The Athletic Training Simulation Lab at Wichita State University is now fully operational and available for athletic training students to enhance their learning and broaden their clinical knowledge.

The AT Sim Lab is a dedicated section within the larger Athletic Training Lab, designed to replicate real-world clinical scenarios in a dynamic, hands-on environment. By combining the essential features of functional clinical spaces with interactive technology, it offers students a safe, controlled setting to practice and refine their skills.

Students work with trained simulated patients to experience realistic clinical encounters that mirror situations they will face in the field. Faculty can observe and guide scenarios remotely, challenging students’ clinical reasoning while providing constructive feedback on both clinical and interpersonal skills. The lab also emphasizes soft skills such as teamwork, adaptability and patient interaction—critical components of professional readiness.

Dr. Rich Bomgardner, Dr. Lindsay Luinstra, and Dr. Dan Sigley led the effort to develop this modified version of the Sim Lab, which has been a long-standing priority for the program. Their creativity and dedication made it possible to provide students with this valuable learning resource despite broader uncertainties delaying a fully integrated version.

"The new simulation lab is a game-changer for our MSAT program. It provides a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where students can develop clinical skills, practice decision-making, and build confidence before they ever step into real-world patient care," said Dr. Lindsay Luinstra.

"The new simulation lab will give me the opportunity to practice hands-on skills in a low-pressure setting and review my patient encounters to identify areas for improvement," said Jordyn Smith, MSAT Class of ’26.