Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre
ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ University Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre officially opened in January 2026. Located in the Kanata area of Ottawa, this advanced facility marks a pivotal new chapter for the ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ School of Nursing. In this advanced facility, students learn, practise, and build professional confidence within a safe and realistic simulated environment, preparing them to seamlessly apply their clinical skills in real-world healthcare settings.
Why Simulation Matters
Simulation-based education in nursing uses realistic, immersive learning experiences to help students safely develop clinical competence before entering real practice. Through manikins, task trainers, virtual simulation, and simulated patients, learners apply theory, practise psychomotor skills, and strengthen clinical judgment in a controlled environment. This approach allows students to make decisions, communicate with patients and teams, and reflect on their actions without risk of harm. Guided debriefing supports deeper learning by connecting performance to evidence-informed practice.
Key features
- Dedicated simulation courses: Five dedicated simulation courses offer three hours per week of immersive learning.
- Expert guidance: Simulation facilitators and educators support students at every step of their learning.
- A full suite of manikins: Newborn, infant, pediatric, adult and birthing manikins support learning across different stages of life.
- Diverse simulation experiences: Students learn through table-top exercises, task trainers, simulated patients, manikin-based and hybrid simulation, screen-based activities, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
- Open simulation hours: Additional practice opportunities help students develop their skills and build confidence.
Certification and Training Courses
The School of Nursing offers additional opportunities to build practical skills through certification and professional development courses that support clinical practice and healthcare education. Visit our Certification and Training Courses page for available courses, upcoming dates, fees, and registration details.
Welcome to ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ Nursing, where you can step boldly into simulation, embrace the safe space to learn, and trust that every scenario you navigate will shape you into a confident, capable nurse ready to thrive in practice.
Jennifer Dale-Tam, Associate Director, ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ University Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre
The ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ University Simulation Collaborative is the team responsible for designing, operating, and advancing the Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre. This group collectively ensures high-quality, evidence-informed experiential learning for nursing students. They develop scenarios, maintain simulation technologies, support faculty development, and lead innovation in manikin-based, simulated patient, and VR simulation modalities. The Collaborative also oversees curriculum integration, quality assurance, and partnerships with clinical and community organizations. Together, they create a safe, realistic, and pedagogically rigorous environment that strengthens clinical competence, professional judgment, and learner confidence across the nursing program.
ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ University Simulation Collaborative Mission Statement
ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ University Simulation Collaborative Mission Statement
We are dedicated to advancing excellence in healthcare education through evidence-informed, simulation-enhanced learning. We provide a dynamic, inclusive, and learner-centered environment that supports both intra-professional and inter-professional development, empowering learners to build confidence, competence, and compassion in their respective fields.
Our program integrates the latest research and best practices in simulation pedagogy to ensure high-impact, experiential learning that mirrors the complexities of real-world healthcare. We place a strong emphasis on patient safety, critical thinking, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practice.
By fostering collaboration across disciplines and aligning with ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´â€™s mission of public purpose and inclusive education, we aim to cultivate reflective, resilient, and innovative healthcare professionals. Our learners will be prepared to lead, advocate, and transform healthcare delivery in diverse and evolving environments.
Our values include a commitment to:
1. Integrity and Honesty
2. Education and Excellence
3. Respect for Learners, Faculty, and Participants
4. Patient Safety