Quality Improvement Scholars Program

Program Overview

The Quality Improvement Scholars Program (QISP) is a year-long training program designed to support individuals seeking advanced training in QI research methods and leadership skills. Graduates of the program are capable of leading, publishing and mentoring others engaged in quality-focused projects.

What the QI Scholars Program Offers

12 interactive, monthly seminars covering QI research methods and leadership skills
One-on-one mentoring from QI research experts, data analytic and statistical support (provided for Seattle Children’s and UW Medicine applicants only)
Access to a community of peers from across the health system who are engaged in rigorous quality improvement projects
Flexibility to join sessions live or review recorded content on course website
Up to 45 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for physicians and up to 46 ANCC contact hours for nurses
Certificate of Excellence in QI Scholarship

Curriculum and Dates

October 15, 2025: Welcome to QI Scholars and Fundamentals of Quality Improvement
November 19, 2025: Assessing and Improving Disparities Using QI Research Methods
December 10, 2025: Advanced QI Tools and Applications
January 14, 2026: Leading Change
February 11, 2026: Survey Development in Quality Improvement Research
March 11, 2026: Introduction to Implementation Science
April 8, 2026: Health Economics and QI Supply, Demand and Value and Decision Analysis
May 13, 2026: Introduction to Statistical Process Control/Using QI Charts Software
June 10, 2026: Interrupted Time Series Analysis in QI Research
July 15, 2026: Geospatial Analysis in Quality Improvement
August 19, 2026: Advanced SPC and Challenging Cases
September 16, 2026: Leadership in Quality Improvement

Program and Tuition Information for Applicants

Internal applicants (from Seattle Children’s and UW Medicine)

Read Program Information for Internal Applicants.

Apply Now (Internal Applicants)

External applicants (outside Seattle Children’s and UW Medicine)

Tier 1. Virtual, curriculum only. QI research and leadership curriculum (12 half-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.).
Participants attend monthly, half-day QI research and leadership didactic sessions via Zoom. The sessions are led by national experts in the field of QI science. Access to recorded didactic sessions plus course readings and materials available to enrolled participants via the course website. See curriculum and dates above for full list of session dates and topics.

Physician participants are eligible to earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits (up to 45 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™). Nurse participants are eligible to earn Continuing Education Contact Hours (up to 46 ANCC).
- Tuition: $2,000
Tier 2. In person at Seattle Children’s. QI research and leadership curriculum (12 full-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
Sessions held at Seattle Children’s. Scholars are exposed to QI research methods and leadership skills during 12 monthly seminars. The sessions are led by national experts in QI science. The morning seminars are a blend of didactics, small group exercises and practical hands-on applications.

The monthly sessions are structured as follows:
- 8:30–9 a.m.: Breakfast (optional)
- 9 a.m.–12 p.m.: Interactive didactic seminar
- 12–1 p.m.: Lunch and break
- 1–3 p.m.: Work in Progress and/or guided project work time
Tier 2 participants are expected to work on a local QI project in tandem with program participation. Applicants are encouraged to identify their own data/analytics support. Data analytics and statistical support are not provided for external applicants. Tier 2 participants can present a Work in Progress at least twice during program participation. These presentations serve as excellent opportunities to address project barriers with the larger group and active participation/engagement is expected. Participants at this level also have access to 12 recorded QI research didactic sessions plus course readings and materials.

Physician participants are eligible to earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits (up to 45 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™). Nurse participants are eligible to earn Continuing Education Contact Hours (up to 46 ANCC).
- Tuition: $5,000

Apply Now (External Applicants, Tier 1)

Apply Now (External Applicants, Tier 2)