Join us at the Healthcare Educator Conference: Igniting Education Excellence – the premier event designed for healthcare educators at every stage of their career, from newcomers to seasoned professors. In a region where educator development conferences are few and far between, this is your unique opportunity to enhance your teaching skills, discover cutting-edge strategies, and explore the latest technologies shaping healthcare education. Whether you're looking to refine your approach or introduce innovative techniques to your classroom, this virtual conference will empower you with the knowledge and tools to elevate your teaching and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a community committed to transforming healthcare education for a brighter, more effective future.
Target Audience
The target audience includes healthcare educators, ranging from early-career professionals to seasoned academic leaders.
Enrollment Cost
After October 16:
*Registrations accepted with credit card payment or employer invoicing. A one-time invoice fee of $25.00 will be added to the requesting organization's official invoice sent by the University of Southern Indiana.
Refund Policy
Refunds are available, less a $50 administrative fee, through October 16, 2026. No refunds will be provided after that date.
Karen Morin, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Dr. Karen Morin is Professor Emerita at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She has expertise in doctoral education (PhD & DNP), curriculum development and program evaluation, faculty and leadership development, publishing and maternal child nursing. She has spoken to national and international audiences on the impact of obesity on pregnancy outcomes, developing leaders in nursing writ large, retiring with intention, succession planning and faculty development needs.
She is an accomplished author, having published over 270 articles, editorials, and columns, and she frequently conducts writing workshops. As the Professional Development Editor for the Journal of Advanced Nursing, the Journal of Clinical Nursing and Nursing Open, Dr. Morin was instrumental in designing a professional development program for Early Career Researchers for the three journals. She continues to mentor early career authors in their writing efforts.
Maghan Bretz, PT, MPT
Maghan Bretz, PT, MPT, NCS, is an outpatient neurologic physical therapist at ProgressiveHealth, director of the Neurologic Residency Partnership Program at the Institute for Knowledge Translation and adjunct faculty in the University of Evansville's Doctor of Physical Therapy program. A Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, she developed Indiana's first neurologic physical therapy residency program and led it until 2026. Maghan's work focuses on translating evidence into clinical practice through education, residency training, and the rehabilitation of individuals with neurologic conditions. She has presented locally, statewide, and nationally on evidence-based neurologic rehabilitation and healthcare education.
Her presentation title is: "Conversations That Matter: Navigating Hope, Honesty, and Uncertainty in Evidenced-Based Neurologic Care."
Spence Farmer
Spence Farmer is an Instructional Designer for USI Online and Adult Learning. His talk will address ways to make online courses more accessible for students.
Stephanie Hirons,
DNP, RN, LMHC, PMH-BC, NE-BC
Dr. Stephanie Hirons, USI Assistant Professor of Nursing, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse and a licensed mental health counselor. She holds bachelor's degrees in nursing and psychology, a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and a doctorate degree in nursing. Dr. Hirons will present "Resilience in Healthcare Education."
Jennifer Embree,
DNP, RN, NE-BC, CCNS, FAAN
Dr. Jennifer L. Embree is the Chief Wellness Officer at Indiana University School of Nursing at Bloomington, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. She is also a Clinical Professor and Clinical Nurse Specialist at Indiana University School of Nursing in Indianapolis, She is the Nursing Research Scientist at Eskenazi Health and coordinator of the Master's in Nursing Leadership and Health Systems track at the IU School of Nursing. She teaches leadership in the DNP Executive Leadership and Population Health Programs.
Dr. Embree is the co-associate editor of the Journal of Continuing Education in “Nursing’s Teaching Tips” column, and reviewer for several nursing journals.
As the Chief Wellness Officer at IU School of Nursing, Dr. Embree leads the strategy around well-being and facilitates wellness programs and initiatives to support IU School of Nursing students, faculty and staff well-being.
Dr. Embree’s current research includes professional identity in nursing, health work environment, civility, clinician well-being, perceptions of safe staffing, and interventions for workplace bullying. She is passionate about helping individuals and communities achieve self-stewardship (or their own well-being).
Agenda
Check back later for the 2026 agenda!
Contact Hours
The University of Southern Indiana designates this activity for 6.25 contact hours. CE hours will be available for Nurses, Physicians, Pharmacists, Social Workers, and Health Facility Administrators. CE hours will also be available for Indiana licensed Marriage & Family Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapists Assistants, Mental Health Counselors, and Dental Professionals.
Call for Abstracts:
April 1- May 15
Poster Suggestions (300 words or less):
For more schedule information, call toll-free 1-877-USI-HLTH (874-4584) or 812-461-5217 or email usi1nhpcert@usi.edu.
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the University of Southern Indiana Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning (CHPLL). The CHPLL is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
The University of Southern Indiana is an approved provider of continuing education for several professionals licensed in the state of Indiana, including social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, mental health counselors, and dental professionals.
The University of Southern Indiana has been approved by the Indiana State Board of Health Facility Administrators as a sponsor of continuing education programs for health facility administrators. License number: 98000033A
State of California
The University of Southern Indiana is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Provider #13378.
