Hands-On Skills Labs
We are thrilled to announce the inclusion of six hands-on skills labs dedicated to diverse Otolaryngology topics and procedures.
- Advanced OTOSCOPY Hands-On Skills Lab
- Dizziness Decoded: Clinical Decision-Making in Vestibular Disorders for APPs
- Hands-on Pediatric Otoscopy: Building Essential Ear Assessment Skills
- Hands-On Scoping Skills Lab: Advanced Airway Assessment
- Tracheostomy & Laryngectomy Skills Lab: Simulation-Based Training for Pediatric & Adult Airway Care
- Pediatric Office Based Procedures for APRNs and PAs
These labs, led by experienced advanced practice providers and nurses, are grounded in evidence-based practices and guidelines aimed at enhancing your clinical practice. Elevate your expertise by participating in these enriching sessions.
Labs are available for in-person participation only; however, didactics are available as self-paced learning modules on the SOHN Online Learning Center for the following topics:
- Comprehensive Tracheostomy and Modules
- Comprehensive Otology Modules
- Comprehensive Pediatric Otolaryngology Modules
- Scoping in Otolaryngology: A Comprehensive Review for APPs
- Chronic Cough
Advanced OTOSCOPY Hands-On Skills Lab
This comprehensive two-part course is designed for healthcare professionals with basic to intermediate experience in otomicroscopy who wish to expand their knowledge and strengthen their procedural skills in advanced otologic care. Participants will complete a self-paced didactic module prior to the conference, followed by a 3-hour hands-on skills lab focused on translating knowledge into practical clinical applications.
The curriculum reviews ear anatomy and physiology, common otologic conditions, and principles of diagnosis, triage, and treatment using portable microscopy. Through a combination of focused instruction and interactive procedural training, participants will refine their technical skills while gaining confidence in advanced otologic interventions.
Hands-on training includes:
- Pressure equalization (PE) tube insertion
- Intratympanic steroid injections
- Ear bolstering techniques
- Basic mastoid debridement
- Cerumen removal
- Foreign body removal
Using both high- and low-fidelity simulation models, participants will practice procedures in a realistic and supportive learning environment designed to enhance clinical competence and procedural confidence.
Target Audience: Advanced practice nurses and physician assistants with basic to intermediate otomicroscopy experience seeking to advance their otologic knowledge and procedural expertise.
Activity Type: Hands-On Simulation Workshop (3 Contact Hours), Self-Paced Didactic Modules (3 Contact Hours)
Course Credit: 6 Contact Hours
Cost: $200
Date: Thursday, October 8 | 9:00AM–12:00 PM
Dizziness Decoded: Clinical Decision-Making in Vestibular Disorders for APRNs and PAs
Dizziness is a common, and challenging complaint encountered in otolaryngology practice. This interactive course provides Advanced Practice Providers with a practical framework for evaluating, diagnosing, and managing patients presenting with dizziness and imbalance disorders.
Participants will strengthen their understanding of vestibular anatomy and physiology while learning evidence-based approaches to differentiate common vestibular disorders. Through case-based discussions and hands-on instruction, learners will develop confidence in performing vestibular assessments, selecting appropriate diagnostic tests, implementing treatment strategies, and determining when specialty referral is warranted.
The course includes hands-on practice with canal-specific repositioning maneuvers and a review of pharmacologic management options commonly used in vestibular care.
Target Audience: Advanced Practice Providers (APRNs, NPs, and PAs) practicing in outpatient otolaryngology, also open to RNs interested in gaining more knowledge in this content
Activity Type: Live Interactive Workshop
Course Credit: 3 Contact Hours
Cost: $150
- Optional Bundle course with Comprehensive Otology Online Learning Modules (3 additional contact hours) - $200
Date: Thursday, October 8 | 1:00–4:00 PM
Hands-On Scoping Skills Lab: Advanced Airway Assessment
This comprehensive two-part course is designed for advanced practice providers seeking to develop and refine their skills in upper airway endoscopic assessment. Participants will complete a self-paced didactic curriculum prior to the conference, followed by a 2.5-hour hands-on skills lab focused on translating foundational knowledge into practical clinical application.
The didactic curriculum provides a comprehensive review of adult and pediatric upper airway anatomy and physiology, common otolaryngologic disorders, indications for endoscopic evaluation, and interpretation of normal and abnormal findings. Participants will explore the role of endoscopy in the assessment and management of sinonasal, pharyngeal, and laryngeal conditions while strengthening clinical decision-making related to diagnosis, treatment planning, referral, and longitudinal patient management.
Additional content includes procedural documentation, coding and billing considerations, patient selection, safety principles, and best practices for incorporating endoscopic procedures into outpatient otolaryngology practice.
During the hands-on skills lab, participants will perform flexible nasopharyngoscopy and flexible laryngoscopy on live volunteers under the guidance of experienced faculty. Through supervised practice, learners will refine scope handling techniques, improve visualization of key anatomic structures, and develop confidence in identifying common pathologic findings encountered in both pediatric and adult populations.
Hands-on training includes:
- Flexible nasopharyngoscopy
- Flexible laryngoscopy
- Identification of normal upper airway anatomy
- Recognition of common sinonasal, pharyngeal, and laryngeal pathology
- Endoscope handling, patient positioning, and procedural techniques
- Documentation, coding, and interpretation of findings
- Clinical decision-making based on endoscopic assessment
Participants will gain practical experience in a supportive learning environment designed to enhance procedural competence, diagnostic accuracy, and confidence in performing endoscopic examinations in the outpatient setting.
Target Audience: Advanced practice nurses (NPs) and physician associates (Pas) seeking to develop or enhance their expertise in flexible endoscopic assessment of the upper airway.
