New simulation center opens at Washington Regional
by February 26, 2026 12:41 pm 450 views
Fayetteville-based health system Washington Regional opened a $3.1 million simulation center to offer skills training for health care workers.
Fayetteville-based health system Washington Regional said Thursday (Feb. 26) that it opened a $3.1 million simulation center to provide high-fidelity training experiences for health care professionals.
The 6,650-square-foot Washington Regional Simulation Center, located on the hospital campus in Fayetteville, features realistic simulations using life-like manikins and hands-on instruction using specialized task trainers and patient-care technology. Key components include three simulation suites with a control room capable of running multiple scenarios simultaneously, five programmable manikins, multiple classrooms and flexible learning spaces, workrooms, and an American Heart Association Training Center.
On Monday (Feb. 23), Washington Regional hosted a celebration marking the opening of the center and recognized the donors whose support made the new training center possible. In an open house hosted by the Washington Regional Medical Foundation, donors toured the center and saw how the space is used to enhance clinical skills and training.
“We are grateful to the many generous community members for their support of the $3.1 million Washington Regional Simulation Center,” said Larry Shackelford, president and CEO of Washington Regional. “This new space allows us to advance our mission of improving the health of the communities we serve.
“Not only will Washington Regional care teams use the center to hone their skills, but physicians, nursing, and allied health professional students will be able to utilize the center as part of their educational activities and skill development. This Simulation Center is vital to expanding our region’s health care infrastructure and ensuring the highest quality care for patients in Northwest Arkansas.”
The Washington Regional Simulation Center is led by Simulation Coordinator Rachel Begley. The center is operated by the Education and Workforce Development team, and the space is used by Washington Regional’s clinical educators and instructors.