Healthcare Education Initiatives

Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

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Coming Soon: The Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab for Nursing and Allied Health

In 2024, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center secured approximately $1.8 million to create the Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab for Nursing and Allied Health. This initiative will provide students with hands-on training to prepare them for the healthcare field.

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Partnerships

The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is taking a vital step in supporting the workforce needs of the health and life sciences sectors in Southwest Virginia, and we want YOU to be a part of it!

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News & Events

Explore dynamic events at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center that inspire and promote healthcare education through expert insights and community engagement.

The Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab for Nursing and Allied Health

In 2024, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center secured $1.8 million in funding to establish the Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab for Nursing and Allied Health. This innovative project will transform a 1,200-square-foot classroom into a state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary lab that simulates various clinical environments. The lab will feature high- and low-fidelity manikins for adult, pediatric, and infant patients, allowing students to engage in realistic medical scenarios. Additionally, the space will include settings like hospital rooms, a simulated ambulance, a pharmacy IV hood, and a simulated apartment for home care practice.

The lab will also integrate advanced technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality tools, to enhance the learning experience. Equipped with audiovisual systems for recording and reviewing simulations, the lab will facilitate detailed debriefs to help students refine their skills. Designed for interdisciplinary education, the lab will foster collaboration among students across different healthcare fields. Expected to be completed by Fall 2025, the Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab promises to revolutionize healthcare education in the region, providing hands-on, real-world training in a no-risk environment that prepares students for the challenges of the healthcare industry.

The Simulation Lab consists of five distinct spaces, each designed to meet specific training needs. Learn more about them below:

Partnerships for a Stronger Healthcare Talent Pipeline

A single organization cannot create a talent pipeline of trained workers to meet industry needs. The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is proud to lead a collaboration amongst GO Virginia Region 1 employers, educators, nonprofits/philanthropy, and government leaders to collectively enhance the health science talent pipeline.

Who’s in GO Virginia Region 1?

This collaboration will focus on communities in the LENOWISCO, Cumberland Plateau, and Mount Rogers Health Districts.

Types of Partners:

  • The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
  • Educators
  • Employers
  • Government
  • Community, Nonprofits & Philanthropy

What Can We Achieve Together?

  • Shape education and training programs to meet industry needs
  • Increase outreach and exposure to students and job seekers
  • Improve utilization of resources and build education and training capacity
  • Communicate policy & regulatory challenges and shape solutions

Interested in Taking Part?

Contact Karen Brown, Director of Healthcare Education Initiatives, at kbrown@swcenter.edu or join our email list below.

 

Join our Healthcare Career and Workforce Partnership!

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News & Events

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