunities to interact with each other to network especially during breaks and our course dinner. You will also get to see the beautiful city of Boston!

For those concerned about travel, whether it is regarding travel expenses or visa approvals, the online format connects attendees with the experts at CMS virtually in real-time. For those who wish to mitigate risks associated with traveling and gatherings during heightened COVID concerns, the online course is a good option to consider.

How is the online version of the course different?

Using best practices for dynamic, interactive online education, each course day will be a mix of video conference time with faculty, offline time to work alone or in your small group, and periods of down time for rest and reflection. You can count on learning as much from the process of online education in the course as you will from the content. Days begin at 9:00 AM and end at approximately 5:00 PM US Eastern time.
Inline Video: What’s in the HSE Online Course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xgb9qhuKqE
Inline Video: Why is the HSE Online 5 Days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqJLuwm8ygI

Trying to decide if you should take the course online or in person?

Here are a few considerations:

  • What’s the same: The content of the course is the same in either format; the time commitment is significant.
  • Advantages of doing the course in Boston: There is more opportunity for interaction with CMS faculty and staff during lunch, breaks, dinners out; when we’re in person we are able to run “real” simulations; you get to see the great city of Boston!
  • Advantages of the online course: Savings on travel costs to Boston; you’ll experience best practices in online teaching; there’s less risk in the age of COVID.

Still have questions about the online course?

Contact us

Technology Requirements

The in person course requires everyone to have their own computer or mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone. Electronic devices are used throughout the day, every day.

Both the online and in person courses use a learning management system (LMS), the CMS Virtual Campus, accessible from any web browser which will serve as the platform for learning, communications, and material to foster a community of practice that can continue beyond the course.

Online Course Requreiments

The online course is delivered via Zoom, a web conferencing platform. All materials and course interactions will occur online. To participate in this course, each individual – even if they are attending the course with a colleague from the same institution – needs:

  • Their own computer (desktop or laptop). Sharing a computer limits the ability to interact. There will be many instances where we will break out into different rooms in Zoom. Tablets and mobile phones do not allow full engagement to complete the course.
  • Reliable high-speed internet access (minimum 3 Mbps upload/download speed). Wired internet access is much preferred; wireless internet access is less likely to work well.
  • Their own computer headset (microphone and earphones)
  • Webcam
  • Zoom Desktop Client installed on their computer
    We recommend downloading and installing the Zoom Desktop Client on the computer used for the course for full functionality.
  • Their own space away from others because conversations from nearby colleagues can interfere with the course audio. This course should be completed in a space not shared with others.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credit


CME credit is only available for physicians in the United States who complete 5-Day courses held at or hosted online by CMS. Nurses, Midwives, and other healthcare providers will receive a “Certificate of Attendance” with credit hours that may be converted to CEs or CEUs.

Massachusetts-licensed nurses can find information about converting CME to CEU at this Mass.gov site. Nurses from other states should check with their respective State Board or credentialing body for guidance on this process.

At this time, Massachusetts Medical Society is not able to provide CME credits for these offerings to physicians outside the United States. Physicians outside of the United States will receive a “Certificate of Attendance” with credit hours that may be submitted to a local authority for evaluation.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Center for Medical Simulation. The Massachusetts Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement

The Massachusetts Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 33.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity meets the criteria of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine for risk management study.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credit:

This course is sponsored by CRICO/RMF of the Harvard Medical Institutions. CRICO/Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CRICO/RMF designates this live activity for a maximum of 38 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nurses, midwives and other healthcare providers will receive a “Certificate of Attendance” with credit hours that may be converted to CEs or CEUs. Massachusetts-licensed nurses can find information about converting CME to CEU at this Mass.gov site. Nurses from other states should check with their respective State Board or credentialing body for guidance on this process.

Application Process

To apply for this course, you must:

Complete the online application form. No other information is needed.

In Person Training Requirement: Complete Vaccination series and Booster against COVID-19

The Center for Medical Simulation (CMS) requires course participants to have completed the COVID-19 vaccine series and the COVID-19 booster to attend in person training. We will ask you to complete an attestation form stating that you are vaccinated in order to attend the course. A copy of your vaccination card is not required by CMS; however, you may need to show proof of vaccination for certain venues in Boston during your stay.

Please visit City of Boston: B Together and Commonwealth of Massachusetts: COVID-19 Updates and Information websites for more information about current local requirements.

Want to host this course at your institution?

Contact us

Want to take this course in Spanish?

This course is also offered in Spanish through our CMS Affiliate, Hospital virtual Valdecilla. Visit Curso de Entrenamiento para Instructores en Simulación for more information. Haga clic aquí para ver los cursos se imparten en español.

Course Offerings

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Course Dates
Location
Notes
Monday, December 8, 2025 @ 9:00 AM -
Friday, December 12, 2025 @ 5:00 PM
Online, US Eastern Time, Boston, MA

Held Online.

Application Deadline: November 17, 2025

View the course start time in your local time zone.

Apply Now
Monday, February 2, 2026 @ 9:00 AM -
Friday, February 6, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Online, US Eastern Time, Boston, MA

Held Online.

Application Deadline: January 16, 2026

View the course start time in your local time zone.

Apply Now
Monday, March 2, 2026 @ 9:00 AM -
Friday, March 6, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Center for Medical Simulation (CMS), Boston, MA

Held in person at CMS in Boston, MA. Vaccination and booster against COVID-19 is required.

Application Deadline: Feb. 2, 2026

Apply Now
Monday, April 6, 2026 @ 9:00 AM -
Friday, April 10, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Center for Medical Simulation (CMS), Boston, MA

Held in person at CMS in Boston, MA. Vaccination and booster against COVID-19 is required.

