UNB nursing earns respected simulation standards endorsement—a first for a Canadian university
Author: Tim Jaques
Posted on Jun 5, 2026
Category: UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
The recognition highlights simulation‑based nursing education that prepares students through structured practice before entering real healthcare settings.
The University of New Brunswick is proud to announce that its nursing program has received the INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement, a distinction in Canadian nursing education.
The endorsement, granted by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, highlights excellence in healthcare simulation practices.
UNB is the only university and the only nursing education program in the country to earn this endorsement, which the faculty secured on first submission.
The INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement shows that a program meets established best practices in simulation. It covers how scenarios are designed and delivered, and how students prepare for and learn from them. It confirms that UNB’s nursing programs are grounded in evidence and produce clear learning outcomes.
The endorsement also examines how programs prepare students before simulations, guide them through scenarios, and lead structured debriefings. It looks at professional conduct and the consistency of education methods across all learning activities.
It strengthens the UNB’s position as it expands its use of simulation and extended reality in nursing education. The faculty is already nationally recognized for its approach.
Programs that have received the designation recognize all varieties of simulation-based experiences, are working to improve healthcare education and patient safety through the practice of high-quality simulation, and are committed to innovation.
“We are honoured to receive this respected recognition,” said Dr. Lorna Butler, dean of the faculty of nursing and health sciences.
“It reflects our commitment to delivering cutting-edge simulation education that drives meaningful change in healthcare.”
Simulation is core to nursing education at the University of New Brunswick. In addition, the nursing faculty was recently supported by $500,000 in funding over three years from the Province of New Brunswick to expand teaching through virtual and extended reality.
Students learn in clinical placements and in controlled settings designed to mirror real healthcare situations. The program uses high‑fidelity mannequins, computer‑based tools, and extended reality technologies.
These allow instructors to create situations that may not arise during hospital placements and ensure all students face complex care scenarios. Students take part in immersive exercises where they interact with digital patients and environments while practising clinical decision-making and communication.
INACSL’s endorsement confirms that UNB’s approach to simulated nursing education meets a strong international benchmark.
The result is a program that prepares nurses who can think under pressure, communicate with patients and families, and manage complex care from the start of their careers.
Ultimately, the designation serves as a testament to UNB’s dedication to advancing education, enhancing professional development, and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.