Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony is set for Monday, Oct. 13

Jackson College welcomes the college and community to celebrate a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Medical Simulation Center in Justin Whiting Hall on Monday, Oct. 13 at 5 p.m.

The new Simulation Center expands hands-on healthcare education, building on the College’s Rawal Center for Health Professions. Medical simulation uses controlled, realistic scenarios to allow students to learn and practice skills in a safe environment — a growing field in healthcare education. Here, students will practice critical skills, teamwork, and even emotionally challenging situations in lifelike settings.

The Center features seven high-fidelity manikins and immersive spaces replicating authentic clinical and hospital environments, from a medical office to an ICU, birthing suite, operating room, trauma bay, and ambulance corridor. Virtual reality headsets will immerse students in realistic healthcare scenarios. To enhance realism, even the Center’s design and color scheme mirror Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, helping students feel prepared and at home as they enter the workforce.

“Students will take everything they have learned in the classroom, come into this space, and act as if they’re treating a real patient. They will use their skills and critical thinking to build confidence and competence,” said Sarah Case, physician assistant, and Jackson College’s simulation coordinator.

Jackson College plays a vital role in educating the region’s nurses, sonographers, radiographers, surgical technicians, respiratory therapists, dental hygienists, EMS personnel, medical assistants and coder/billers. All health programs will have access to the Simulation Center, which will also be available to community organizations.

“Healthcare is constantly evolving, and it is our responsibility at Jackson College to prepare our students for this dynamic environment. The Medical Simulation Center ensures they are ready not just for the challenges of today, but also for the innovations of tomorrow. By giving them a space to learn, practice, and adapt, we are equipping them to provide the highest quality of care for our community,” said Jackson College President & CEO, Dr. Daniel J. Phelan.

Supporting this Project

This innovative project has been generously supported by Alro Steel, The Alvin Glick Foundation, and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), with additional funding provided by Jackson College.

“My father Al, and the whole Glick family, always believe in giving back. While in the hospital in his final days, he talked to the staff about their lives and work. He came to understand some of the staffing challenges they were facing. He then challenged us to find a way to make a positive impact,” said Randy Glick, chief executive officer for Alro Steel and president of the Alvin Glick Foundation. “We’re proud to have partnered with Henry Ford Jackson, Spring Arbor University and Jackson College for the Jackson Healthcare Workforce Initiative to improve the healthcare workforce pipeline. Jackson College’s incredible, cutting-edge simulation center will help train the next generation of healthcare workers right here in Jackson.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include brief comments, the cutting of the ribbon, an opportunity to walk through and tour the area, and light refreshments. Everyone is welcome.