[July 12, 2017] Rocky Vista University (RVU) is pleased to announce that its top-of-the-line simulation center has received reaccreditation as a Comprehensive Education Institute. The center, named the Institute of Medical and Surgical Simulation, was subject to a site visit, application review, and performance report by the Accreditation Review Committee of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

While RVU previously received accreditation for the Surgical Simulation Center by ACS, this designation as a Comprehensive Education Institute is considered an “upgrade” by the accrediting organization. This designation allows RVU to deliver all manner of accredited simulation programs in the future. To date, RVU is the only osteopathic college to receive this accreditation by ACS. Additionally, it is the only medical school in the Mountain West region to hold this accreditation.

As part of the Institute of Medical and Surgical Simulation, medical students of the University are able to perform surgery using the cut suit (a human-worn body suit which simulates realistic trauma). Additionally, students and surgical residents practice techniques such as suturing, ultrasound, intubation, crichothyrotomies, and other important procedures and skills.

“This is truly a great honor,” said Thomas N. Told, DO, FACOFP dist., Dean of RVU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and Chief Academic Officer of RVU. “Congratulations to all who made this possible. It is a tribute to the entire RVU team.”

The University recently added the core value of “Innovation” to its previous values, focusing its attentions on consistently improving technology and practices with the goal of furthering medical education.