Dive Brief:

• Stanbridge College is offering students in its Nursing, Occupational and Physical Therapy, and Veterinary Technology access to virtual reality devices to expanded training and knowledge base of anatomical science, Campus Technology reports. 
• The hardware allows students to select and virtually "lift" physiological samples to better understand symptoms, pain management and infection in patients. 
• Officials say the technology is an essential tool in preparing students for postgraduate licensing and job placement opportunities. 

Dive Insight:

This is the latest example of colleges using technology in the health science fields to improve the academic experience, joining schools like Stanford University and the University of Wisconsin. It appears that most institutions utilize the technology in these applied STEM fields, but there opportunities for development in areas like mental health, military and social science as well. 

Virtual labs and experiments are not only a personalized learning opportunity, but can help in managing costs for facilities and personnel. The only challenge in the higher education space is ensuring that all students, particularly low-income students attending more open access colleges, have exposure to tools offered by companies like IntellADAPT and others, to keep pace with the training offered by elite, better resourced institutions.