Central Line Course

The Central Line Course, offered by the Clinical Simulation Program (CSP) within the Center for Faculty and Professional Development, supports Geisinger's core value of "Making better health easier." This course aims to change healthcare for the better by educating and training the next generation of providers.

This course utilizes a flipped learning approach, where participants will complete prework asynchronously. Prework includes:

  • Pre-course evaluation
  • Review of learning materials (video, readings, etc.)
  • Completion of a knowledge assessment

During the scheduled in-person session, learners will engage in didactic lectures, live demonstrations, hands-on practice, and a skills assessment. Through a standardized approach to simulation-based education and assessment, we seek to ensure that our learners demonstrate a baseline level of knowledge and technical skills needed for safe central line insertion.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Identification of anatomy using ultrasound
  • Sterile insertion techniques
  • Recognition and management of complications
  • Understanding the indications and contraindications

This course aims to equip participants with the confidence and competence required for safe and effective central venous line placement.

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

  • Learners: Medical students, residents, and fellows who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in central line placement.
  • Practicing Clinicians: Physicians and advanced practice providers seeking to improve their proficiency in central line placement.

Please be sure to contact the Clinical Simulation Program ([email protected]) to express interest in taking the course and schedule the in-person portion prior to enrolling in the course and completing the prework.

Important Note: This course is NOT to be completed by incoming trainees as part of their Graduate Medical Education (GME) onboarding/orientation. Those learners should refer to the private learning group and follow the instructions provided in their onboarding packet.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  • identify relevant anatomical landmarks using ultrasound for central venous line placement,
  • demonstrate sterile insertion techniques for central venous lines,
  • recognize and manage potential complications associated with central line placement,
  • understand the indications and contraindications for central venous line placement, and
  • perform central venous line placement with confidence and competence.
Course summary
Course opens: 
05/05/2025
Course expires: 
06/30/2026

Activity Director
Tanisha Robinson, MD
Medical Director, Clinical Simulation Program
Geisinger Medical Center

Core Faculty
Jessica Carney, DO, FAAP, Pediatric Hospitalist, GMC
Jason Crellin, DO, FAAP, FACEP, Emergency Medicine, GMC
Sandy Green, MD, MedEd, Interventional Cardiology, GMC
Andrew Peckham, MD, MPH, Medicine/Pediatric Hospitalist, GMC

This is not a CME credit-bearing activity at present.

Please login or register to take this course.