The School of Nursing at Bowling Green State University recently became the first and only nursing program in Ohio to earn prestigious international recognition for its high standards in simulation-based education.

Bowling Green’s nursing program received the Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), recognizing its ability to deliver high-quality simulation that prepares healthcare professionals for real-world challenges in a psychologically safe environment.

“Achieving INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement signifies a commitment to ensuring that every simulation activity is thoughtfully designed to meet educational goals while adhering to best practices that promote safety, reliability and measurable outcomes,” said Alissa Karpuszka, BGSU simulation lab coordinator.

The endorsement further highlights the program’s strengths in preparing graduates for careers, with nearly 100% employed at graduation.

“This achievement represents a significant milestone for our growing School of Nursing,” said Lisa Jacobs, director of the School of Nursing, who holds Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator Advanced credentials. “Simulation-based nursing education and research are critical in helping students strengthen their skills, build confidence and reflect on their performance through comprehensive debriefing sessions. This endorsement reaffirms our commitment to ensuring graduates enter the workforce prepared to provide thorough, evidence-based care.”

The endorsement recognizes the program for adhering to rigorous standards and best practices in prebriefing, debriefing, facilitation and professional integrity. Simulation is key in preparing students for their clinical rotations.

The International Nursing Association’s review committee praised Bowling Green’s submission, particularly the pre-work for students that aligns with their progression in the curriculum and the debriefing process, which requires students to review their simulation videos and complete reflective journals. 

The nursing program has 10 high-fidelity simulators, including an infant, child, birthing mom, an older adult and others, that provide students with numerous scenarios as they learn, develop and practice new skills.

The School of Nursing enrolled its first cohort in 2021 and has quickly built an impressive reputation for producing highly qualified graduates prepared to meet the demands of today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Its national licensure pass rate has risen consistently since the first class graduated in 2023 and is now well above the national average, placing Bowling Green’s BSN program among the top programs in Ohio.

The BGSU Bachelor of Science in nursing program was recently reaccredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for 10 years, marking another significant milestone for the program.

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