What Should Universities Consider Before Investing in Simulation Facilities?

By HATZ Education Team | Latest update October 2026

Health simulation facilities represent a significant investment in educational capability, student experience and workforce development. As demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow, many universities and training providers are expanding their simulation infrastructure to support increasingly sophisticated teaching models.

However, successful simulation projects are not defined by technology alone. The most effective facilities begin with a clear understanding of educational objectives, institutional priorities and long-term operational requirements.

Before committing to a major investment, institutions should consider the broader role simulation will play within their healthcare education strategy.

Start With Educational Outcomes

One of the most common mistakes in simulation projects is focusing on equipment before defining learning objectives.

Simulation facilities should be designed around the educational experiences they are intended to support.

Questions institutions should consider include:

• What skills should students develop?
• Which disciplines will use the facility?
• How will simulation complement existing teaching methods?
• How will student outcomes be measured?
• What future educational requirements may emerge?

Clear answers to these questions provide the foundation for effective planning and investment decisions.

Consider Who Will Use the Facility

Healthcare education increasingly relies on collaboration between different disciplines.

A simulation facility may support:

• Nursing education
• Allied health programs
• Medical training
• Community healthcare education
• Continuing professional development
• Research and workforce training

Understanding current and future users helps ensure facilities remain relevant and adaptable over time.

Balance Technology With Flexibility

Simulation technology evolves rapidly.

While advanced equipment can provide valuable learning opportunities, over-investing in highly specialised technology may limit flexibility or create future replacement challenges.

The most successful facilities balance:

• Technology integration
• Educational value
• Operational practicality
• Long-term adaptability
• Budget constraints

In many cases, the quality of the teaching environment and supporting spaces can be more important than the sophistication of the equipment itself.

Think Beyond Simulation Rooms

Simulation facilities are often assessed by the number of simulated clinical spaces they contain.

However, supporting spaces frequently have an equal or greater impact on learning outcomes.

These may include:

• Briefing rooms
• Debrief spaces
• Observation areas
• Seminar rooms
• Informal learning environments
• Equipment storage
• Staff support facilities

Effective educational environments support the entire learning process, not just the simulation exercise itself.

Plan for Operational Requirements

Simulation facilities require ongoing management and support.

Institutions should consider:

• Staffing requirements
• Technical support needs
• Equipment maintenance
• Scheduling and utilisation
• Future upgrades
• Long-term operational costs

Understanding these requirements early can help avoid unforeseen costs and operational challenges after the facility opens.

Explore Existing Assets First

Not every institution requires a new building.

Many universities and training providers already possess facilities capable of supporting simulation-based learning through refurbishment or adaptive reuse.

Assessing existing assets can help institutions:

• Reduce capital expenditure
• Improve sustainability outcomes
• Accelerate delivery timelines
• Maximise investment in existing infrastructure

A feasibility assessment often reveals opportunities that may not be immediately apparent.

Design for Future Change

Healthcare education continues to evolve in response to emerging technologies, changing models of care and workforce demands.

Facilities should be adaptable enough to accommodate future teaching methods and program growth.

Flexible planning can extend the useful life of simulation infrastructure and protect long-term investment.

Conclusion

Investment in simulation facilities is ultimately an investment in student outcomes, workforce readiness and educational excellence.

The most successful projects begin with educational objectives rather than equipment specifications, balancing current requirements with future adaptability. By carefully considering users, teaching models, operational requirements and existing assets, institutions can create facilities that deliver value well beyond their initial investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do universities always need a new building for simulation facilities?

No. Many institutions successfully create simulation environments through refurbishment, adaptive reuse and targeted upgrades of existing facilities.

What is the most important consideration when planning a simulation facility?

Educational outcomes should guide every planning decision. Technology and equipment should support teaching objectives rather than drive them.

How much space is typically required for simulation facilities?

Requirements vary significantly depending on disciplines, student numbers, teaching models and operational requirements. Early planning studies can help determine appropriate space needs.

How can universities maximise long-term value?

Flexible planning, adaptable infrastructure and multi-disciplinary use can help ensure facilities remain relevant as educational requirements evolve.

Should simulation facilities support multiple disciplines?

In most cases, yes. Facilities that support nursing, allied health, medical and other healthcare disciplines often achieve higher utilisation and stronger educational outcomes.

Related Reading

• What Makes a Successful Nursing Simulation Facility?
• Why Are Simulation Environments Important for Healthcare Education?
• How Can Existing Buildings Be Adapted for Health Simulation?
• How Can Simulation Facilities Support Interprofessional Learning?
• Why Accessibility Should Be Considered Early in Education Projects?

Planning a Health Simulation Facility?

Whether you are developing a new simulation facility, refurbishing existing teaching spaces or planning long-term healthcare education infrastructure, HATZ can help align educational objectives, operational requirements and building design to create environments that support future learning.