Montgomery College Nursing Program Awarded Over $1.5 Million in Grants by the Maryland Higher Education Commission

Montgomery College was awarded a $1.512 Million, one-year Nurse Support Program IInew window (NSP II) Supplemental Resource grant by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to continue supporting the Maryland Clinical Simulation Resource Center (MCSRC)new window. The MCSRC is a statewide funding initiative authorized under the auspices of the Nurse Support Program II (NSP II) and jointly approved by the Health Services Cost Review Commission. Montgomery College was further awarded a $48,762, one-year NSP II Professional Development Resource grant for full-time nurse faculty members to attend national and/or state nursing conferences.

The MCSRC was created in July 2015 with support from NSP II, and is administered by the College’s nursing program to support Maryland’s 28 nursing schools. The MCSRC is designed to increase the quality and quantity of simulation used in nursing education. Nursing simulation education uses life-sized mannequins as patients with a computerized interface and video component, allowing instructors to create realistic patient care scenarios and to teach students critical decision-making and patient care skills. Simulation provides a safe environment for nursing students to learn new skills and procedures, and can be used for up to 50 percent of the clinical experiences required in nursing programs. Montgomery College maintains a comprehensive MCSRC website, which provides simulation information to nursing programs.

The Supplemental Resource grant for the MCSRC will support all 28 Maryland pre-licensure nursing schools by providing simulation equipment and materials to be utilized in their simulation centers. The simulation equipment and materials will have a direct effect on student learning through increased fidelity during simulation experiences. Each of the 28 pre-licensure programs will have access to $50,000 for simulation equipment or supplies.

The Professional Development Resource grant will support and provide professional development funding for 42 full-time Montgomery College nursing faculty focused on preparation for the Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education (ACEN) re-accreditation process, which include attending self-study forums. The funds requested will be used to support faculty participation in the ACEN self-study forums in Atlanta, GA.

"We can use simulation in nursing, allied health fields, and other disciplines to broaden opportunities for our students to learn critical career skills,” said Dr. Monique Davis, collegewide instructional dean of Health Sciences and director of nursing. “Additionally, by attending the self-study forum, faculty will have the necessary tools to complete the self-study report and be prepared for the site visit in spring 2026. This training for faculty is necessary for program compliance with the accreditation body of ACEN.” 

The two awards will allow Montgomery College to continue to lead and expand the MCSRC’s capacity for nurse education in the state, while at the same time supporting the professional development of Montgomery College nursing faculty.

“Montgomery College and the Maryland Clinical Simulation Resource Consortium continue to play critical roles in training our state’s nursing workforce,” said Dr. Jermaine F. Williams, president of Montgomery College. “There is an urgent need for nurses in our state’s health care systems and investments such as the NSP II funds help us fulfill it. MC is grateful for the partnership of the Health Services Cost Review Commission and the Maryland Higher Education Commission.”

Montgomery College’s nursing program enrolls more than 450 students each fall and spring semester. Graduates obtain an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and are prepared to deliver competent nursing care in a variety of health agencies under the supervision of experienced, qualified practitioners. The nursing program is based in the Health Sciences Center and Institute, located on the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus of Montgomery College.

For more information related to the nursing program or either grant award, please contact Dr. Monique Davis at Monique.Davis@montgomerycollege.edu.