For the first time ever, Jacksonville University brought its Immersive Learning Program directly to 101 students at Atlantic Coast High School — offering a firsthand look at how AI, robotics and virtual reality are shaping the future of medicine. The initiative was designed to introduce students to the evolving world of healthcare, highlighting how AI and immersive learning are transforming medical education and practice.
Jacksonville University started the program in 2022 and is led by Amber Santos, DNP,
an assistant professor of Nursing and director of Innovation and Immersive Learning.
“We have grown in the utilization of immersive learning by almost 400%,” said Dr.
Santos. “But we’re not just using immersive learning in nursing, we’re using virtual
reality across campus in marine science, engineering, education, kinesiology and aviation.”
The hands-on learning experience allowed students to utilize AI-powered simulations for critical thinking, clinical judgment and conversational learning. Students used virtual reality to examine diseased lungs, navigate coronary arteries and apply critical-thinking skills in real-world patient scenarios. It also provided a firsthand look at how technological advancements are shaping the healthcare industry.
“This hands-on experience with Jacksonville University is a game-changer for our students,” said Dr. Michael George, principal at Atlantic Coast High School. “By interacting with professionals and observing real-world applications of medical knowledge and technology, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the impact they can make in this field. Additionally, it opens their perspective on how far technology has advanced in healthcare. For a generation accustomed to interactive computer programs and immersive language, this technology speaks to them in a new generational way.”
As healthcare faces a growing demand for skilled professionals, programs like this provide a crucial bridge between secondary education and career pathways in the medical field. By equipping students with early exposure to immersive technologies, Jacksonville University is paving the way for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
