New York State is spending $62 million to fix a serious problem in healthcare. The state is short on nurses, and many hospitals are struggling. To help, three public universities will build new nursing simulation centers. These centers will train more nurses using modern tools and technology. The goal is to prepare students faster and better for real hospital work.
The plan was announced in May 2025. It is part of a larger effort to support the state’s healthcare system. The move comes after years of staffing issues made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nursing shortage puts healthcare at risk
Many hospitals in New York do not have enough nurses. This shortage makes it hard to provide good care. Some hospitals are paying high wages just to keep enough staff. Others are using temporary workers, which costs more.
The pandemic caused many experienced nurses to retire early. Others left the job because of stress or burnout. Now, with fewer nurses and more patients, the state must act quickly.
Where the money is going
The $62 million investment will go to three public universities. These are:
- State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate
- University at Buffalo
- Stony Brook University
Each school will build a new simulation center. These centers will look and feel like real hospital rooms. They will include emergency setups, intensive care units, and even delivery rooms.
Students will practice on lifelike mannequins and use virtual reality tools. This will help them learn how to respond to real emergencies in a safe setting.
Simulation training offers big advantages
Traditional nurse training needs both classroom lessons and real hospital work. But hospitals are often too busy to train students. Some schools also lack enough staff or space.
Simulation training solves these problems. Students can practice many times without needing real patients. They can learn from mistakes and improve their skills. Schools can also teach more students at the same time.
This type of training helps new nurses feel more confident and ready when they start work.
Long-term goals for healthcare
The United States expects to need over 200,000 new nurses each year until 2032. In New York, many nurses will retire in the next 10 years. Without new workers, the shortage could get worse.
The new centers will help fill this gap. By training more students each year, New York can build a stronger healthcare system for the future.
New York follows national trend
Other states are also investing in nurse education. California, Texas, and Florida have opened similar centers. They use simulation to train students faster and better.
A 2023 report showed that 80 percent of U.S. nursing schools turned away qualified students. They lacked space or staff. Simulation labs help solve this issue by offering more flexible learning.
Strong support from healthcare sector
The project is getting wide support from hospitals and nursing schools. Healthcare leaders say better training is key to better patient care.
The $62 million will come from state funds and federal grants. Private companies may also donate equipment and software to help the project grow.
More jobs for nursing graduates
These centers will help more students graduate with real-world skills. Hospitals are more likely to hire nurses who have hands-on training.
This means faster hiring and less pressure on hospital staff. It also improves safety for patients, since new nurses will be better prepared.
Better training for future emergencies
Simulation training also prepares nurses for public health emergencies. This includes pandemics, natural disasters, and mass casualty events.
Nurses who learn in these centers will know how to stay calm, make fast decisions, and work as a team during a crisis.
What happens next
Construction on the simulation centers will begin later in 2025. The goal is to open all three centers by the end of 2026.
Universities will begin hiring teachers and buying equipment this year. Training programs will start soon after the centers open.
This is one of the biggest efforts New York has ever made to support nursing education.
