UIC College of Nursing Recognized for Leadership in Educational Excellence

The UIC College of Nursing’s M. Christine Schwartz Experiential Learning & Simulation Laboratory has become the only nursing simulation program in Illinois to receive the Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement™ from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). This three-year recognition reflects the dedication to excellence in health care simulation practices within the nursing curriculum. Located at UIC Nursing’s Chicago Campus, the M. Christine Schwartz Experiential Learning & Simulation Laboratory, continues to build upon the success of their training and educational programs.

The endorsement is designed to recognize health care institutions that have demonstrated the highest measures in applying all four of the following simulation standards from the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice® in their educational simulation programs: pre-briefing, facilitation, professional integrity and debriefing. The endorsement publicly recognizes institutions that excel in creating simulation experiences that enhance learning, promote professional development, and advance the science of simulation.

Becker’s Healthcare also included this important recognition in an announcement in the Becker’s Hospital Review highlighting their pride in honoring this endorsement of the UIC College of Nursing’s M. Christine Schwartz Experiential Learning & Simulation Laboratory, among others across the country, citing its exceptional simulation and education programs, The Review noted that, “these innovative initiatives give students and healthcare professionals the opportunity to sharpen their skills in realistic, controlled environments that closely replicate real-world clinical scenarios.”

The Review continued by adding that, “using advanced technologies and highly immersive simulations, these programs help improve patient outcomes, enhance safety and reduce healthcare costs. By providing a secure space for hands-on learning and practice, they equip providers with the confidence and expertise needed to deliver the highest standard of care.”

Looking ahead, the Schwartz Lab is expanding to include simulated pre-operative, post-operative and operating room spaces targeted to open in fall 2026, and it recently acquired Laerdal Medical’s MamaAnne birthing manikin to enhance prelicensure and postlicensure training in birthing care.

Additionally, the UIC College of Nursing is continuing its impressive momentum as one of the highest-ranking nursing schools in the country. It’s RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Program was recently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as number three in the nation, and the college was ranked number 17 for both DNP and master’s programs in 2025.

Alumna Carolyn Jarvis, PhD ’05, FNP-C, made a major gift to fund a complete renovation of the first-floor auditorium of the 55-year-old building on the College of Nursing Chicago campus. The fully modernized and updated auditorium is named the Carolyn Jarvis Auditorium and the ribbon-cutting took place in February.

The auditorium is the largest lecture hall in UIC Nursing’s building. As the college’s enrollment grows, the project has increased capacity and has outfitted the space with the latest technology. The renovations removed a stage and brought the capacity from 92 to 160 seats, made it accessible for those with disabilities, and added AV equipment to improve instructional capabilities.

The distinguished recognition of the M. Christine Schwartz Experiential Learning & Simulation Laboratory by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), and this significant upgrade to the college’s infrastructure and teaching capacity, will go a long way in supporting UIC Nursing’s status among the top nursing schools in the nation.