BT天堂

First Arkansas collegiate center to achieve designation

The University of Central Arkansas Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation 鈥� Integrated Health Sciences has earned full accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), becoming the first collegiate simulation center in Arkansas to receive the distinction.

SSH is the world鈥檚 largest international organization dedicated to healthcare simulation, patient safety and professional performance. Its accreditation process is peer-reviewed and recognized as one of the highest standards in simulation-based education.

鈥淭his is a landmark achievement for the University of Central Arkansas and a tremendous win for the future of healthcare in Arkansas,鈥� Dr. Susan Gatto, director of the BT天堂School of Nursing, said. 鈥淭his recognition validates the outstanding work happening every day in our simulation center and confirms that BT天堂is providing students with a world-class learning environment where they can build confidence, sharpen skills and ultimately improve patient outcomes.鈥�

The five-year accreditation affirms UCA鈥檚 commitment to preparing future healthcare professionals through advanced, hands-on training that emphasizes patient safety, teamwork, communication, critical thinking and evidence-based practice.

Healthcare simulation allows students to learn and practice in realistic clinical settings using advanced technology, lifelike mannequins and structured scenarios that replicate real-world patient care situations. These controlled environments help students develop clinical judgment, technical proficiency and collaborative decision-making before entering practice settings. BT天堂can simulate countless scenarios, from medical complications and trauma, to labor and delivery and hospice.

During the past academic year alone, the center facilitated more than 15,500 student learning hours for students in nursing and other health-related disciplines.

鈥淭his accreditation reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff who have invested countless hours into curriculum development, quality improvement and innovation,鈥� Erin Garrett, simulation co-coordinator and quality manager, said. 鈥淢ore importantly, it demonstrates that our students are learning in a safe, rigorous and highly effective environment that prepares them to lead in today鈥檚 healthcare workforce.鈥�

To receive full accreditation, a simulation program must demonstrate at least two years of successful operations and outcomes in designated areas such as teaching, assessment, research and systems integration. Accreditation is awarded for five years and requires annual reporting to ensure continued excellence and improvement.

Among those recognized during the accreditation celebration were: honored guest Charles Nabholz; Simulation Co-Coordinator and Certified Simulation Operation Specialist Sarah Luyet; simulation technicians Tiffany Hall and Diana Burks; and members of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the Arkansas Center for Nursing.

The Nabholz Center supports students across the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences through interprofessional education experiences designed to mirror the collaborative nature of healthcare delivery. The center鈥檚 mission is to prepare students for interprofessional practice through simulation experiences that apply knowledge, skills and abilities in providing safe, effective and holistic care for diverse populations. The center was named in recognition of support from the Nabholz family and serves as a hub for innovative teaching, workforce preparation and research in healthcare education.

More information about the BT天堂School of Nursing is available at uca.edu/nursing.