Smart Hospital earns international accreditation
The University of Texas at Arlington’s Smart Hospital has been granted accreditation in teaching and education by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, the leading global accrediting body for healthcare simulation programs.
The distinction reinforces UT Arlington’s leadership in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through innovative, simulation-based education.
“This accreditation affirms what our team has built at the Smart Hospital—that simulation is not just a teaching tool, but an experience that prepares learners to deliver safe, high-quality care from day one,” said Jennifer Roye, assistant dean for simulation and technology and clinical associate professor at UTA’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation. “It reflects years of intentional effort to align our training with real-world healthcare needs.”
The Smart Hospital, a 33,000-square-foot facility that opened in January 2023, provides immersive, simulation-based education using lifelike mannequins, live actors (simulated participants), virtual reality and other advanced technology.
The state-of-the-art simulations create high-fidelity learning environments that help ensure learners are workforce-ready upon graduation. UTA produces more baccalaureate-educated nurses than any other university in Texas, helping address the state’s critical nursing shortage.
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The Smart Hospital has become a cornerstone of the program. In fall 2025 alone, the hospital provided 22,000 learner hours, showcasing its scale and impact. It also is endorsed by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, holds three simultaneous National League for Nursing Center of Excellence designations, is one of just 73 internationally endorsed Smart Hospitals, and was the first university in the nation to use a virtual immersion room for clinical training.
“Our goal is to ensure every student who walks into the Smart Hospital walks out more confident, more competent and ready to care for patients,” Dr. Roye said. “This recognition shows that what we’re doing here is making a difference in how future healthcare professionals are trained.”
The Society for Simulation in Healthcare reviewers praised every aspect of the Smart Hospital, from its mission and vision to its strategic use of resources and integration with the University’s broader academic goals. They also highlighted the strong alignment between the Smart Hospital, CONHI and UTA.
“From a reviewer perspective, this level of alignment reflects a thoughtful and intentional approach to integrating simulation into the academic mission rather than positioning it as a standalone service,” the reviewers wrote. “The consistency between programmatic and institutional priorities suggests that simulation is being leveraged as a strategic asset to support workforce development, educational outcomes, and community impact.”
The accreditation runs through Dec. 31, 2031.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 300,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.