BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
BCIT enhances Nursing education with pediatric VR simulation

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is advancing nursing education through the introduction of a high-fidelity virtual reality (VR) simulation experience for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students. The new initiative uses the UbiSim platform to deliver immersive, pediatric-focused clinical learning to prepare students in advance of going out into real world clinical practice.

The Virtual Reality Simulation experience is a synchronous, small-group learning activity designed as an alternative clinical education model. Delivered using VR headsets, the experience places students in realistic pediatric care scenarios that emphasize assessment, prioritization, patient safety, communication, and clinical judgment development.

"This virtual reality simulation experience provides students with a psychologically safe, immersive environment to practice assessment, prioritization, and communication skills," shared BSN Instructor Robert Kim. "It supports clinical judgment development when access to traditional clinical placements is limited, while allowing learners to engage with realistic pediatric scenarios in a structured and supportive way."

While the use of VR in nursing education is growing, adoption across Canada remains relatively limited. BCIT's BSN program has previously offered VR experiences through its open simulation lab as a voluntary student success initiative. However, this experience marks the first time VR has been formally embedded into a structured learning rotation within the program. Currently used by BSN Term 5 students, there is strong potential to expand the use of VR simulation to other terms and clinical areas in the future.

With this initiative, BCIT continues to explore innovative approaches to nursing education, ensuring students are well prepared for the complexities of modern clinical practice.

Learn more about how BCIT uses simulation in our Health Sciences Education at BCIT Health Sciences Simulation.