Healthcare Simulation Center at DeSales
The Healthcare Simulation Center (HCSC) is a 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art training space where students and healthcare professionals can safely learn and practice clinical skills. The center uses some of the most advanced medical simulation technology available today to help prepare future nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare providers.
The HCSC is also home to the area's only human gross anatomy lab.
Learn by Doing
At the HCSC, students learn by practicing real-life medical situations in a safe and supportive setting. This hands-on learning helps improve patient care, builds confidence, and develops both technical and communication skills before working with real patients. DeSales hosts interprofessional experiences (IPE) where students from different programs work together on the same patient, case, or skill.
Clinical Skills Labs
The center features two 12-bed skill labs—one set up like a hospital (in-patient) and one like a clinic (out-patient). Students use task trainers to practice important medical procedures like:
- IV insertions
- Central line placements
- Joint aspiration
- Pelvic exams
Our team also creates custom silicone models for students to use when learning skills like giving injections or draining abscesses.
Human Patient Simulators (HPS)
Our high-fidelity manikins are life-like models that act like real human bodies. They can talk, breathe, bleed, and react to treatment. These simulators can represent adults, children, newborns, and even birthing mothers.
Some of the simulators include:
- HAL S5301: A high-tech adult manikin with AI speech and robotic movement
- Victoria OB/GYN Simulator: For childbirth and women’s health training
- HAL S2225: A pediatric manikin designed to represent a 5-year-old
- Tori Newborn Simulator: For newborn care
- HAL 3201: A general adult simulator
These manikins help students face realistic medical challenges in a safe and controlled way.
Standardized Patient Program
In our Standardized Patient Suite, trained actors play the role of real patients in a doctor’s office setting. These actors help students practice:
- Talking with patients
- Asking the right questions
- Performing physical exams
The actors can also give helpful feedback so students can improve their communication and bedside manner.
Learn more about becoming a standardized patient
Education Management Technology
Our advanced Education Management Solutions (EMS) system captures video and data from each training session. Faculty and students can watch recordings, review their performances, and see what went well and where they can grow. It’s a safe and private way to build confidence and skill.
