Community College of Philadelphia announces $2M Health Care Simulation Lab

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 20, 2026

Contact:
Antwon R. Martin
armartin [at] ccp.edu (armartin[at]ccp[dot]edu)
267.666.7881

Community College of Philadelphia announces $2M Health Care Simulation Lab 
The state-of-the-art simulation lab mirrors today’s clinical environments, providing students an immersive, hands-on learning experience.

PHILADELPHIA – Pennsylvania State Rep. Regina Young and Philadelphia City Councilmember At Large Dr. Nina Ahmad joined Community College of Philadelphia for a ribbon cutting ceremony to announce the College’s newly-built Health Care Simulation Lab. The ceremony took place today, Feb. 20, in the West Building on CCP’s Main Campus.

The $2 million, 3,400+ square-foot Health Care Simulation Lab is modeled after modern clinical environments, providing students an immersive, hands-on learning experience.

"Our new Health Care Simulation Lab reflects Community College of Philadelphia's commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled, compassionate health care professionals, " said CCP President Dr. Alycia Marshall. “With expert faculty, advanced learning environments and strong clinical partnerships, this facility ensures that our students are ready to deliver high-quality care across the region."

The simulation lab has two medication rooms, a nursing station, and six patient rooms. Patient rooms include two medical surgical rooms, a critical care room, two maternity rooms—one of which is a high-risk maternity room—and a community room.

Realistic patient mannequins mimic various medical scenarios, including critical emergencies, childbirth, injuries, and more. Mannequins can even communicate with students in multiple languages.

“In the safety of the simulation setting, students can build confidence, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and reinforce clinical decision making,” said Dr. Lisa Johnson, professor of Nursing and head of the Department of Nursing at CCP. “Nursing students can care for multiple patients from birth to death and follow those patients in real time from an ICU to a home setting.”

The Health Care Simulation Lab will allow students to perform assessments, administer medications, document care, and perform blood transfusions, catheterization, tube feedings, chest tube care, CPR, and more. Students will encounter everything from minor complications to critical situations, and instructors will be able to provide instant feedback.

“We are so proud to offer this state-of-the-art simulation lab to our students,” said Dr. Vishal Shah, dean of Math, Science and Health Careers at CCP. “We are empowering the health care professionals of tomorrow to provide high-level, compassionate care for our family, friends and neighbors throughout Philadelphia and beyond.”

The complete list of speakers at today’s ceremony included Regina Young, Pennsylvania State Representative; Dr. Nina Ahmad, Philadelphia City Councilmember At Large; Dr. Alycia Marshall, president of Community College of Philadelphia; Dr. Lisa Johnson, professor of Nursing and head of the Department of Nursing at CCP; Dr. Vishal Shah, dean of Math, Science and Health Careers at CCP; and Nursing students Sheridan Salazar and Jose Rosario.

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees were offered tours of the simulation lab. The Health Care Simulation Lab was supported by a U.S. Department of Education Perkins Grant administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

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About Community College of Philadelphia 

Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in the City of Philadelphia. With an open admissions policy, the College serves all who may benefit – regardless of age, income, or ability. For 60 years, the College has lived up to its mission and goals by providing educational access for over 700,000 Philadelphians, setting families, businesses and neighborhoods on the path of shared prosperity and opportunity. For information on the College's degree and certificate programs, workforce development strategies, and community engagement initiatives, visit ccp.edu and follow us on social media @CCPedu.