Westchester Community College is raising the bar for healthcare education with the opening of its new Health Sciences Simulation Center for Interprofessional Education, a state-of-the-art simulated hospital designed to prepare students for the realities of modern healthcare.
The 2,300-square-foot facility officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 29, marking a major milestone in the college’s longstanding commitment to workforce development in Westchester County. For decades, WCC has prepared medical professionals who serve the region’s hospitals, clinics, and emergency services. College leaders say the simulation center represents the next evolution of that mission.
“Our simulation center transforms how our nursing students will learn,” says Maureen Carman, the nursing department chairperson. “It gives every student access to consistent, high-quality clinical experiences where they can make decisions, learn from mistakes, and build confidence without risk to patients.”
The hands-on experience gained in the Simulation Center will now count for up to one-third of required clinical hours for nursing students, as approved by the New York State legislature in May 2023. This milestone not only increases training capacity but also ensures that students are better prepared for scenarios they will see after graduation, Carman says.
A Simulated Hospital, Built for Collaboration
Unlike traditional skills labs, the center mirrors the layout and workflow of an actual hospital. The space includes two large clinical simulation rooms outfitted with high-fidelity manikins positioned on hospital beds. One room is focused on maternal and child health and the other on adult medical, surgical, and geriatric care. A debriefing room allows students and faculty to observe simulations in real time or review recorded scenarios. Prep and storage rooms house more than 2,500 pieces of medical equipment and supplies.
Microphones and cameras record every scenario, allowing instructors to guide students through post-simulation critiques. The manikins are capable of mimicking breathing patterns, heart and lung sounds, pulses, and physiological responses to treatment. One manikin is designed to deliver a newborn, allowing students to experience every step of childbirth from labor to newborn assessment.
The center brings together students from nursing, paramedic studies, respiratory care, and radiologic technology. Having students from several disciplines working in the same space helps reflect how healthcare teams actually function in the field, says Gifford Blagrove, an assistant professor in the paramedic program.
“The interdisciplinary simulation center is essential in EMS education as it prepares students to provide timely, accurate, and high-quality emergency medical care,” says Blagrove. “It encourages teamwork with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.”
Addressing Gaps in Clinical Training
The creation of the simulation center was identified as a top institutional priority during the first decade of WCC president Dr. Belinda Miles’ tenure. As competition for clinical placements has intensified nationwide, simulation-based education has emerged as a solution that allows students to practice essential skills in a controlled and supervised environment.
For WCC students, the center means more consistent access to hands-on training and critical medical scenarios they might not otherwise encounter during limited clinical rotations.
“This simulation center will help future students feel more confident and competent in their skills, ease the pre-clinical nerves, and ensure every student can experience critical moments like a delivery or emergency situation,” says Marie-Anne Odink, a nursing student graduating December 22.
Odink also says the center will help create a more equitable learning experience. She often saw male students in the program denied the same opportunities for postpartum assessments or delivery observations as female students, and said the center removes that barrier.
A Community Investment
The simulation center was made possible through a combination of SUNY, college funding, and major support from the WCC Foundation. More than $2.5 million was raised through the foundation as part of the college’s $60 million Pathways Campaign, which focuses on increasing college readiness, supporting student success, and strengthening career pathways across Westchester County.
The grand opening drew county officials, college leadership, and students to celebrate the new facility. Guests toured the space and observed live demonstrations.
For George W. Contreras, who serves as the dean of the School of Health Sciences and Wellness, the center reflects both professional experience and a forward-looking vision.
“As a paramedic, nurse, and educator, I have seen firsthand the benefits of including simulation in healthcare education. I welcome innovative ways such as simulation to better prepare our future healthcare professionals and ensure enhanced clinical education with no risk of harm to patients or students,” Contreras says.
As healthcare systems continue to evolve and workforce demands grow, WCC leaders say the Health Sciences Simulation Center positions the college at the forefront of medical education. By blending technology, teamwork, and hands-on learning, the facility aims to ensure that tomorrow’s healthcare professionals enter the field not just credentialed, but confident, capable, and ready to serve.
Next Steps
To learn more about the School of Health Sciences and Wellness at SUNY Westchester Community College, visit its website.
Related: Westchester Community College Unveils a New Simulation Center
