Lake Area Tech and Avera Partner to Build High-Tech Nursing Simulation Center in Pierre

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Lake Area Technical College (LATC) and Avera announced a new partnership today to construct a state-of-the-art nursing simulation center at Pierre’s Capital City Campus.

The facility, fueled by a grant from Avera, is designed to modernize healthcare education in central South Dakota by providing students with advanced technology and hands-on clinical experience.

The Avera Learning & Simulation Center will replicate real-world patient care environments using advanced medical equipment and high-fidelity manikins. These tools allow students to practice complex scenarios in a safe setting, building the confidence and professional skills required for the modern healthcare workforce.

“We’re excited about this project and are thankful for the support shown by Avera,” said LATC President Tiffany Sanderson. “It will allow us to expand access to healthcare education in central South Dakota and provide nursing professionals for our communities and facilities of all sizes.”

A Shared Space for Training and Innovation

The center is expected to serve as a regional hub for healthcare development beyond traditional degree programs. Plans for the facility include:

·        Professional Development: Serving as a training site for regional healthcare workers.

·        Employee Training: Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre will utilize the lab for ongoing staff education across multiple health disciplines.

·        Community Outreach: Hosting high school tours, recruitment events, and specialized skills workshops.

Shantel Krebs, Regional President and CEO of Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, emphasized the long-term impact of the investment.

“This new space allows us to create a simulation environment that strengthens both education and patient care in the Pierre area,” Krebs said. “By providing a shared space for students and our employees to learn, practice, and innovate together, we are investing in the workforce of today and in highly skilled caregivers of tomorrow.”

Expanding Access to Central South Dakota

Currently, Lake Area Technical College enrolls 23 nursing students at the Capital City Campus. While students complete the majority of their classroom instruction in Pierre, they currently travel to the main Watertown campus for specific skills assessments. The new simulation center will enable more localized training, reducing travel and keeping students rooted in the Pierre community.

Founded in 1965 as South Dakota’s first technical college, LATC has grown to serve nearly 2,700 students across more than 30 programs. The college has maintained a national profile for excellence, including being named the nation’s best two-year college in 2017.

For more information about the nursing program at the Capital City Campus, visit lakeareatech.edu.