Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center opens regional health training simulation lab

March 26, 2026 - 21:10

A state-of-the-art training facility is now open, aiming to directly address healthcare workforce needs across Southwest Virginia. The newly unveiled Regional Health Training Simulation Lab at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center promises to provide hands-on, critical experience for students and current medical professionals.

The advanced lab features high-fidelity patient simulators that mimic real-life medical scenarios, from routine procedures to emergency interventions. This technology allows nursing, emergency medical services, and allied health students to practice and refine their skills in a controlled, risk-free environment before entering clinical settings. The center emphasizes that the lab is a regional resource, designed to serve multiple educational institutions and healthcare providers across the area.

Officials state that the primary goal of the investment is to improve both the quality and quantity of healthcare training locally. By offering access to cutting-edge simulation technology, the center hopes to enhance educational outcomes, support the existing healthcare workforce with continuing education, and ultimately encourage more graduates to build their careers within the region's hospitals and clinics. The opening is seen as a significant step in strengthening the community's healthcare infrastructure for the future.