Activity Type: Hands-On Skills Lab (2.5 Contact Hours), Self-Paced Didactic Modules (4 Contact Hours)
Course Credit: 6.5 Contact Hours
Cost: $250
Date: Thursday, October 8 | 1:00–3:30 PM
Hands-on Pediatric Otoscopy: Building Essential Ear Assessment Skills
Designed for pediatric primary care and family practice advanced practice providers, this interactive pediatric otitis workshop provides practical, evidence-based training in the evaluation and management of common pediatric ear conditions encountered in the outpatient and urgent care settings. Led by pediatric ENT nurse practitioners, the course combines focused didactic instruction with hands-on skill development to enhance diagnostic accuracy, clinical confidence, and procedural competence.
Participants will review the pathophysiology, presentation, and management of common ear disorders including eustachian tube dysfunction, otitis media with effusion, and acute otitis media, as well as when to refer to ENT. The workshop will also emphasize proper pediatric ear examination techniques, recognition of normal versus abnormal findings, and interpretation of basic audiograms relevant to primary care practice.
Hands-on procedural stations will allow participants to practice commonly needed primary care office and urgent care skills, including cerumen removal and pediatric ear foreign body removal techniques.
By the end of the course, participants will be better equipped to perform thorough pediatric ear evaluations, differentiate common otologic conditions, interpret hearing assessment findings, and safely perform basic ear procedures in the clinical setting.
Activity Type: Didactic instruction with interactive hands-on skills workshop
Target Audience: Advanced Practice Providers (NPs/PA’s) in the primary care setting or otolaryngology setting caring for children with otologic concerns.
Course Credit: 3 Contact hours
Cost: $150
- Optional bundle course with Comprehensive Pediatric Otolaryngology Online Learning Modules (7 additional contact hours) - $225
Date: Thursday, October 8 | 1:00–4:00 PM
Tracheostomy & Laryngectomy Skills Lab: Simulation-Based Training for Pediatric & Adult Airway Care
This comprehensive tracheostomy and laryngectomy skills lab is a two-part course designed for healthcare professionals caring for pediatric and adult patients with artificial airways. Participants will complete self-paced didactic modules prior to the conference, followed by a 2.5-hour hands-on skills lab that integrates foundational knowledge into practical clinical training.
The curriculum covers airway and tracheal anatomy and physiology, indications for tracheostomy, routine tracheostomy and laryngectomy care, and emergency airway interventions. Through simulation-based learning and case discussions, participants will develop practical skills in tracheostomy tube changes, suctioning, stoma care, artificial airway management, and the recognition and management of acute complications.
Special emphasis is placed on pediatric and adult airway considerations, patient and family education, communication strategies, and evidence-based management across diverse clinical settings. Using high- and low-fidelity simulation models, participants will gain confidence and competence in delivering safe, high-quality airway care.
Activity Type: Hands-on Simulation Workshop (2.5 Contact hours), Self-paced Didactic modules (6 Contact hours)
Course Credit: 9 Contact hours
Target Audience: Advanced Practice Providers (NPs/PA’s) and Registered Nurses (RNs) in the otolaryngology head & neck setting caring for children and adults with airway concerns.
Cost: $225
Date: Sunday, October 11 | 1:00–3:30 PM
Pediatric Office-Based Procedures: Hands-On Skills Lab for APPs
Designed for advanced practice providers and nurses caring for pediatric otolaryngology patients, this interactive skills lab provides practical, hands-on training in commonly performed office-based procedures. Through a series of rotating skills stations led by experienced pediatric otolaryngology clinicians, participants will gain exposure to procedural techniques, equipment, clinical decision-making, and best practices for safe and effective patient care.
Participants will rotate through hands-on stations focused on the evaluation and management of common pediatric otolaryngology conditions and procedures, allowing learners to develop procedural familiarity, improve clinical confidence, and enhance their understanding of indications, techniques, and potential complications.
Hands-on training stations include:
- Epistaxis management and control
- Nasal foreign body removal
- Ear foreign body removal (canal and lobule)
- Cerumen removal techniques (curettage and irrigation)
- Otitis externa management, including wick placement and gentian violet application
- Otoscopy and otomicroscopy with suction techniques
- Tongue-tie and lip-tie assessment and management
- Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) incision and drainage
- Incision and drainage of superficial wounds and abscesses
- Infant ear molding techniques
- Auricular hematoma management
- Basic suturing techniques
Participants will practice skills using simulation models, task trainers, and clinical equipment in a supportive learning environment designed to enhance procedural competence and confidence in the outpatient setting.
To complement the hands-on experience, participants may elect to complete a comprehensive self-paced online pediatric otolaryngology curriculum prior to the conference. The online modules provide an in-depth review of pediatric head and neck anatomy and physiology, common otolaryngologic diseases, diagnostic evaluation, clinical management, and evidence-based treatment approaches related to the procedures featured in the skills lab. While strongly recommended, completion of the online curriculum is not required to participate in the hands-on course.
The self-paced modules may be purchased separately or bundled with the skills lab for comprehensive educational experience and cost savings.
Target Audience: Advanced practice providers (NPs, APRNs, and PAs) seeking to develop or expand their procedural skills in pediatric otolaryngology, as well as nurses interested in gaining a deeper understanding of common office-based pediatric ENT procedures.
Activity Type: Hands-On Skills Lab (3 Contact Hours) with Optional Self-Paced Online Pediatric Otolaryngology Curriculum (7 Contact Hours)
Course Credit: 3 Contact Hours (Hands-On Skills Lab) or 10 Contact Hours (Bundled Option)
Cost: $150 (skills only)
- Optional bundle course with Comprehensive Pediatric Otolaryngology Online learning Modules (6 additional contact hours) - $225
Date: Sunday, October 11| 1:00–4:00 PM
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