School of Health Sciences & Education
Experiential Learning Commons
School of Health Sciences & Education
Experiential Learning Commons
This new state-of-the-art laboratory and clinical education space supports interprofessional learning for students in the School of Health Science and Education and beyond. Our doors are also open to regional EMS, firefighters, and other healthcare professionals and first responders who need access to the latest in simulated and hands-on training experiences for continuing education in their fields.
Inside the ELC
Simulation Suites
Five state-of-the-art simulation suites turn the Experiential Learning Commons into a simulated hospital space for high tech, high touch training exercises. The suites have the ability to be utilized simultaneously and feature computer controlled manikins and two-way audio-video conferencing. These suites include:
a mock Emergency Room
Intensive Care Room
Patient Room
Maternity Room
and Exam Room
Skills Lab
800-square-foot of space is dedicated to recreating the setting, models, equipment, and supplies necessary to learn hands-on clinical skills, the delivery of patient care, and the prioritization of patient care through clinical exposure, feedback and evaluation in a safe environment. It is used by all majors in health science fields particularly Nursing majors and Physician Assistant Sciences students.
Anatomy Lab
This space showcases the latest in digital anatomy instruction, including:
powerful Anatomage tables
3D HoloAnatomy,
POCUS equipment
and an on-site physical cadaver lab to provide hands-on human anatomical education
Home Lab
In this simulated living space students can problem solve aspects of patient care in a home setting without leaving campus.. Featuring a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, this functioning apartment demonstrates the challenges of delivering care to patients with limited abilities who want to live independently.
It is frequently used by majors in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Social Work and Education who may need to work in home settings.
The $4 million construction project
Renovations for the ELC were funded through a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RCAP) Grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a $2 million anonymous donation, and university funds. An additional $150,000 ARC grant equipped this center with new simulators and simulation-related equipment.
A space for simulations, experiential learning
and hands-on training in healthcare fields and so much more...
Did you know: While the "ELC" is best known as a simulation lab for students in healthcare-related majors, the space offers a wide range of experiential learning opportunities for students in many disciplines across the university.
A few examples:
- Criminal Justice majors use the simulation labs to conduct mock crime scenes that require forensic analysis.
- Psychology students interested in animal behavior training have used the skills lab to learn techniques for training support animals that may work in a hospital setting.
SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES & EDUCATION DISCIPLINES
Preparing you for your future.
This ambitious multi-phase project has benefitted students in many of the School of Health Sciences and Education disciplines, such as: