University Administration Building
701 S. Nedderman Drive, Ste 421
Arlington, TX 76019-0116
SCENE
School of Social Work/College of Nursing and Health Innovation Smart Hospital Building
At a ribbon-cutting for the new School of Social Work/College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI) Smart Hospital Building, attendees weren’t just celebrating the opening—they were celebrating advancements in health care innovation and teaching.
“This is 150,000 square feet that creates the very best learning environment for our students,” President Jennifer Cowley says. “The UT System understands the critical needs that we have to advance health care in our communities, and they were here to step up and make this building possible.”
The facility opened to students in spring 2023, completing a new health sciences quad on the southeast corner of campus.
“The opening of this building could not be happening at a more opportune or critical time,” says UT System Regent Christina Melton Crain. “The work that will occur here in the years ahead is not only essential to the mission of UT Arlington, but also of vital importance to the state of Texas.”
The building includes state-of-the-art learning spaces enriched with the latest technology, all built with accessibility and collaboration in mind.
“Collaborative work within this building will set the stage for the future of health care and social work,” says Tamara L. Brown, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “We know that when professionals in social work and nursing collaborate, patients have better outcomes.”
1. JUST LIKE HOME
A classroom modeled to look like an apartment suite allows social work and nursing students to practice in-home services, such as hospice care or site visits.
2. SIMULATION STATION
The simulation theater can be reconfigured to meet the learning needs of a class, such as a courtroom or a hospital room.
3. SMART START
The Smart Hospital houses dozens of medical robots capable of simulating a variety of major health events, including heart attacks and even childbirth, providing nursing students simulation-based learning.
4. VERY VR
In the Virtual Reality (VR) lab, nursing students can take mental health and clinical foundation courses in a virtual environment. Using VR headsets, they practice communicating and interviewing skills with patients.
5. COUNSELING CENTER
In the counseling center, social work students hone their craft with real clients. The center is open to anyone on campus who may need a helping hand and includes a separate entrance for those who may be wary about reaching out.