Application Deadline: Mar. 2, 2026

Apply Now
Monday, May 4, 2026 @ 9:00 AM -
Friday, May 8, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Center for Medical Simulation (CMS), Boston, MA

Held in person at CMS in Boston, MA. Vaccination and booster against COVID-19 is required.

Application Deadline: Apr. 6, 2026

Apply Now
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 -
Friday, May 8, 2026
The University of Alabama – Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL

Open only to members of The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) community

View the course start time in your local time zone.

Learn More
Monday, June 1, 2026 @ 9:00 AM -
Friday, June 5, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Center for Medical Simulation (CMS), Boston, MA

Held in person at CMS in Boston, MA. Vaccination and booster against COVID-19 is required.

Application Deadline: May 4, 2026

Apply Now
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 -
Friday, June 26, 2026
Edith Cowan University, ECU Health Simulation Centre, Joondalup
Australia

Open by invitation only
For immediate inquiries, please contact Dr Hugh Davies
View the course start time in your local time zone.

Email for Info
Monday, August 3, 2026 @ 9:00 AM -
Friday, August 7, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Center for Medical Simulation (CMS), Boston, MA

Held in person at CMS in Boston, MA. Vaccination and booster against COVID-19 is required.

Application Deadline: July 6, 2026

Apply Now
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 @ 9:00 AM -
Friday, August 21, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
University of Maine System, Augusta, ME

Open by invitation only

View the course start time in your local time zone.

Email for Info
Monday, September 14, 2026 @ 9:00 AM -
Friday, September 18, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Center for Medical Simulation (CMS), Boston, MA

Held in person at CMS in Boston, MA. Vaccination and booster against COVID-19 is required.

Application Deadline: Aug. 17, 2026

Apply Now
Monday, October 5, 2026 @ 9:00 AM -
Friday, October 9, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Center for Medical Simulation (CMS), Boston, MA

Held in person at CMS in Boston, MA. Vaccination and booster against COVID-19 is required.

Application Deadline: Sep. 14, 2026

Apply Now
Monday, November 9, 2026 @ 9:00 AM -
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Center for Medical Simulation (CMS), Boston, MA

Held in person at CMS in Boston, MA. Vaccination and booster against COVID-19 is required.

Application Deadline: Oct. 5, 2026

Apply Now

Policies

Please review the important policy information below.

  • Payment
  • Cancellations
  • Enrollment
  • Course

The Center for Medical Simulation accepts payment by credit card, ACH payment, wire transfer, or cashier’s check in U.S. dollars. Personal checks are not accepted. You will be receiving an invoice via email, no paper invoices are issued. Your payment is due immediately upon receipt.

If you have any questions regarding pricing or our policies, please Contact Us.

If you must cancel we will refund your tuition less a processing fee provided another paid candidate is able to fill your seat. Otherwise, you will forfeit half your tuition. If you would like to switch to a course offered at a different date, we will apply your tuition toward the new course provided another paid candidate is able to fill your current seat. Otherwise, you will forfeit half your tuition. If you still want to switch to another course date we will apply half of your paid tuition and you will be billed for the remaining half. Please note that the tuition for a course offered at a later date may be higher. In that case, individuals switching to the later course date will need to pay the difference in the tuition fees.

Processing Fees

  • $250 for administration and processing for Healthcare Simulation Essentials: Design and Debriefing course (formerly known as the Comprehensive Instructor Workshop) and Advanced Instructor Course participants
  • $100 for administration and processing for MOCA, Anesthesia and Labor and Delivery Crisis Resource Management Training and Gateway Debriefing Skills course participants

If you have any questions regarding pricing or our policies, please Contact Us.

You will be informed of acceptance to your selected course/workshop by email within two weeks of our receiving your completed application. Your tuition is due immediately upon acceptance. Once accepted you will receive another email containing an invoice with payment instructions.

Please note that acceptance does not mean enrollment. Once accepted, you are placed on a wait list.

You are not enrolled, and do not have a reserved seat, until we have received your full tuition. Course seats are filled in the order we receive tuition payments. Since our courses fill quickly it is important for you to send in your tuition immediately to secure a seat.

Once your tuition payment is received, you will be taken off the wait list and enrolled in your desired course/workshop provided a seat is still available. If all seats in your preferred course/workshop are filled by the time we receive your tuition payment, you will be informed that it is full and given the option to remain on the wait list in the event that a seat later become available, switch to another course at a later date with available seats or receive a refund.

If you have any questions regarding pricing or our policies, please Contact Us.

Required to Observe or Participate in the Course

Confidentiality of Information

During your participation in courses run by the Center for Medical Simulation (CMS), you may observe the performance of other individuals managing medical events and debriefing of those events. It is also possible that you may be a participant in these activities. You are asked to maintain and hold confidential all information regarding performance of individuals and details of the simulated cases.

By applying for this course, you acknowledge to having read and understood this statement and agree to maintain the strictest confidentiality about any observations you make regarding the performance of individuals and the simulated cases.

Permission to Review Video Recordings for Educational Purposes

During the course, you may participate in realistic simulated cases of medical events and/or simulated debriefings that may be video recorded for review during debriefings as part of the educational experience. The goal is for the facilitators to provide focused feedback to the team. The faculty may review these recordings at a later date for quality improvement of the training.

By applying for this course, you acknowledge to having read and understood that you may be video recorded in the course and agree to allow CMS faculty to review these video recordings for educational purposes.

If you have any questions regarding pricing or our policies, please Contact Us.