Simulation Center at Pueblo Community College
The Pueblo Community College Simulation Center, located on the second floor of the Nursing and Allied Health Teaching and Learning Center at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital, has been a cornerstone of hands-on healthcare education since its launch in 2012. Established through a strong partnership between PCC and St. Mary-Corwin, the center provides a high-tech, immersive training environment that prepares students, hospital staff, and community partners for real-world clinical care.
Best practices for simulation education at the center are guided by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), ensuring that all simulation activities meet nationally recognized standards for quality and effectiveness.
The facility includes:
- 4 high-fidelity simulation rooms that replicate a range of acute and chronic care scenarios
- 1 fully equipped nurse station and a dedicated medication room to simulate clinical workflow
- 3 conference rooms designed for pre-briefing and debriefing sessions, where students and faculty gather to set expectations, reflect on simulations, and reinforce learning outcomes
- 3 control rooms equipped with advanced audio-visual technology, allowing faculty to operate manikins, observe live simulations, and provide real-time feedback in a controlled, behind-the-scenes environment
- A 2,000-square-foot simulation house on the hospital campus designed for EMS, fire science and law enforcement training in home and field-based environments
A standout feature of the Simulation Center is its nursing lab, uniquely housed in the former intensive care unit of St. Mary-Corwin Hospital. This repurposed ICU, once the epicenter of critical, life-saving care, has been transformed into a cutting-edge educational space that retains the gravity and realism of its past. Within this historically rich and authentically designed environment, students focus on nursing skills labs, honing their clinical techniques using modern simulation technology. The space also supports labs for other programs, including radiology and occupational therapy assistant training, providing a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience.
Each semester, the Simulation Center supports students from across PCC’s healthcare programs, including Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Dental Hygiene, Paramedic, Fire Science, Law Enforcement, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, and Nursing Assistant. These interdisciplinary simulations enhance clinical judgment,
communication, and collaborative teamwork, key competencies in today’s healthcare environments.
Expanding real-world collaboration
The Simulation Center continues to expand its reach through impactful partnerships. Flight for Life at St. Mary-Corwin and the Southern Colorado Family Medicine residency program have recently joined simulation activities, giving students firsthand exposure to emergency response protocols and the opportunity to work alongside resident physicians. These collaborations bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical reality. Additionally, we are proud to collaborate with St. Mary-Corwin's clinical scholar, who plays a crucial role in supporting students at clinical sites. This scholar not only mentors students in real-world settings but also contributes to the Simulation Center by providing up-to-date resources and insights, ensuring that students are equipped with the most relevant and current knowledge in their training.
Where learning becomes lifesaving
At Pueblo Community College, the Simulation Center is more than a place, it’s a launchpad for future healthcare heroes. By blending state-of-the-art technology with real-world authenticity, we empower students to think critically, act decisively, and care compassionately. In these rooms where lives were once saved, the next generation is being trained to save lives of their own, bringing knowledge to life and transforming learning into action, one simulation at a time.