The next generation of nurses and other health care workers are receiving some pretty high-tech training. Nursing students can now learn from virtual patient simulation. Discover magazine reports that there is a huge boom in 3-D nursing, specifically on a site called Second Life. Colleges, universities, and medical schools have been using the site to hold online lectures.

Through the Second Life’s virtual environment, nursing students are able to interact with a computer-generated patient who is instructed to follow a certain health scenario, like strong chest pains. The students can then use simulated equipment to help diagnose and treat the problem. After the scenario has ended, students and teachers discuss why they were successful or needed improvement in treating the patient.

There are many benefits to this type of learning environment. The online students can practice a variety of life-threatneing health scenarios that they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to practice in a “traditional” classroom. Thanks to the virtual environment, students and teachers have the opportunity to discuss what they learned long after the simulation has ended.

Why is online nursing so important to the future of our health care system? Our country is experiencing a huge shortage of nurses and teaching nursing facilities. Virtual programs are a great way to cut costs and accommodate the time and financial needs of the students.

Want to see what nursing and health care students are learning online? Check out an example below!