LABORATORY ACTIVITIES

In addition to coursework, students at St. Thomas University have the opportunity to participate in internships at accredited healthcare institutions worldwide. These immersive experiences complement academic study with practical, hands-on learning in real-world environments.

Virtual Laboratory

STU’s Virtual Laboratory offers students the chance to apply theoretical knowledge through active, guided practice—following a “learning by doing” philosophy.

• Students complete exercises that are accompanied by Interactive Classes, where experienced faculty provide feedback, clarify doubts, and guide students step-by-step through tasks.
• Discussion forumsallow for peer interaction and tutor support, encouraging collaborative problem-solving and real-time reflection.
• STU’s Teaching Cyberspaceincludes simulations and interactive activities where learners can operationalize new concepts and reinforce theoretical principles through hands-on engagement.

This model fosters both independence and support, helping students consolidate knowledge and develop critical thinking through ongoing feedback.

 Simulation in Health Care Training

Consistent with its mission, STU integrates simulation-based learning into its health sciences curricula—adopting both low- and medium-fidelity simulation methods proven to be effective even in resource-limited settings.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in its publication Transforming and Scaling Up the Education and Training of Health Professionals (2013), emphasizes the importance of simulation-based education. Recommendation 5 advises the use of: > “High-fidelity simulation methods in adequately resourced settings and low-fidelity methods in low-resource settings.”

At STU, simulation precedes all clinical practice to uphold the highest standards of ethical care and patient dignity. Simulation allows students to:

• Build confidence and competence in a safe, controlled environment
• Practice technical procedures and interpersonal communication
• Make mistakes without clinical consequences, and learn from them
• Reflect on experiences and develop habits of critical analysis

This active learning strategy reinforces not only academic understanding but also professional responsibility, ensuring that students graduate as capable and conscientious healthcare providers.