Des Moines University to Host Open House for New Regional Simulation Center
WEST DES MOINES, IA (02/18/2026) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences will host a public open house for the Des Moines University Regional Simulation Center from 3-6 p.m., Thursday, March 5. The public is invited to explore the state-of-the-art facility designed to strengthen health care education, training and workforce development across Central Iowa.
The regional simulation center was made possible through collaboration, including a multi-million-dollar investment from the Polk County Board of Supervisors to DMU.
The simulation center is housed in Ryan Hall, part of the DMU32 Health and Business Complex at 3200 Grand Ave. The facility features innovative simulation technology to provide training spaces for the region's professional and scholastic health care programs.
Other partners include Des Moines Area Community College, Des Moines Public Schools and Mercy College of Health Sciences.
"The DMU Regional Simulation Center is about giving people the chance to practice critical skills, decision-making and teamwork before they face those situations in real life. It allows learners to make mistakes safely, to train together across disciplines and to build confidence in environments that look and feel like the real world. It's also a place where high school and college students can come together to learn whether a health care career is for them," says Angela L. Walker Franklin, PhD, president and CEO of DMU.
The open house will feature guided tours, live demonstrations using high-fidelity manikins and opportunities to meet the professionals who will lead training in the space.
"What sets this center apart is its focus on real-world scenarios, competency training and interdisciplinary teamwork," says Beth Culross, PhD, MSN, the center's director. "Participants learn by practicing to respond using critical thinking skills to care for a wide variety of patients and high-stakes situations using the latest technology."
Open House Details
When: 3-6 p.m. Thursday, March 5
Where: Des Moines University Regional Simulation Center, Ryan Hall, DMU32 Health and Business Complex, 3200 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Cost: Free and open to the public
Directions:
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Enter the DMU32 Health and Business Complex from Grand Avenue at 3200 Grand Ave.
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Follow signage for Ryan Hall/Des Moines University Regional Simulation Center, located on the south side of the complex.
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Parking is directly east of Ryan Hall.
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Use the entrance marked "Des Moines University Regional Simulation Center."
View Online: http://dmu.meritpages.com/news/des-moines-university-to-host-open-house-for-new-regional-simulation-center/57395
Attachments
Des Moines University
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Denise Lamphier Director of Marketing and Communications
- February 18, 2026
- (515) 271-1384
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