Since its opening in 2011, the CVCC ValleySim Healthcare Simulation Center has provided thousands of students and healthcare professionals in the Catawba Valley with state-of-the-art training. ValleySim offers a team-based learning experience in a safe, judgment-free environment, equipping students with hands-on exposure to high-tech equipment and patient simulators.  

This advanced training builds confidence and skill in ways that traditional classroom settings and clinical rotations simply cannot match. Many students wouldn’t encounter these real-world scenarios until they were already in the field, making ValleySim an invaluable resource for healthcare education. 

ValleySim serves all healthcare students at CVCC, including those in respiratory therapy, dental hygiene, and medical office administration. The center is home to a diverse array of high-tech patient simulators, or manikins, which range in age and condition to present a variety of medical scenarios.  

These AI-driven simulators respond to treatment in real time, answer student questions, and mimic actual patient reactions. Among them is Victoria, a birthing manikin capable of simulating various childbirth scenarios, offering students rare hands-on experience before they enter professional practice. 

While AI-powered manikins add realism, human expertise is key. Instructors work behind the scenes—just like the Wizard of Oz—making CVCC instructors the Wizards of ValleySim. These seasoned healthcare professionals, many of whom have transitioned from clinical practice to education, use their experience to create immersive, high-quality training scenarios. They ensure that students receive the most comprehensive, cutting-edge instruction possible. 

CVCC recently received a grant to support a new Simulation Coordinator position, further strengthening ValleySim’s commitment to excellence. Brooke Kistler, Department Head of Nursing, highlighted that this role focuses on aligning the center with evidence-based practices and accreditation standards from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). This ensures that students achieve optimal learning outcomes, and that technicians and operations managers work seamlessly to coordinate realistic, effective training experiences. 

In Fall 2024, ValleySim underwent a significant transformation, unveiling a rebranded, hospital-inspired environment designed to elevate the learning experience. The Red Hawk Communications Team at CVCC spearheaded this rebranding initiative, creating a new logo, developing a cohesive visual identity for the simulation center, and installing engaging wall displays that enhance the atmosphere.  

On September 11, 2024, the refreshed ValleySim Healthcare Simulation Center officially reopened its doors with a grand opening event. The evening featured lifelike healthcare demonstrations by students from CVCC’s School of Health Education, guided tours of the upgraded facility, and discussions on the professional clinical training available. The event also provided an opportunity to celebrate the vibrant and supportive healthcare education community at CVCC. 

The mission of the ValleySim Healthcare Simulation Center is to enhance the quality of healthcare training and improve patient safety throughout the region. By integrating experiential learning and multidisciplinary collaboration, ValleySim is transforming healthcare education.  

Through the dedication of faculty and department heads, the center continues to provide effective, hands-on training that prepares students for real-world clinical challenges, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals is well-equipped for success. As ValleySim continues to grow and innovate, it remains a cornerstone of healthcare education, drawing students and instructors alike to be part of this groundbreaking learning experience.