Improvement Advisor Professional Development Program

The Improvement Advisor (IA) plays a vital role in helping organizations identify, plan, and execute improvement projects, deliver successful results, and spread changes across the entire system. Organizations that achieve multiple and sustained improvements almost always have the invaluable leadership of an IA at the helm.

To effectively meet the demands of this role, Improvement Advisors need a solid foundation in the art and science of improvement, advanced knowledge and skills to lead change, and the ability to coach front-line teams in achieving and sustaining results. They must also be able to clearly communicate with senior management, summarize progress, highlight barriers, and secure sponsorship.

Making the Case: Download the Justification Letter to provide high-level information on the Improvement Advisor Professional Development program.

Session Agenda

The Improvement Advisor Professional Development Program has been redesigned to maximize flexibility while maintaining the rigor and rich interaction for which it is known.

The program is now organized into three learning units, each lasting 5–6 weeks, with consistent time blocks reserved for live online sessions and interactive activities. Between units, 10-week action periods allow participants to apply concepts directly to their own improvement projects while receiving ongoing faculty support.

This balanced blend of structured live learning, self-paced study, and real-world application ensures participants can engage deeply without extended time away from their organizations.

View Full Program Schedule here.
 

Some schedule elements are subject to change. Any questions or concerns about the schedule, please email: improvementprograms@ihi.org​
 

Continuing Education

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In support of improving patient care, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the health care team.

Credit totals for the 2026 Improvement Advisor program are being finalized.

This program typically provides 75 credits for physicians, nurses, and Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) recertification.

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement designates this blended learning activity for a maximum of 75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This activity may also be applicable for other professions that accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

​As a result of this program, attendees will be able to:

• Lead improvement efforts in your organization
• Use the System of Profound Knowledge to guide your work
• Use Shewhart charts to understand variation
• Develop projects informed by Planned Experimentation to understand the cause-and-effect system producing the outcomes

Planning Committee

Rebecca Steinfield, MA, Senior Project Director and Improvement Advisor, IHI
Amar Shah, MD, Chief Quality Officer, East London Foundation NHS Foundation Trust
Patricia McGaffigan, RN, MS, CPPS, Vice President, IHI
Elena Origlio, Senior Program Manager, IHI
 

Disclosure: None of the planners, presenters, or staff for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Fees & Scholarships

Enrollment Fee

Regular Rate: $13,500 per participant

This fee includes:

• All program materials, tools, and literature
• Monthly webinars and coaching
• A community site and listserv to connect participants throughout the program and encourage active collaboration, facilitated by IHI faculty

Group Rate: $11,475 per participant

Organizations sending three or more people are eligible to receive a 15% Group Discount. Please fill out the Group Enrollment form to register a team at the Group Rate.

GSA Pricing For US Government

IHI offers GSA pricing for US government employees to enroll in this educational program. For more information and pricing, see IHI's GSA schedule.

Scholarships Available

IHI is pleased to offer a limited amount of funding for scholarships. Please note that scholarships are available to assist with program enrollment costs ONLY and are not applicable for travel, food, or accommodation costs associated with attending the program. To apply for scholarships and special discounts, complete the online Scholarship Application.​

Scholarship applications are due by February 23, 2026.

Please note:

• If you are eligible for a discount — because you qualify for a membership discount or you have received a need-based scholarship — it will be automatically applied to your registration. 
• After checkout, you will receive a confirmation of purchase. You can also print an invoice from your online profile 24 hours after your purchase. ​

Review IHI Cancellation Policy