An exciting new chapter is taking shape for Loma Linda University School of Nursing. The LLUH Board recently approved both the construction of a new School of Nursing building and the financing to support it. This is more than a project under consideration—it is an approved, funded project now moving into execution.
One of the most significant features will be the third floor, encompassing approximately 20,000 square feet dedicated to hands-on nursing education. The space will bring together skills laboratories, simulation areas, classrooms, and a dedicated testing center.
Skills labs will give students space to build and refine essential psychomotor competencies through repetition, practice, and faculty coaching. Simulation areas will allow students to experience clinical scenarios that may be difficult to guarantee in traditional clinical settings, including low-frequency, high-acuity events. These experiences will be followed by structured debriefing, an essential part of the learning process. Classrooms on the same floor will connect didactic learning directly with its practical application. A dedicated testing center, with 112 cubicles, will provide a secure, proctored environment for course examinations, standardized assessments, and licensure and certification preparation.
Bringing these functions together is intentional: students will be able to move more seamlessly from learning a concept, to practicing it, to applying it in simulation, and finally to demonstrating their knowledge and skills through assessment.
Detailed room-by-room design is still being finalized, and the School will share additional information as plans are confirmed.
Philanthropic support for the project is progressing, and the University will share campaign milestones as they are reached. Anyone interested in learning about ways to support the building is encouraged to contact Kelsie Ashlock.
Construction is scheduled to begin by May 2027, with projected completion in July 2029. A groundbreaking ceremony date has not yet been set. As with any capital project of this scale, the schedule remains subject to final design, permitting, and construction sequencing.
Until then, students and faculty will continue learning and teaching in current facilities, including renovated large classrooms across campus outside West Hall. In the meantime, there is a palpable sense of excitement throughout the School as we look ahead to a new building designed to support the next generation of nurses.