Purdue Global relocates simulation center to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Global opened its relocated medical simulation center on Jan. 7 at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

The simulation center, which serves students and faculty from communities across Maine, relocated to Eastern Maine Medical Center in December from its former location in Waterville. Faculty members have been working with medical center leaders to establish the new space, which is located within the hospital’s Clinical and Medical Education department.

Located at 489 State St. in Bangor, the simulation lab provides hands-on training for Purdue Global nursing students in the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree program. The ASN program is a gateway into other nursing degree programs offered through Purdue Global, including the RN to BSN program. Purdue Global’s new space includes two high-fidelity simulation suites with audio/video capabilities, control rooms, several conference rooms for debriefings, a central supply area, and faculty/staff offices. The simulation center also includes mannequins for adult, pediatric, labor/delivery mother and neonatal simulations.

The center uses virtual reality and AI programs that are compatible with Meta Quest headsets. The use of technology in the associate degree programs in Maine not only increases professional development and continuing education for nursing students, but also provides opportunities for seasoned nursing professionals.

“We are excited to continue this valuable partnership with Northern Light Health by moving to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor,” said Marlo Robinson, dean and vice president of Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. “By offering these hands-on experiences, access to AI and virtual reality technology specifically designed for health care settings, and partnerships with local hospitals, our nursing students will be well prepared to serve their communities.”

Melissa Goodwin, DNP, RNC-MNN, CNE, academic program head for Purdue Global’s Bangor Simulation Center, said, “By having the simulation lab within Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Clinical and Medical Education department, our students are able to experience the full spectrum of patient care. They are not just practicing skills in a simulation space — they are learning within a real hospital environment and gaining meaningful exposure that supports innovative workforce development and helps shape their professional identity as future nurses.”

“This partnership with Purdue Global is about building the future of nursing together,” said Deb Sanford, MBA, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer, Eastern Maine Medical Center. “By welcoming students into the center, we’re not just supporting their education — we’re nurturing the next generation of caregivers who may one day choose to start their careers at Eastern Maine Medical Center. It’s a win for patient care, a win for the students and a win for Maine.”

Christina McLeod, a Purdue Global nursing student, is excited for the new location in Bangor.

McLeod has had a good experience with Purdue Global’s nursing program, feeling supported by the faculty members and clinical instructors in the online classroom and through clinical settings, simulation lab experiences, and real-world patient scenarios.

“The best part of learning in the simulation lab is being able to practice skills in a safe, hands-on environment. The simulation lab allows me to build confidence in my clinical decision-making and helps me improve communication, teamwork and prioritization skills, which are critical in real patient care,” McLeod said. “Each sim experience makes me feel more prepared for actual clinical situations.”

Purdue Global’s partnership with Northern Light Health began in 2023 with the sim lab, clinical rotations at the hospital system and educational opportunities, including tuition discounts for Northern Light Health employees and their families through Purdue Global. The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation has granted initial accreditation for Purdue Global’s ASN degree program in Maine, which is valid through 2030.

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.

About Northern Light Health

At Northern Light Health, we’re building a better approach to healthcare because we believe people deserve access to care that works for them. As an integrated health delivery system serving Maine, we’re raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. Our care team — in hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, long-term and home healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and ground and air medical transport and emergency care — are committed to making healthcare work for you: our patients, communities, and employees. To learn more about Northern Light Health and our locations across Maine, visit www.northernlighthealth.org.