The Future of Healthcare Education: How Emerging Immersive Technologies Prepare Healthcare Pathway Students

AR and VR technologies are reshaping how clinical skills are taught in allied health programs, but what is their actual impact on learning? This session explores how immersive technologies affect clinical judgment and decision-making in healthcare pathway students compared to traditional lecture-based instruction. You will examine research showing that immersive technologies have a positive impact on student learning, particularly when paired with adequate support for both students and educators, challenging assumptions that technology is a barrier in healthcare pathway programs. You will see clear examples of how immersive simulations can be integrated thoughtfully into curriculum. You will also learn why success depends less on the technology itself and more on institutional support, including educator training, adequate resources and structured implementation. You will leave with a clearer understanding of how immersive technology can help prepare the next generation of clinically competent healthcare workers and what it takes to implement it well.