Stanislaus State has received an $817,141 grant from Health Net to expand clinical training capacity for nursing students at the University’s Stockton Campus, helping prepare more highly skilled nurses to serve the Central Valley.
The grant will fund the creation of the Health Net High-Fidelity Simulation Suite, a state-of-the-art learning space located in Willow Hall, the Stockton Campus’ new academic building, which is scheduled to be officially dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 26, 2026.
The advanced simulation suite will allow students to practice complex patient-care scenarios using high-fidelity simulation and immersive clinical technology, strengthening clinical judgment, teamwork and decision-making skills before students enter real health care settings.
The investment comes at a critical time for the region. The Central Valley faces significant health care workforce shortages, including a projected need for thousands of additional registered nurses by 2030. Expanding high-quality clinical training opportunities is essential to preparing the next generation of providers who will serve the region’s diverse communities.
“When mission-driven partners come together, the impact on our communities can be transformational, and we could not be more grateful for Health Net joining us in this effort,” said Stanislaus State President Britt Rios-Ellis.
“This is about opportunity, access and building a stronger health care workforce in the Central Valley,” said Amber Kemp, Vice President, Medi-Cal Strategy, Execution and Engagement at Health Net. “At a time when workforce shortages continue to challenge care delivery, we’re committed to advancing equity by supporting future nurses through community-based training pathways and culturally responsive education, helping ensure our communities have the care they deserve now and in the years ahead.”
The simulation lab will support multiple programs housed at the Stockton Campus, including the Accelerated Second Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ASBSN) program, which prepares students who already hold a bachelor’s degree to enter the nursing profession through an intensive pathway.
By integrating simulation-based training across academic programs, the facility is expected to train more than 300 students annually — including nursing, behavioral health and community health worker cohorts — ensuring they demonstrate competency in simulated clinical scenarios before beginning clinical placements.
The lab will also host educational visits for local K-12 career technical education health pathway students, helping inspire future health care professionals from the region.
“The Stockton Campus is rapidly emerging as a hub for educating the next generation of health and human services professionals in the Northern San Joaquin Valley,” said Stockton Campus Dean Sarah Sweitzer. “The Health Net High-Fidelity Simulation Lab will allow our students to engage in immersive clinical training that strengthens their confidence, competence and readiness to deliver safe, compassionate and evidence-based care. At a time when our region faces significant health care workforce shortages, we are looking to grow local and train local. This advanced training lab is essential to preparing providers who will serve and improve the health of our communities.”
