Our Story

The Western States Simulation Alliance (WSSA), formerly the California Simulation Alliance (CSA), brings together individuals, organizations, and associations across California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Hawai‘i. This expanded regional focus strengthens collaboration, broadens access to resources, and enhances opportunities to contribute to simulation excellence throughout the western states. To join this exciting alliance, click HERE.

Founded by HealthImpact in 2008, the original CSA was created to connect and support interdisciplinary healthcare educators in California and beyond. Since then, the use of simulation in healthcare has grown significantly. Educators and clinicians increasingly rely on a variety of simulation modalities—both in pre‑licensure programs to enrich clinical learning and in healthcare settings to advance patient care, safety, and team performance.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Vision: Strengthening the healthcare workforce through high-quality simulation 

Mission: To strengthen expertise in simulation and advocate for simulation policy through interprofessional education, collaboration, and evidence-based practice

Values:  (Education, Collaboration, Partnerships, Research, Policy)

• Education:  We believe that evidence-based simulation prepares students for practice, strengthens curricula, and that all simulation faculty need ongoing development
• Collaboration: Networking and sharing best practices strengthens our alliance
• Partnerships: Strategic partnerships are critical to advance simulation best practices and expand opportunities for outreach
• Research: We promote inter-organizational research on simulation
• Policy: We are a voice for simulation to continuously improve the preparation of the healthcare workforce