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Arkansas Children's Simulation Education Center  (ACSEC)

Arkansas Children’s Simulation Education Center opened in 2007, becoming the country’s first comprehensive simulation program at a children’s hospital. Today, the ACSEC is situated in a 4,200 SF stand-alone building on the campus of Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. The current configuration of space, which includes two medical education/simulation rooms, three outpatient clinic/exam rooms, two debrief/conference rooms and an observation room, allows us to simulate clinic rooms, inpatient rooms, emergency department bays, and even the hospital lobby. In addition, we take simulation courses and trainings out of the ACSEC and into the places and spaces where real events happen. This has been possible because of industry advancements that have allowed us to use improved wireless manikins and other transportable technology outside of the ACSEC. We have provided simulation trainings in the hospital, our outpatient clinics, at Arkansas Children’s Northwest and in communities around Arkansas.

Our Mission

In support of the mission, vision and values of Arkansas Children’s, the Arkansas Children’s Simulation Education Center (ACSEC) increases overall safety, advances skills training, promotes team development, and supports quality/safety/risk improvements using innovative simulation education.

Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy

Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) Accreditation

Accreditation through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare is a worldwide accreditation, which signifies the highest standard of quality review for healthcare simulation programs. It addresses the following Standards and Criteria: Mission and Governance, Program Management, Resource Management, Human Resources, Program Improvement, Integrity and Expansion of the field of Simulation. This designation is considered a mark of excellence for a healthcare simulation program indicating the highest standards for quality, safety, and educational impact have been met. This "prestigious recognition highlights the dedication and excellence of simulation programs that meet rigorous standards and contribute to advancing the field of healthcare simulation" (SSH, 2025).

The Simulation Education Center received Full Accreditation in November 2024. The accreditation is in effect until December 2029. The ACSEC is the only fully accredited hospital-based simulation center in Arkansas.

Medical Director

Benefits of Using Simulation

Simulation is a safe learning environment where:

  • Gaps in learning and practice can be identified and closed
  • Real-time response to emergencies and rapid deterioration can be rehearsed, allowing team members to clarify roles and responsibilities while improving internal communication
  • Individual and team decision-making skills can be sharpened
  • Confidence, consistency, and proficiency in a challenging healthcare environment can be fostered through correct practice
  • Processes can be studied and honed
  • Communication skills with patients and families can be improved
  • Learners can solidify their knowledge through hands-on practice

Simulation education supports:

  • Safety for patients, families, and Arkansas Children’s team members by increasing healthcare provider preparedness
  • Improved interprofessional teamwork by fostering communication and coordination among interprofessional teams
  • Consistency and quality in care delivery, process improvement, and clinical reasoning in unexpected situations
  • Innovation in healthcare practice through experiential learning where team members can make mistakes without fear of harming a real patient
  • Practice of vital technical and soft skills to provide better care to patients and families

ACSEC Initiatives

In support of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan for Arkansas Children's, the ACSEC is focused on programming that reinforces Arkansas Children's mission to champion children by making them better today and healthier tomorrow.

Many of the courses currently offered and being planned will contribute to our success in advancing patient care, building community, and championing excellence. Examples of current and planned curricula/training include:

  • Telehealth Curriculum – Delivering healthcare to patients and families across the state
  • CANDOR – Improving communication with our patients and families
  • eCPR/ECMO Training – Providing ongoing practice in critical life-saving procedures
  • Patient/Family Education – Supporting families with hands-on practice before returning home
  • First Responder Training – Focusing on pediatric emergency response for firefighters, paramedics, school nurses, athletic trainers and others throughout Arkansas
  • Task-Specific Education – Using innovative 3D printing and modeling for practicing pediatric procedures

In the Community

Our Center provides pediatric specific training to places in the community as well. Some of those include:

  • Athletic Trainers
  • Fire Departments
  • Local EMS
  • Police Departments
  • Pediatric Emergencies
  • School Nurses