Blog
Building a New Nursing Program From the Ground Up
Launching a new nursing program takes more than building a curriculum. It also means preparing the educators, technology, and learning experiences that will support the first group of future nurses.
At Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, faculty were preparing to do just that as they built a new nursing program and simulation center ahead of their first cohort in August 2026.
To support that work, Elevate RN & Clinical Educator Judith Long spent 2 weeks at Juniata, working alongside faculty as they prepared to put their new simulation environment into practice.
From Technology to Application
Juniata’s new simulation center was built around a range of patient simulators, including Lucina, Juno, Aria, Luna, and Apollo.
But learning how to use the technology was only part of the experience.
Judy worked with the faculty using a competency-based education approach, helping them build their understanding of how simulation could support their curriculum.
By the end of the week, faculty were designing scenarios and integrating simulation into their curriculum.
The goal wasn’t simply to show them what their new technology could do. It was to help them begin applying it within their own educational environment, which will result in impactful outcomes for their students.
Building Confidence for What’s Next
For a new program, those first steps matter.
Faculty were not only learning about their simulation technology; they were beginning to develop the skills and approach they would need to use it as part of their nursing education program.
Working alongside Judy gave them an opportunity to ask questions, work through the process, and gain hands-on experience before welcoming their first cohort.
That is an important part of building a simulation program: giving educators the confidence and practical knowledge to turn the technology into meaningful learning experiences.
A Partnership Beyond Training
Juniata College celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.
As the college marks that milestone and prepares a new chapter with its nursing program, during the 2 weeks Judy created a connection that went beyond the training itself.
The faculty told Judy that she was now part of their family.
It’s a simple sentiment, but one that captures what can happen when training becomes a collaborative experience.
For Juniata, the 2 weeks were part of preparing faculty to launch a new nursing program and simulation center. For Judy, it was an opportunity to work alongside educators as they built something new.
And sometimes, the most meaningful impact comes from being there at the beginning.