Confederation College Announces Upgrades to Health Care Simulation Labs

Thunder Bay, ON, September 6, 2023 – Confederation College is pleased to announce updates to its simulation labs, in anticipation of the start of its standalone Honours Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) program. The new four-year degree program starts September 6, 2023, and the high demand for this program is evident, with all seats for the first intake being filled.

The college's commitment to providing state-of-the-art learning facilities is reflected in the significant upgrades to its simulation suites. A newly acquired high fidelity manikin valued at more than $57,000, mimics a 5-year old child and allows for comprehensive assessment and skills training, enhancing the growing suite of high fidelity manikins. The lab now consists of 2 birthing manikins, each with a newborn that exhibits vital signs, a 1-6 month old manikin, 2 pediatric manikins, 2 high fidelity 3G manikins purchased in 2020 for $270,000 that replicate human responses, and a host of trainer manikins for students to practice various health care skills.

In collaboration with Thunder Bay EMS, the college has also completed upgrades to the video equipment inside the simulation suites last week. These updates will allow faculty to monitor simulations from a control room, where the manikins provide real-time feedback.

Shane Strickland, Dean, School of Health, Negahneewin, & Community Services, shared his excitement about the upgrades. "We are so proud to launch our very own Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program with the latest in simulation equipment. Training the next generation of nurses not only empowers our students but also addresses the regional nurse shortage. We are thrilled to play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in our region and leverage simulation to provide critical practice environments for our students."

Adding to the excitement, the college is pleased to acknowledge the generous donation of $15,000 from the Andison Family Foundation. This gift will contribute to the Nursing program, supporting the procurement of new and necessary equipment. This donation will further enhance the already high-quality training Confederation College offers to its health care students.

For more information on the college’s health and community service programs, visit https://www.confederationcollege.ca/department/vpa/school-health-negahneewin-community-services

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Confederation College has been serving the citizens of northwestern Ontario since 1967 meeting the educational needs of students in a catchment area of some 550,000 square kilometres. Along with its main campus in Thunder Bay, Confederation College has seven regional sites located in Dryden, Fort Frances, Greenstone, Kenora, Marathon, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake, as well as a growing Distance Education division. 

Confederation College delivers exceptional education and training to an average of 7,000 combined full- and part-time students per year and currently has a total of 600 full- and part-time employees. Confederation’s regional economic impact and contribution is valued at $707.3 million annually.