November 17th, recognized as International Students Day, is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of lifelong learning, especially for those in the healthcare profession. While many may not view themselves as students after leaving formal education, healthcare providers know all too well that learning is a never-ending journey. From continuing education requirements to re-certifications and additional training, healthcare professionals are perpetual students. Whether it's a formal course or an unexpected "aha" moment during a patient interaction, these learning experiences contribute to our professional growth and our ability to provide the best possible care.

Lifelong learning in healthcare isn’t just about advancing careers—it's about staying current with ever-evolving knowledge, technologies, and treatment methodologies. The medical field advances rapidly, and those who work in it must continually update their skills to remain competent and effective. In this sense, healthcare professionals are always in a state of learning, even if they don't always recognize themselves as students.

The Subtle Nature of Lifelong Learning

Not all education comes from formal coursework or structured training programs. Healthcare providers often learn “in the moment”—whether through day-to-day interactions with colleagues, patients, or new challenges in their practice. How many times have you learned something unexpected from a conversation with a coworker, or a unique patient case that made you stop and think, “I didn’t know that”? These “student moments” are part of the informal education that happens throughout the career of a healthcare professional.

Lifelong learning is a hallmark of dedication and adaptability in healthcare. For many, the lessons learned outside the classroom are just as impactful as those gained within. Whether we are shifting specialties, learning about new regulations, or enhancing patient care techniques, every new insight contributes to the journey of professional and personal growth.

The Origins of International Students Day

International Students Day may not be widely known, but its history carries a powerful message of courage and the thirst for knowledge. The day traces back to a tragic yet pivotal moment in 1939 in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. Students at the Medical Faculty of Charles University in Prague gathered in peaceful protest to commemorate the establishment of an independent Czechoslovak Republic. The demonstration, however, turned deadly when the Nazis brutally suppressed the event, resulting in the death of a student.

What followed was a dramatic escalation. Thousands of students attended the student’s funeral, transforming it into an anti-Nazi demonstration. In response, the Nazis unleashed their full force, shutting down all Czech universities, arresting over 1,200 students, and sending them to concentration camps. On November 17th, the brutality reached its peak when nine students were executed without trial.

Historians suggest that the Third Reich allowed the initial funeral procession to occur, anticipating the resulting demonstration would provide the pretext they needed to close down Czech universities. By silencing these academic institutions, the Nazis aimed to suppress intellectual resistance and weaken the spirit of rebellion among students and academics.

November 17th was chosen as International Students Day to honor the memory and bravery of these student activists. The first official observance took place in 1941 at the International Students’ Council in London, where it was decided that the date would serve as a global reminder of the role students play in shaping society and fighting for justice.

Honoring Students and Lifelong Learners in Healthcare

Today, International Students Day is about more than remembering history—it’s about celebrating the drive for education and the impact that learning has on our world. Students everywhere work tirelessly to achieve their goals and shape the future. As healthcare professionals, we are lifelong students, constantly refining our skills and growing our knowledge in order to improve the lives of those we serve.

In healthcare, this commitment to learning isn't just about professional advancement—it's a critical component of ensuring high-quality patient care. The ability to adapt to new challenges and integrate the latest research into practice is what keeps the profession moving forward. Whether it’s learning new life-saving techniques, understanding the nuances of patient care, or adopting new technologies, healthcare providers embody the essence of lifelong learning.

ACLS Academy: For Providers, By Providers

At ACLS Academy, we understand the importance of continuous education in the healthcare profession. We are proud to offer a range of courses designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills they need to excel. As an authorized American Heart Association (AHA)-Aligned Training Center, ACLS Academy offers advanced certification courses such as:

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) and ACLS for Advanced Providers

• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course)

• BLS (Basic Life Support)

• ENPC (Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course)

• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)

• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) and PALS Plus

• PEARS (Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization) 

• Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring

• Bloodborne Pathogen

• HeartSaver CPR/AED, First Aid

• Stop the Bleed

We also offer Instructor Courses and Group, Corporate, and Executive On-site Training

With three convenient locations in Massachusetts—Quincy, Bridgewater, and Newton Center—and the inclusion of online training components for most courses, we aim to make lifelong learning as accessible as possible for busy healthcare professionals. Our courses are taught by experienced medical professionals who understand the challenges and demands of the field, ensuring that our students receive real-world, practical instruction. Please browse our catalog of courses.

This International Students Day, let’s honor not only traditional students but also the healthcare professionals who dedicate themselves to lifelong learning. Whether through formal certifications, re-certifications, or day-to-day experiences, every step of the learning process is vital to delivering quality care. At ACLS Academy, we are proud to be part of this ongoing journey, providing the training and resources needed to keep healthcare professionals at the forefront of their field.