NWTC launches its first Extended Reality Lab

The Business News Staff

Staff

November 29, 2023

GREEN BAY – Through a $300,000 grant from Achieving the Dream and the Brave of Heart Fund to address the shortage of nurses and systemic inequalities in nursing pathways, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) launched its first Health Sciences Extended Reality (XR) Lab. 

NWTC was selected among 10 community colleges nationwide to further develop sustainable solutions that accelerate and increase enrollment and completion of nursing credentials.

“Extended reality provides an innovative platform to enhance students’ clinical skills, critical thinking and patient care techniques,” NWTC Dean of Health Sciences Scott Anderson said. “It’s the wave of the future in healthcare education, and it’s happening here. This facility represents our ongoing commitment to training highly skilled and adaptable professionals who can meet the growing demands of the healthcare industry.” 

The lab offers eight extended reality stations that provide a variety of simulated experiences.

Students can engage in lifelike clinical scenarios using technologies such as Meta Quest 2 (headset), HoloLens2 (headset), Acadicus (software) and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Guides (software), allowing them to practice in a realistic and risk-free environment.

NWTC has been the largest producer of nursing graduates within the Wisconsin Technical College System over the last four years. 

To learn more about NWTC’s health sciences program or other careers, visit nwtc.edu.