Phoebe Simulation & Innovation Center Earns National Accreditation

Phoebe Simulation and Innovation Center 4Albany, GA | January 14, 2026 – The Phoebe Simulation & Innovation Center was granted Provisional Accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). This prestigious recognition reflects Phoebe’s commitment to advancing healthcare education, patient safety, and workforce development through innovative simulation-based training.

Opened in May 2020, the Simulation & Innovation Center spans 22,000 square feet in one of the Medical Towers on the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital campus, and it features the most advanced healthcare simulation resources, including:

  • Five simulation rooms replicating ICU, OR/Trauma, Labor & Delivery with NICU suite, and two Med-Surg rooms
  • An 8-bed skills lab, two classrooms, and three debrief rooms
  • 18 mid- to high-fidelity mannequins, including one powered by artificial intelligence

Phoebe Simulation and Innovation Center 1The center serves as a regional hub for experiential learning and partners with eight academic institutions: Albany State University, Albany Technical Institute, Andrew College, ABAC, Georgia Southwestern State University, Fort Valley State University, Southern Regional Technical College, and South Georgia Technical College.

“Achieving national accreditation is a testament to our team’s dedication to excellence and innovation in healthcare education. This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing world-class training that improves patient safety and prepares clinicians to deliver the highest quality care,” said Scott Steiner, Phoebe Putney Health System President and CEO.

The center hosts thousands of learners annually, including nursing students from partner institutions and even middle and high school students from around the region. Phoebe’s simulation and education team also designs simulation scenarios for Phoebe staff and training curricula, including NSTEP (Nurse Simulation Training & Education Program) that all new graduate nurses hired at Phoebe must complete before caring for actual patients.

Phoebe Simulation and Innovation Center 3Here’s a look at the numbers.

  • FY21: 3,296 learners
  • FY22: 4,416 learners
  • FY23: 7,410 learners
  • FY24: 9,977 learners
  • FY25: 10,395 learners

“Simulation-based education empowers nurses to practice critical skills in a safe environment, building confidence and competence before they ever touch a patient. This accreditation validates the quality of our program and its role in advancing patient safety and nursing excellence,” said Larecia Gill, PhD, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Education Director.

Beyond academic partnerships, the center actively engages the community, hosting groups such as homeschool networks, college organizations, and civic groups like Rotary Club, Leadership Albany, and Boys & Girls Club. These initiatives aim to inspire future healthcare professionals and strengthen the local talent pipeline.

Phoebe Simulation and Innovation Center 2In November 2025, Phoebe expanded its reach with the launch of a Simulation & Innovation Mobile Unit, enabling hands-on training for students across Southwest Georgia.

“This accreditation affirms the exceptional quality and impact of our simulation program. We are proud to provide learners and clinicians with immersive, evidence-based training that enhances patient safety and prepares the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said Tracy Suber, EdD, Phoebe Putney Health System Vice President of Education and Talent Acquisition

The SSH Provisional Accreditation is effective for one year, after which the center will undergo a follow-up survey for full accreditation. Only two other hospitals in Georgia have simulation centers that have achieved this distinguished accreditation.