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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Healthcare Workforce Partnership

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 kb****@******er.edu or join our email list below.

 

Join our Healthcare Career and Workforce Partnership!

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Director of Healthcare Initiatives

Meet Karen Brown

(276) 619-4302

kb****@******er.edu

Karen Brown is a seasoned leader in health education, program development, and community engagement with over a decade of experience in health workforce education. Most recently, she served as a Center Director at George Mason University’s Northern Virginia Area Health Education Center (AHEC) under George Mason’s Center of Health Workforce.

Previously, as Executive Director at Texas AHEC East – Waco Region, Karen played a key role in launching the AHEC Scholar Program, managing financial and grant operations, and developing healthcare workforce initiatives. Her career also includes roles in program coordination, youth empowerment, and professional training, with expertise in compliance, stakeholder engagement, and workforce development.  

Karen holds a  Master’s in Health Education and Promotion and multiple certifications in community health, leadership, and training. 

News

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