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Rockland Community College (RCC) has announced the start of construction on a new $3 million Nursing Simulation Lab designed to expand hands-on training and help prepare the next generation of nurses for high-demand careers. When completed, the new lab will be seven times the size of the old one, spanning nearly 5,000 square feet.
The project comes at a pivotal moment for healthcare workforce needs. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly 200,000 openings for registered nurses each year, on average, over the next decade. In New York, the State Department of Health has cited projections that the state could face a shortage of nearly 40,000 nurses by 2030, underscoring the urgency of strengthening nursing education pipelines.
“This Nursing Simulation Lab represents a transformative investment in our students, our community, and the future of healthcare,” said Dr. William Mullaney, President of RCC. “By creating a realistic, high-quality clinical environment on campus, we are ensuring that our nursing graduates enter the workforce confident, competent, and prepared to save lives and meet the growing healthcare needs of our region.”
Located on the second floor of RCC’s Technology Building, the renovated space will convert former lab and classroom areas into a dedicated simulation wing that mirrors real clinical settings. Construction is expected to begin by March 1st, with students anticipated to begin using the lab in the Fall 2026 semester. Planning for the new facility has been underway for approximately 18 months.
"This project is centered on expanding hands-on learning opportunities to build student confidence,” said Sara Annunziato, Dean of Nursing, Health and Wellness. “By creating a realistic, supportive environment for clinical training, we are giving students increased hands-on practice to strengthen their critical skills and clinical judgment, preparing them to respond confidently to the kinds of situations they will face in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings.”
Hospital-Real Training on Campus
The lab will feature high-fidelity, lifelike simulators that can replicate complex patient conditions and physiological responses, such as childbirth, seizures, and medical emergencies. One featured simulator, “MamaAnne,” simulates labor and delivery scenarios, including complications that nurses must learn to recognize and manage. With more than 515 nursing students currently enrolled in the nursing program at Rockland Community College, the expanded simulation capacity will allow the college to run multiple scenarios back-to-back, helping more students gain repeated, skill-building practice in a safe environment.
A Highly Regarded Program, Strengthened Further
RCC’s Nursing Program is widely recognized for outcomes and quality. In 2025, the program was named #1 out of 153 New York State Board of Nursing-approved associate degree nursing programs by NursingProcess.org. In addition, RCC's National Council Licensure Examination average pass rate of 94% over the past 5 years is well above the National and NYS average.
About Rockland Community College, State University of New York
Founded in 1959, Rockland Community College (RCC) provides students with a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. The College offers 35 degree and 3 certificate programs, and a faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. In addition to its main campus in Suffern, RCC operates a Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack, and its Automotive Technology Center in Orangeburg. For more information about RCC, please visit sunyrockland.edu.
