The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 26 to celebrate the opening of its new Regional Simulation Lab, a state-of-the-art training space designed to support healthcare education and workforce development across the region.
The event brought together community leaders, educators, healthcare partners, and supporters to mark the completion of the project, which expands hands-on learning opportunities for students and professionals alike.
The simulation lab features a range of high-, medium-, and low-fidelity manikins, a simulated ambulance, and clinical environments that replicate real-world healthcare settings. The space is designed to support learners at all stages, from K-12 students exploring career pathways to nursing, EMS, and other healthcare professionals advancing their skills.
Guests at the event had the opportunity to tour the facility, view demonstrations, and learn more about how the lab will be used to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce pipeline.
“This lab represents an investment in both people and the future of healthcare in Southwest Virginia,” said David Matlock, executive director of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. “By providing hands-on training, we’re helping learners build the skills they need right here at home, so they can enter the workforce and continue providing care in our community.”
The Regional Simulation Lab was made possible through collaborative support from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, Appalachian Regional Commission, the Southwest Virginia Healthcare Excellence Academy Lab School, Ballad Health, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation, The United Company Foundation, Food City, and the A. Linwood Holton Governor’s School.
“The nursing shortage remains a key issue in Southwest Virginia, and investing in educational programs and high-quality training has always been one of the most effective ways to increase an in-demand workforce,” said Sen. Todd Pillion, a member of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. “Thanks to funding from the Tobacco Commission and state budget appropriations, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center’s state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab will equip students with career-ready skills that cannot be taught in a traditional classroom.”
The lab is now fully operational and will serve students, educators, and industry partners throughout the region.
For more information about the simulation lab and healthcare programs at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, visit www.swcenter.edu/healthcare.
