News Summary
The University of South Florida’s College of Public Health is introducing an undergraduate concentration in healthcare simulation operations. This innovative program starts this fall, addressing workforce needs in the healthcare sector amid growing staffing shortages. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, focusing on the design and implementation of medical simulation technology to enhance healthcare education. With a successful pilot course and high job placement rates, USF aims to equip students with necessary competencies for managing advanced simulation training in healthcare settings.
Tampa, FL
The University of South Florida’s College of Public Health has announced the launch of an innovative undergraduate concentration in healthcare simulation operations, marking the introduction of the first-ever university-based program of its kind. Set to commence this fall, this concentration aims to address critical workforce needs in the healthcare sector.
This program responds to the pressing challenges faced by healthcare educators and institutions in the Tampa Bay area, particularly in relation to staffing shortages and the quality of simulation-based training. Melissa Milner, director of clinical simulation at USF Health’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS), highlighted a significant demand for trained professionals who can operate both the clinical and technical aspects of simulation.
As staffing challenges have become a more pronounced issue for healthcare facilities nationwide, the new concentration is designed to provide students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The curriculum is structured around five essential courses focused on the design and implementation of simulation technology within the medical field. Topics include simulation anatomy, environmental setup, and the use of audiovisual systems, each carefully developed to enhance the delivery of healthcare education.
When creating the program, considerations of accessibility, fidelity, and realism were integral to ensure students receive effective training that translates well into real-world practices. Supporters of the program, including nursing educators, emphasize that simulation contributes substantially to the learning experience by allowing students to practice critical skills in a safe environment. This is particularly crucial in sensitive fields, such as cardiovascular care, where missteps can have serious implications for patient safety.
The impetus for this educational program builds upon the success of a pilot course conducted in 2023 and an internship slated for 2024, which together boasted a remarkable 100% job placement rate for participants. Graduates will emerge equipped to manage and operate high-tech simulation centers that play pivotal roles in training healthcare providers.
With the healthcare simulation landscape continually evolving, the executive director of USF CAMLS, Dr. Haru Okuda, notes the growing need for professionals skilled in healthcare simulation across hospitals and federal agencies. This program aims to prepare the next generation of healthcare workers with the competencies needed to design, manage, and deliver high-quality simulation education and training.
Students like Michaela Courtney, a senior nursing major at USF St. Petersburg, have expressed enthusiasm for the program’s enhanced focus on simulation technology. For nursing students, simulation-based education is especially effective in preparing them for real-life patient interactions, fostering their ability to identify medical errors and advocate for patients’ needs.
In response to the evolving demands of healthcare education, the University of South Florida’s new undergraduate concentration in healthcare simulation operations represents a forward-thinking approach to training professionals who will impact patient care outcomes positively. As the healthcare industry continues to adapt and respond to its challenges, this program positions USF at the forefront of addressing workforce needs in a critical area of medical education.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
AdventHealth Orlando Announces Major Expansion Project
HCA Florida Healthcare Donates $500,000 to Tallahassee State College
USF Celebrates Topping Out Ceremony for New Nursing Facility
Tampa’s New Nursing Facility Marks Educational Milestone
Miami Gardens Prepares New Nursing Facility to Address Shortage
Additional Resources
- Crowsnest St. Pete: USF Launches First-Ever Healthcare Simulation Concentration
- Wikipedia: Healthcare Simulation
- TBB Business: USF Undergraduate Health Care Simulation
- Google Search: Healthcare Simulation Education
- St. Pete Catalyst: Johns Hopkins Partnership Propels USFSP Nursing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Simulation
- Crowsnest St. Pete: Screening of Razed
- Google News: USF Health Program
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
