Close the clinical confidence gap with comprehensive labs.

Nursing and allied health programs face unique obstacles in the online environment. Core science prerequisites mandate hands-on laboratory experiences for program admission, while Nursing Fundamentals courses must develop essential clinical skills. The traditional online approach often leaves students underprepared for clinical rotations, creating a confidence gap that impacts both student success and patient care quality. As healthcare institutions nationwide grapple with critical nursing shortages, there is mounting pressure to expand educational pathways and increase graduate readiness. Meeting this demand requires offering more flexible online options while rigorously maintaining the quality and hands-on preparation essential for competent clinical practice.

Dr. Runne-Janczy will share compelling data from the Annual Lab Report addressing student preparedness metrics, faculty perspectives on maintaining rigor, institutional outcomes, and market demand trends. Participants will discover how comprehensive lab experiences can bridge this gap through authentic hands-on practice using professional-grade equipment, virtual simulations for skill reinforcement, and standards-aligned curriculum that meets accreditation requirements.

The session will provide actionable strategies for program integration, faculty support, student success, and quality assurance while demonstrating how strategic lab implementation can expand program capacity, improve retention rates, and enhance clinical preparedness to meet critical workforce demands.

Caitlin Runne-Janczy, PhD

Chief Academic Officer at Science Interactive Group