We’ve heard from educators time and time again that anatomy and physiology and other intro science courses like chemistry can make or break a nursing student’s pathway. According to research, gateway science courses such as A&P are often considered predictors of student success in allied health and nursing. If students don’t succeed in these gateway courses, they may fail out of nursing school or drop out entirely.

Labster, an immersive learning platform, is here to help scaffold the pathway to learning with interactive labs so that students are engaged, retaining information, and building on what they’ve already been taught. 

Building a Strong Foundation

For many nursing students, the knowledge gained in foundational courses like A&P can feel far removed by the time they encounter advanced nursing concepts. Labster bridges this gap by reintroducing and reinforcing core principles that are critical for success. Foundational topics such as osmosis, diffusion, and cellular respiration—introduced in early coursework—form the basis for understanding complex nursing topics like fluid dynamics, homeostatic control, and electrolyte balance.

Labster’s approach helps students revisit and solidify these critical ideas through engaging, interactive simulations. These tools make it easier for students to refresh their knowledge and see how core scientific principles connect to advanced nursing practices.

Connecting Theory to Practice

What sets Labster apart is the ability to scaffold learning in a way that ties theoretical knowledge to practical application. Rather than focusing solely on nursing-specific scenarios, Labster simulations dive into the scientific principles that underpin these real-world applications.

For example:

• In a module on diabetes, students may explore how glucose transport and insulin function at the cellular level. This foundational understanding is key to making sense of patient management scenarios.
• Similarly, when studying the respiratory system, students can revisit the mechanics of pulmonary ventilation and gas laws, which play a direct role in understanding blood oxygen levels and ventilator use.

By layering foundational science with real-world applications, Labster helps students connect the dots between what they’ve learned and what they’re doing in their nursing program.

Overcoming Challenges in Gateway Courses

Gateway courses like A&P are often stumbling blocks for nursing students, but Labster’s simulations aim to reduce this barrier. Through targeted modules that align with nursing curricula, students can revisit complex topics like the nervous system, cardiovascular health, and fluid balance in an engaging format.

In addition to science-focused simulations, Labster also supports nursing students with math activities that tackle skills like dosage calculations, conversion factors, and significant figures. These competencies are essential for safe and effective nursing practice, yet they’re often areas where students struggle. By providing practical, repeatable learning opportunities, Labster helps ensure students are not only prepared but confident as they progress through their programs.

A Framework for Long-Term Success

Labster’s ability to scaffold learning and integrate foundational knowledge into nursing-specific contexts provides students with more than just academic support—it gives them the tools to think critically, solve problems, and adapt to challenges in clinical settings.

This approach becomes even more powerful when combined with UbiSim, Labster’s immersive virtual reality (VR) platform designed for nursing education. While Labster reinforces foundational science, UbiSim allows students to apply that knowledge in realistic, hands-on scenarios. For instance:

• A Labster simulation on osmosis and diffusion might explain fluid balance at a cellular level.

• UbiSim can then place students in a virtual clinical setting, where they manage a patient experiencing dehydration or fluid overload, requiring them to apply their understanding of fluid dynamics in real-time.

Together, Labster and UbiSim create a comprehensive educational framework that supports nursing students every step of the way—from theory to practice and beyond. By revisiting and reinforcing key concepts while providing opportunities to practice critical decision-making, this combined approach ensures students are not only passing exams but also building the confidence and skills they’ll need to succeed in their careers.

Labster and UbiSim aren’t just tools for learning; they’re reshaping the future of nursing education, equipping students to be confident and competent in the classroom, in clinicals, and in practice.