STC Receives Multimillion-Dollar Nursing Technology Investment

Amanda Sotelo

The South Texas College Nursing Simulation Center has undergone a digital makeover, with the installation and launch of new cutting-edge video simulation software that will enhance and create virtual training opportunities for all STC nursing students.

The software, valued at half-a-million-dollars and provided and installed by Intelligent Video Solutions, was acquired through a $3 million Department of Labor Health Care Professional Expansion Initiative Grant, facilitated by STC’s long-time partner, Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA).

“This Video, Audio, Learning Tool (VALT) integrated into our curriculum will redefine health care education not only in our region, but across the nation,” said STC Dean of Nursing and Allied Health Jayson Valerio, DNP. “This technology is not just a tool; it’s a gateway into the future of learning and empowers our students to engage in realistic scenarios, elevating their learning experience beyond traditional training.”

The VALT, described by Valerio as a clear demonstration of STC’s commitment to excellence in education, will leverage the power of video to improve training and research for nursing students at STC’s Nursing and Allied Health, Mid-Valley and Starr County campuses.

Under the leadership of VIDA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Felida Villarreal, the organization donates at least $500,000 annually to STC for student resources such as scholarships and training equipment.

Villareal said the announcement was a momentous occasion for all partners involved in this project, but especially all current and future STC nursing students.

“STC nursing students will now have the incredible opportunity to complete up to 50% of their clinical training experience through virtual reality technology because of VIDA’s half-a-million-dollar investment in developing these virtual reality simulation centers at STC,” she said. “Not only will this allow us to increase clinical training capacity, but it will also enhance the ability to deliver clinical training to students in underserved areas. Thank you, South Texas College, for your continued commitment to innovation and student success; this is a true representation of what can be achieved through strategic collaboration.”

STC President Ricardo J. Solis said when he arrived at the college nearly three years ago, the college made it a priority to transform programs to better address the needs of the Rio Grande Valley and state of Texas.

According to the Texas Health and Human Services, the projected shortage of registered nurses in the state is expected to increase from more than 29,000 to more than 57,000 by 2030.

“Health care and technology are where the needs lie, and with this investment we are merging both,” said Solis. “Like VIDA’s motto, ‘Education one life at a time,’ we are educating students anytime, anywhere, at any moment with this latest technology. Intelligent Video Solutions is at the cutting-edge of technology and through this collaboration we are now doing what many others are not…we’re in a new generation of learning and this will keep our nursing program at the forefront.”

STC’s Nursing program is No. 1 in Texas for graduating the most nurses among community colleges and No. 2 among community colleges and universities.

Intelligent Video Solutions CEO Kevin Marti, based in Wisconsin, told the standing- room-only audience he was quite impressed with STC, its training, technology and regional economic advancements.

“When I heard South Texas and South Texas College, I thought San Antonio,” said Marti. “But I have been blown away by the Rio Grande Valley and especially STC. Walking into the college’s nursing simulation center I was immediately impressed. STC is not like many other places, and I’ve traveled to many colleges and universities, and I can honestly say that STC’s nursing simulation center is world-class.”

STC nursing students will begin to use the new technology as early as this spring with installation currently underway.

Valerio said, “We are grateful to VIDA for believing in us. South Texas College and VIDA is the perfect combination when it comes to fostering education for members in our community.”

For more information on STC’s Nursing and Allied Health Program, visit southtexascollege.edu.