Future healthcare professionals to train in region’s newest state-of-the-art simulation building

ORLANDO, Fla. - Students in Central Florida deserve a place to learn on the latest healthcare simulation technology, allowing them to build skills, discover resilience and practice whole-person care.

The AdventHealth University Simulation Center, officially opened Sept. 24, is one of the most advanced healthcare simulation facilities in the region, training the next generation of healthcare professionals to address the needs of a growing and aging population.

"Today, we enter a new era of learning - when our commitment to our students is taken to the next level," AdventHealth University President and CEO C. Josef Ghosn, EdD, FACHE, told guests at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the building. "Our goal is not simply to graduate healthcare professionals. We aspire to graduate caregivers who are spiritually grounded, emotionally intelligent and unapologetically empathetic. That transformation happens in our classrooms, lectures, clinical training and right here - in this extraordinary new Simulation Center."

The center, located at 501 E. King St. on the Orlando campus of AdventHealth University, features high-fidelity manikins, an immersive classroom that extends to the walls and floor, giant LED screens for multi-faceted lessons, a Nursing Skills Lab with Smart Room technology, virtual reality headsets, a residential apartment setting to prepare students for careers in home health or occupational therapy, and a giant outdoor learning space for reflection, collaboration and connection with nature.

"Healthcare simulation improves clinical skills, teaches collaboration, enhances communication skills, and encourages trial and error in a safe environment, and evidence shows that healthcare simulation improves patient outcomes," said Arlene Johnson, PhD, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, RN, dean of nursing at AdventHealth University. "That means less illness, less risk of death, more opportunities to assess healthcare disparities, and stronger patient safety cultures in our hospitals and doctor's offices."

Designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice, the center represents a bold investment in the region's healthcare workforce pipeline.

The ribbon cutting ceremony included AdventHealth leaders, elected leaders from around the state, AdventHealth University leaders, students and recent graduates.

Labs and classes officially began at the Simulation Center this week. Learn more about AdventHealth University at ahu.edu.