MSU-Meridian’s Interprofessional Simulation Program Receives Provisional Accreditation, Ready for Student Use in Fall

The Interprofessional Simulation Program at MSU-Meridian has received provisional accreditation from the international Society for Simulation in Healthcare Accreditation Council.

The program will be located in a newly constructed 7,715-square-foot facility on the third floor of the Riley Campus’ Rosenbaum Building. Renovations for the $6 million program began in November 2023, funded by a $4 million donation from The Riley Foundation and a $1.06 million grant from AccelerateMS’s Nursing and Allied Health Grant Program.

Featuring state-of-the-art testing and control rooms, the program includes six clinical exam rooms, six medical surgical rooms, computer learning stations, a proctor area for observation, and five prebriefing and debriefing rooms equipped for recording and reviewing.

Approximately 100 Master of Physician Assistant Studies and Master of Science in Nursing students will undergo training in the program starting this fall.

Alaina Herrington, associate professor of nursing and Simulation and Clinical Affairs director, stated, “Our accredited program aims to equip students with critical thinking and hands-on skills essential for real-world healthcare, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork for comprehensive patient care.”

Terry Dale Cruse, associate vice president and head of campus at MSU-Meridian, emphasized that the program represents a cutting-edge Interprofessional Simulation model in the state.

MSU stands out as the sole university in the state offering an accredited simulation program, laying the groundwork for future healthcare professionals. Full accreditation is projected for spring 2026.

Herrington, an elected member of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare Accreditation Council, brings a wealth of state, regional, and national experience to the field of simulation. A Doctor of Nursing Practice, she holds multiple national licenses and certifications, is an American Academy of Nursing Fellow, and was named UMMC’s 2022 Alumna of the Year for the School of Nursing.