Training the next generation of healthcare professionals and continuing to develop the skills of those already in the field requires new approaches to education, collaboration, and hands-on experience. At Conway Regional Health System, that future is taking shape through the new Simulation Lab, a state-of-the-art training facility designed to strengthen healthcare education, workforce development, and emergency preparedness across central Arkansas.
Beyond training Conway Regional residents and physicians, the Simulation Lab is designed to serve the broader community. The facility will support training opportunities for first responders, emergency medical personnel, nurses, and other healthcare professionals across the region. By practicing coordinated emergency response and team-based care in a realistic setting, these professionals can strengthen communication, decision-making, and preparedness for critical situations.
For the community, preparation can make a meaningful difference. When healthcare teams and emergency responders train together in advance, they are better equipped to respond quickly and effectively to real emergencies.
Simulation-based education allows medical teams to practice complex procedures and emergency scenarios in a controlled environment before performing them in real clinical settings. Inside the Simulation Lab, teams can rehearse real-world situations such as cardiac arrest, childbirth complications, and other critical care scenarios using advanced, high-fidelity manikins that respond and react like real patients.
The facility also provides dedicated space for physicians in Conway Regional’s Graduate Medical Education program to perform essential procedures, including lumbar punctures, joint injections, central line insertions, skin biopsies, and women’s health procedures. These hands-on experiences allow residents to develop confidence and technical skills while strengthening their readiness to care for patients.
Each year, the Simulation Lab will provide training opportunities for more than 1,500 healthcare learners, including physicians, nurses, therapists, athletic trainers, and first responders. Over the next decade, the facility is expected to impact more than 15,000 healthcare professionals as they build skills, refine procedures, and prepare for real-world medical situations.
Beyond education, the Simulation Lab represents an important investment in the region’s healthcare workforce.
Healthcare organizations across the country face increasing demand for trained professionals. By expanding training opportunities and strengthening educational resources, Conway Regional is helping position central Arkansas as a place where healthcare professionals can train, build careers, and serve their communities. This investment benefits not only the healthcare system but also entire communities by supporting physician recruitment, improving retention, and expanding access to care for the region’s growing population.
The project was made possible through an $800,000 grant from the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, combined with a $1 million matching initiative supported by the Conway Regional Health Foundation and community donors. The partnership demonstrates a unified commitment between state leaders, the healthcare system, and the community to invest in the future of healthcare in Arkansas.
For Conway Regional, the Simulation Lab signifies more than a facility. It is a strategic investment in education, workforce advancement, and the region’s health.
Healthcare continues to evolve, and demand for skilled professionals is rising. This facility ensures the next generation of healthcare providers and emergency responders are prepared to meet local needs.