UNC Charlotte, Novant partner to support workforce development and campus well-being
Novant Health is investing $500,000 in UNC Charlotte to expand experiential learning excellence, advance workforce innovation and strengthen faculty and staff well-being. This commitment reflects Novant Health’s continued focus on building a stronger healthcare system across the region.
The investment will support UNC Charlotte’s College of Health and Human Services, including resources to help maintain and enhance the college’s 15 nursing labs where students participate in simulations that replicate real-world healthcare scenarios. The college’s state-of-the-art Learning Resource Center provides students with access to advanced training tools and 37 human patient simulators representing various patient populations. The labs create immersive learning experiences so students can develop clinical skills, enhance their use of technology and build confidence at the bedside.
UNC Charlotte’s nursing simulation program recently received the Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement™ from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. The endorsement is a vital benchmark that publicly recognizes institutions for delivering exceptional, evidence-based simulation education. The North Carolina Board of Nursing allows half of the required clinical hours for nursing students to be in a simulated environment.
“This partnership with UNC Charlotte represents an investment in the future of healthcare in our region. By equipping nursing students with leading-edge technology, we are helping prepare compassionate, highly skilled clinicians,” said Chris Bowe, senior vice president and president of Novant Health’s Charlotte region. “Together, we are strengthening the pipeline of nurses who are ready to serve our community from day one, ensuring remarkable care for generations to come.”
Nearly 50% of UNC Charlotte School of Nursing graduates remain in the Charlotte region to begin their careers.
The investment will also expand certification opportunities for faculty and staff in simulation-based education, addressing a critical need for more trained simulation professionals to lead the next generation of healthcare professionals. According to the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, there are fewer than 1,200 Certified Healthcare Simulation Educators in the United States. Six of UNC Charlotte’s 12 simulation educators are certified, underscoring the university’s commitment to excellence in simulation-based nursing education.
“It’s crucial that nursing students are fully prepared when they enter the healthcare workforce, and our simulation program helps ensure they are,” said Yvette Huet, dean of UNC Charlotte’s College of Health and Human Services. “Novant Health’s generous investment will help the college maintain its current simulation practices and prepare for future needs. We’re pleased to partner with Novant Health to advance nursing education that leads to the highest quality care for our community.”
In addition to academic and workforce initiatives, a portion of the funding will support faculty and staff health and well-being. This includes delivering coordinated care access, integrating mental health services, expanding campus wellness programming and offering executive health services. This will help support retention, engagement and overall campus vitality.