News Summary
The University of South Florida (USF) has introduced a groundbreaking undergraduate concentration in health care simulation operations, the first program of its kind globally. Starting this fall, students can pursue this concentration through the College of Public Health as part of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree. This initiative aims to address workforce gaps in healthcare simulation, incorporating comprehensive coursework and a practical internship experience at USF’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS). The program is designed to prepare students for essential roles in the healthcare sector, particularly in simulation education.
Tampa, Florida – The University of South Florida (USF) has announced the launch of a new undergraduate concentration in health care simulation operations, marking it as the first program of its kind at a university level worldwide. Beginning this fall, the concentration will be available through USF’s College of Public Health as part of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree.
This new initiative aims to tackle significant workforce gaps in hospitals, academic centers, and federal agencies for simulation operations specialists. Students enrolled in this innovative program will complete five dedicated courses, which include subject areas such as simulation center management, instructional technology, and the theoretical foundations of simulation. Furthermore, the curriculum is designed to ensure that graduates are adequately prepared to excel in the evolving landscape of healthcare education.
In addition to classroom learning, the program will integrate a practical component by requiring students to complete a 120-hour internship. This experience will consist of hands-on rotations at simulation centers, specifically at USF’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS). This combination of academic and practical training is expected to enhance the readiness of graduates as they enter the workforce.
The launch of the health care simulation concentration follows the positive feedback and successful outcomes from a pilot course on medical simulation introduced in 2023. An internship pilot conducted in 2024 also reported a remarkable 100% job placement rate for its graduates, illustrating the program’s effectiveness in meeting workforce needs.
Students like Will Brandt, who has completed a pilot course and accepted a part-time position as an assistant at CAMLS, have expressed enthusiasm for the new concentration. This program is designed to prepare students to design, manage, and deliver high-quality simulation experiences for medical professionals, filling a crucial role in healthcare training.
The importance of simulation in healthcare education has been emphasized by Melissa Milner, DNP, who serves as the director of clinical simulation at USF CAMLS. Simulation plays a vital role in training future healthcare providers, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of their profession. The new concentration is expected to support the expansion of medical simulations across a wide variety of healthcare settings, including nursing schools and hospitals, as well as within government agencies.
The introduction of this program comes at a critical time when the healthcare sector is grappling with staff shortages and the need for improved simulation education. By developing skilled professionals who can effectively implement and manage simulation operations, USF aims to contribute to closing workforce gaps and ultimately enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery.
In summary, the University of South Florida’s launch of the world’s first undergraduate concentration in health care simulation operations represents a significant advancement in healthcare education. This program not only prepares students for vital roles in the healthcare field but also addresses pressing staffing challenges in various healthcare environments.
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Additional Resources
- Tampa Bay Business and Wealth: USF Launches Health Care Simulation
- Wikipedia: Health Care Simulation
- Crowsnest St. Pete: USF Launches Healthcare Simulation Concentration
- Google Search: Health Care Simulation
- Politifact: Support USF Research Efforts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Education
- 83 Degrees Media: CAMLS at USF
- Google News: University of South Florida Health Care Simulation
- Tampa Bay Business and Wealth: Health Care and Wellness
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