Lake Area Technical College Earns Provisional Accreditation for Nursing Simulation Center
August 27, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WATERTOWN, S.D. — The Lake Area Technical College (LATC) Nursing Simulation Center has earned provisional accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), a distinction that recognizes excellence in healthcare simulation education and places LATC among a select group of accredited simulation programs worldwide.
The SSH accreditation is considered the gold standard for healthcare simulation programs. LATC earned accreditation in two categories: Core Standards and Teaching/Education Standards. The college is only the third institution in South Dakota to achieve SSH simulation accreditation.
“This accreditation validates the work our faculty and staff have invested in creating meaningful, realistic learning experiences for students,” said Amber Schleusner, LATC Center Director for Healthcare and Nursing Programs. “Simulation plays a vital role in preparing students for clinical practice by allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in a safe environment where they can learn from their experiences and build confidence before caring for real patients.”
The simulation center supports training for the Nursing, Medical Lab Technician, Medical Assistant, Med/Fire Rescue, Physical Therapist Assistant and Occupational Therapy Assistant students. During the 2025-26 academic year, the center conducted 412 simulation experiences.
Attached photo – pictured (L to R):
- Amber Schleusner, Center Director for Healthcare
- Mindy Sandau, Healthcare Simulation Lab Coordinator
- Jenny Wilen, Healthcare Simulation Lab Manager
About LATC
Founded in 1965, Lake Area Technical College serves nearly 2,800 students and offers more than 30 career-focused programs designed to meet workforce needs. The college has a 99 percent placement rate, with most graduates choosing to live and work in South Dakota.
Lake Area Tech’s mission is to provide superior, comprehensive technical education that changes lives and launches careers. The college received the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, recognizing it as the top two-year college in the nation. For more information and to apply, visit: www.lakeareatech.edu.