ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University, in partnership with Avera, is taking a bold step forward in healthcare education with the development of an advanced simulation center.
This simulation center will be a core part of Northern’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The simulation center will be housed within the new Business and Health Innovation Center, currently under construction with a December 2025 expected completion date. The center includes six simulation suites and an eight-bed skills lab, both equipped with tools like realistic patient manikins and virtual reality, helping students learn in a hands-on, immersive environment.
“Northern is proud to partner with Avera to meet critical nursing demand across our regional footprint,” said Northern State University President Neal Schnoor. “Together we are creating a first-class training facility, exceptional clinical experiences, and career-ladder opportunities to attract and retain highly skilled nurses to serve our region for generations to come.”
The Business and Health Innovation Center will offer innovative facilities for both business and health-related programs. The simulation suites will give students real-world experience by letting them practice different health care scenarios, from hospital care to home care.
‘We understand how important simulation and training is in all health care fields, but especially with the variety of skills needed to be a nurse,” said Dan Bjerknes, Regional President and CEO of Avera St. Luke’s Hospital. “We look forward to offering hands-on training through simulation but also through great clinical experiences, so students are prepared when they enter the workforce.”
The simulation center will be integral to Northern's new nursing program, set to launch in fall 2025. Pre-nursing courses have already begun, with promising enrollment numbers. Northern's nursing curriculum is tailored to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry, blending practical, hands-on learning with personalized instruction.
Through the partnership with Avera, the simulation center will offer:
- High-fidelity manikins for lifelike patient care practice
- Advanced audiovisual systems for real-time feedback and performance review
- Virtual reality simulation for immersive learning experiences
- Specialized equipment for procedures such as wound care, IV insertions and birth simulations
- Medication dispensing systems and electronic health records to mirror real clinical environments
This facility will help Northern elevate healthcare education, ensuring that Northern's nursing students are well-prepared for their future careers. The collaboration with Avera underscores a shared commitment to improving healthcare outcomes by training the next generation of skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals.
"By combining cutting-edge technology with instruction from our experienced faculty who remain active in clinical practice, we're creating an unparalleled learning environment where our students will benefit from both state-of-the-art facilities and real-world insights," said Dr. Lyncee Monson, associate dean of nursing. "Graduates will enter the workforce with the confidence, skills, and practical experience needed to thrive in any healthcare setting. This facility isn't just an asset for Northern State University—it's an investment in the future of healthcare for our entire community."
As Northern State University looks forward to this transformative partnership with Avera to enhance nursing education and contribute to the development of healthcare leaders, the university is also working to secure necessary program approvals. Northern's baccalaureate degree program in nursing is currently pursuing approval from the Higher Learning Commission.
For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of communications and marketing, at chad.hatzenbuhler@northern.edu or 605-626-2046.
