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Center for Medical Simulations
The Center for Medical Simulations (CMS) develops clinical competence through state-of-the-art simulation-based learning. This 5,100 square foot facility serves students in the College of Health Professions and healthcare professionals throughout the region. Using high-fidelity simulators, virtual and mixed reality technology, and task trainers, students master clinical skills in a safe, realistic environment before caring for actual patients.
Simulation-based learning replicates real-world clinical situations using high, mid, and low fidelity simulators, task trainers, and virtual or mixed reality technology. Students practice essential knowledge and skills in immersive environments where mistakes become learning opportunities without risk to patient safety. This hands-on approach builds clinical competence through controlled practice with expert guidance and immediate feedback from faculty and trained healthcare providers.
Mission Statement
The mission of Anderson University’s Center for Medical Simulation is to provide high-quality, simulation-based learning experiences in a safe and realistic environment in order to develop clinical competence and practical decision-making skills. By engaging in these simulations, healthcare learners gain the knowledge and skills necessary for effective, collaborative, and patient-centered clinical practice.
Facilities
Simulation Lab
The CMS simulation lab features five high-fidelity human simulators representing patients of all ages, from birthing and pediatric models to adult patient simulators. Each simulator is housed in a private patient room that replicates authentic hospital settings. Students engage in advanced clinical scenarios tailored to their coursework, practicing complex skills including emergency response, patient assessment, medication administration, and critical care interventions. Two dedicated debriefing rooms provide space for guided reflection and feedback. The lab incorporates virtual reality, mixed reality, and electronic medication charting systems to prepare students for modern healthcare environments.
Skills Lab
The CMS skills lab is designed as a hospital ward with 10 beds and 6 low-fidelity simulators. Students master foundational clinical techniques in this hands-on environment, building competence and confidence with essential procedures. From basic patient care to advanced technical skills, students practice a comprehensive range of nursing procedures including medication administration, wound care, catheter insertion, IV placement, patient assessment, and many more. This realistic ward setting prepares students with the practical abilities needed before advancing to simulation scenarios or clinical rotations.
Cadaver Lab
Anderson University is one of the only institutions in the state to offer Cadaver Lab access to undergraduate students. This multi-disciplinary resource serves students across the College of Health Professions and the College of Arts and Sciences. Students examine body systems through prosections and dissections, practice clinical techniques such as suture removal, and explore muscle origins and insertions. The lab provides hands-on anatomical learning that textbooks and models cannot replicate. A dedicated dissection course allows students to conduct independent anatomical research projects.
Faculty & Staff
Jean Foltz, M.S., CHSOS
Coordinator, Center for Medical Simulations & Human Anatomy Lab
Jean Foltz is the Coordinator of the Center for Medical Simulations & Human Anatomy Lab at Anderson University. She oversees the operation and management of both the Simulation Labs and the Human Anatomy (Cadaver) Lab. Jean is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (since 2019), a credential central to her leadership in simulation-based education and lab operations.
Jean has been part of the AU community for over a decade, beginning as a cadaver lab technician during her undergraduate studies and advancing into a leadership role that supports immersive simulation learning experiences for students across the health sciences.
She earned her M.S. in Biological Sciences from Clemson University (2020) and her B.S. in Biology from Anderson University (2013).
Dr. Nnenna Igwe, MBBS. MPH. RDMS Associate Professor / Anatomist in Human Dissection Lab
Dr. Nnenna Igwe is an Associate Professor and Anatomist in the Human Dissection Lab, having served on the faculty since 2018. She holds a Certificate in Clinical Anatomy Education (2022) from Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas, which provides specialized training in cadaveric dissection, clinical anatomy instruction, and anatomy curriculum delivery central to her role.
Dr. Igwe earned her MBBS in Medicine and Surgery from Abia State University College of Medicine, Nigeria, in 2000. Following graduation, she practiced as a General Physician with an emphasis on internal and preventive medicine. She relocated to the United States in 2002 to expand her clinical and academic training.
In addition to her medical degree, Dr. Igwe holds a Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree (2009) from Greenville Technical College, South Carolina, and a Master of Public Health (2018) from George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Amanda Cole, LPN Simulation Technician
Amanda Cole is a Simulation Technician at Anderson University, bringing 29 years of diverse nursing experience to the Center for Medical Simulations. Her background spans medical-surgical nursing, physician offices, and long-term care, providing deep knowledge of patient care, medical procedures, equipment, and supplies.
In her current role, Amanda draws on her clinical expertise to support immersive simulation experiences for health sciences students. She operates high-fidelity mannequins, manages simulation scenarios, and ensures each session is realistic and effective. Her hands-on approach helps learners build practical skills and confidence for real-world healthcare settings.
Amanda earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from Tri-County Technical College.
Christy Rhodes, MA Simulation Technician
Christy Rhodes is a Simulation Technician at the Center for Medical Simulations, bringing over 24 years of experience as a medical assistant spanning pediatrics, family medicine, endocrinology, and healthcare coaching.
In her current role, Christy applies her clinical expertise to support immersive simulation experiences by operating high-fidelity mannequins, managing simulation scenarios, and acting as the simulated patient. Her hands-on experience ensures that simulations are realistic, engaging, and effective, helping healthcare learners develop practical skills and clinical confidence
Christy earned her Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting (2002).
