The University of South Florida has launched what it says is the world’s first university-based undergraduate concentration in Health Care Simulation Operations, aiming to address a growing demand for skilled workers in the field and improve patient safety across medical settings.
The new concentration is offered through the USF College of Public Health as part of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program. It was developed in partnership with the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS), one of the largest free-standing simulation facilities in the world. Students enrolled in the program will take four core courses focused on simulation operations, instructional technologies, center management, and the theoretical foundations of simulation. The program culminates in a 120-hour internship with hands-on experience across multiple simulation centers.
The initiative builds on USF’s earlier pilot efforts: a course in simulation operations launched in 2023, followed by an internship program in 2024 that achieved a 100% job placement rate for its first group of students. Officials say the new concentration is designed to prepare students for a rapidly growing industry that plays a vital role in training healthcare professionals.
Medical simulation is now a widely used training tool in medical and nursing schools, hospital systems, military agencies, and government institutions. However, until now, no major research university had developed a dedicated undergraduate pathway for simulation operations—a gap USF hopes to fill. The global healthcare simulation market is projected to grow significantly, with some estimates placing its value at $17.4 billion by 2030.
Dr. Haru Okuda, executive director of USF CAMLS and associate vice president of interprofessional education and practice at USF Health, said the program responds to urgent workforce needs across both civilian and government sectors. “There is a huge need for health care simulation workers,” Okuda said, citing demand from the Department of Defense and the Veterans Health Administration.
Dr. Melissa Milner, director of clinical simulation at CAMLS, said the new program gives students a clear path into a career that impacts real patient outcomes. “This concentration creates a pathway for our students to enter a career that directly impacts patient outcomes in health care,” she said.
William Brandt, a fourth-year USF student who participated in the pilot internship, said the program has already opened new career opportunities for him. He currently works part-time at CAMLS and plans to pursue a career in simulation operations. “This is giving me a great experience,” Brandt said. “This program is opening doors for students like me to enter an exciting field where we can make a real difference in health care.”
The concentration will be available starting in the fall semester.
