Contact: Marianne Todd
MERIDIAN, Miss.—The international Society for Simulation in Healthcare Accreditation Council has granted provisional accreditation to MSU-Meridian’s Interprofessional Simulation Program.
The IS Program will be housed in a nearly completed 7,715-square-foot facility, located on the third floor of the Riley Campus’ Rosenbaum Building. Building renovations for the $6 million program began in November 2023, made possible by a $4 million gift from The Riley Foundation and a $1.06 million grant from AccelerateMS’s Nursing and Allied Health Grant Program.
Providing hands-on instruction using the latest testing and control rooms, the program features six clinical exam rooms, six medical surgical rooms, computer learning stations, a proctor area for facilitator observation and five prebriefing and debriefing rooms with recording and reviewing capabilities.
The program will be utilized in training approximately 100 Master of Physician Assistant Studies and Master of Science in Nursing students beginning this fall.
“By adhering to the highest standards of simulation, we are not only enhancing the learning experience but also ultimately improving patient care,” said Alaina Herrington, associate professor of nursing and director of Simulation and Clinical Affairs. “Our accredited program is designed to prepare students with the critical thinking and hands-on skills necessary to excel beyond their professional silos in real-world healthcare settings, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork essential for comprehensive patient care.”
Terry Dale Cruse, associate vice president and MSU-Meridian head of campus, said this model serves as one of the most advanced Interprofessional Simulation programs in the state.
“The dedicated work in creating this team-training environment will provide innovative integrated learning for students with diverse academic backgrounds, ultimately improving patient health outcomes throughout our state, particularly where healthcare disparities exist most,” Cruse said.
MSU is the only university in the state to offer an accredited simulation program, which will serve as the foundation for future healthcare providers. Full accreditation is expected in spring 2026.
Herrington, who also serves as an elected member of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare Accreditation Council, has a detailed state, regional and national history in the simulation field. A Doctor of Nursing Practice, Herrington holds numerous national licenses and certifications. She also is an American Academy of Nursing Fellow—the field’s highest honor—and was UMMC’s 2022 Alumna of the Year for the School of Nursing.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.meridian.msstate.edu.