MSU Regional Simulation Center Receives $350,000 in Grants

Two local groups are putting their support where it counts for area nursing students. Midwestern State University received a $250,000 grant from the J.S. Bridwell Foundation and a $100,000 grant from United Regional Health Care System (URHCS) to help the university recoup expenses associated with the purchase of newly acquired property for its Simulation Center. The Simulation Center moved into what had been a Surgi-Center on 917 Midwestern Parkway in January.

"Once again I am pleased with the generosity of our donors. With their help, we are committed to providing simulation facilities not only for our students, but also those of Vernon College, and the tools and education necessary to be successful professionals in the health-care field," said MSU University President Jesse W. Rogers.

The Simulation Center opened in January 2005 through funding assistance provided by a Nursing Innovation Grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  MSU, Vernon College, and URHCS formed The North Central Texas Health Care Consortium with the goal to increase the number of students admitted to clinical courses at MSU and Vernon College. All use the Simulation Center. Since 2005, the number of MSU's nursing graduates has climbed from 20 to 120 graduates per year.

University officials will seek approval to rename the center during the Board of Regents regularly scheduled meeting in May.