Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) and ThedaCare, Shawano, welcomed community members, students, and healthcare professionals to an open house showcasing one of Wisconsin's most innovative approaches to rural nursing education: hands-on training inside a working hospital.

This Open House highlighted educational nursing simulation spaces, where students complete coursework and clinical training in the same environment where they will ultimately care for patients. This long-standing partnership between NWTC and ThedaCare focus on addressing critical healthcare workforce gaps in rural regions. Together, both have developed forward-thinking solutions that allow students to train close to home, reducing barriers to entry and strengthening the local healthcare pipeline.

Attendees explored cutting-edge AR/VR simulation technology, hands-on clinical spaces, and new pathways designed to prepare the next generation of nurses directly within the Shawano community. These experiences provided a glimpse into how modern technology and collaborative learning environments are preparing students to deliver high-quality patient care from day one.

"This collaboration with ThedaCare, Shawano not only supports the expanding healthcare needs, but provides relevant hands-on experiences that make valuable impacts in the workforce" shared Jeannie Otto, K12 Pathways and Community Impact Coordinator, "We are supporting the long-term wellbeing of the community and creating a bright future for Shawano."

By expanding nursing education access in Shawano, NWTC and ThedaCare are helping more learners pursue careers in healthcare while building a stronger, more resilient local workforce. Graduates emerge confident and work-ready-benefitting both patients and the broader community.

To learn more about NWTC Shawano Nursing programs and opportunities available, visit nwtc.edu/Shawano