WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (June 17, 2025) — Des Moines University (DMU) Medicine and Health Sciences has achieved a significant milestone, with its state-of-the-art simulation center earning accreditation in the new human simulation standard from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. This prestigious recognition places DMU among an elite group of only eight simulation centers worldwide to be accredited in the new standard.
Human simulation in health-care refers to the use of life-like scenarios involving trained actors (standardized patients) or high-tech manikins to teach, evaluate, and practice clinical skills in a controlled, immersive environment. SSH developed its human simulation standards based on best practices, piloting them with three SSH-accredited programs. The insights gained from these participants were instrumental in refining the standards and creating a companion guide for future applicants. This accreditation demonstrates the exceptional work of DMU educators, directors, and trainers.
"DMU is honored to have been invited to apply in the second pilot phase for the new SSH human simulation accreditation standard," says DMU's Simulation Center Director Kimberly Patterson MSN RN. "This achievement recognizes DMU's human simulation excellence and acknowledges the expertise of our human simulation educators and standardized patients. It's an incredible honor to be among the first eight programs in the world to achieve this accreditation."
DMU's 27,000-square-foot simulation center received full accreditation in core and teaching/education areas from the SSH in 2024. It serves as a training ground for DMU students across multiple disciplines, offering cutting-edge technology, including high-fidelity manikins, augmented reality tools, and telemedicine capabilities. These resources allow students to develop critical clinical, technical, and interpersonal skills in a safe and supportive environment.
For more information about DMU's simulation center and its programs, please visit dmu.edu/simulation.
Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa's capital metro, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences offers tengraduate-level professional-degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health-care administration, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician-assistant studies, podiatric medicine, and public health.
Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' scores on national examinations, pass-rates on board certifications, and match-rates for medical residency programs are consistently higher than national averages and rates at peer institutions.
