College’s Simulation Center Earns Prestigious Endorsement for Excellence in Simulation Practices

The School of Nursing and Health Science at the College of Coastal Georgia is proud to announce that its Simulation Center has earned the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement ™. The College is the first public institution in Georgia to receive the endorsement for both nursing and radiologic science programs, which recognizes excellence in healthcare simulation practices.

The College’s Simulation Center recreates realistic clinical situations in a safe, controlled environment for nursing and radiologic science students. These experiences allow students to apply knowledge, practice skills, and develop clinical judgment without risk to real patients.

Nursing simulations cover conditions ranging from common illnesses to high-acuity emergencies, as well as sensitive patient-care scenarios. Radiography simulations, conducted with portable equipment and in the X-ray suite, provide hands-on experiences in pediatric, trauma, and intensive care unit settings. Interprofessional simulations bring both disciplines together in complex scenarios, emphasizing communication, teamwork, and collaborative patient care. The endorsement reflects the Simulation Center’s dedication to providing high-quality, immersive learning experiences.

INACSL is recognized globally as a leader in advancing the science and practice of healthcare simulation. According to Dr. Nevada LeCounte, simulation specialist and associate professor of nursing, the endorsement process requires a rigorous review by a committee of healthcare simulation experts. The review evaluates the program’s policies and procedures, faculty development, simulation activities, and learner support.

“Receiving INACSL endorsement reflects the Simulation Center’s commitment to providing high quality, evidence-based simulation experiences that prepare nursing and radiologic science students for the complexities of modern healthcare,” LeCounte said. “This recognition validates our efforts to strengthen student readiness for practice, promote patient safety, and support the healthcare needs of Coastal Georgia and beyond.”

Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and Southeast Georgia Health System Distinguished Chair Dr. Lydia Watkins expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of her team and especially commended LeCounte for her leadership throughout the review process.

“With the opening of our new Simulation Center this fall, we will expand hands-on learning opportunities for the College’s nursing and radiologic science students, strengthening their knowledge, confidence, and readiness for clinical practice,” Watkins said. “This endorsement affirms the quality of our program and highlights the significant impact the College of Coastal Georgia is making in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

Simulation experiences help bridge the gap between classroom instruction and patient care, building students’ confidence and competence. Programs that receive this endorsement demonstrate a commitment to high-quality simulation practices, innovation, continuous improvement in healthcare education, and enhanced patient safety.

For more information about the INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement™ and to view the list of endorsed programs visit, https://www.inacsl.org/endorsed-programs.