Katrina T. Perez, Executive Director, UOG Endowment Foundation
Jennifer R. Cruz, MSN, RN-BC, Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer, Guam Regional Medical City
Yvette C. Paulino, CPH, Ph.D., Dean, UOG Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health
Jennifer M. Salas, BSN, RN, Learning Resources Center Coordinator, UOG Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health
The University of Guam’s Nursing and Health Sciences Program received a cutting-edge boost thanks to a generous donation of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets—technology that is quickly transforming how nursing students learn and prepare for real-world clinical scenarios.
These VR headsets will allow students to engage in immersive simulations that mimic a variety of patient care environments. From practicing emergency procedures to honing communication and critical thinking skills, the technology offers students a safe and controlled space to refine their abilities before entering clinical settings.
The headsets were funded by the Guam Area Health Education Center (AHEC) through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Pathways for Youth (WPY) Program. This support is part of the PAVE Project, a $2 million, 3-year initiative involving AHECs across seven states and U.S. territories. The grant, awarded to the National AHEC Organization (NAO), aims to promote healthcare career exploration and activities for youth ages 14–21. Guam Regional Medical City is one of the participating sites, with the VR sets provided through the partnership of Maui County AHEC and the Hawaii Pacific Basin AHEC.
The UOG School of Health and its Nursing Program continue to explore innovative teaching tools that enhance student experience and readiness. With the support of valued partners like AHEC and GRMC, the university is better equipped to prepare students to meet the complex demands of modern healthcare with confidence and competence.
The University of Guam and the Endowment Foundation extend heartfelt thanks to the Guam AHEC and all partnering AHECs for their forward-thinking generosity and commitment to building the next generation of healthcare professionals.