A laboratory in which mannequins cry out in pain is about to get even more lifelike for adult students at Capital Region BOCES.
A $160,000 grant from Highmark will allow for the purchase of two more mannequins and a DemoDose medication administration machine that simulates medication administration in the healthcare facilities.
“This grant is enhancing our student opportunities by providing them with realistic mannequins replicating a child and an infant and providing the type of cart that they would use in the field when they are working,” said Louise Bigando, MS, RN, Director of Health Careers and Services.
Capital Region BOCES opened the state-of-the-art simulation (Sims) lab last school year for students in the adult Practical Nursing program. 
The lab provides students with an opportunity to interact with the mannequins, whose vital signs, breathing sounds, speech and even birthing functions are controlled by an instructor behind a two-way mirror. Prior to this grant donation, the lab only had adult mannequins.
“The Sims Lab provides a realistic setting for students to apply learned skills and knowledge. They are excited and engaged while experiencing extremely valuable lessons in a safe environment that allows the opportunity for mistakes while building confidence along with their critical thinking skills,” Bigando said.
“Thanks to the generosity of Highmark, we are able to make this lab even more realistic and allow our students to simulate working with patients of all ages as they prepare to enter the medical field,” she added.
The adult Practical Nursing program at the Capital Region BOCES this year encompasses 1,100 hours of classroom and clinical study and practice and prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination and apply to become a New York state licensed practical nurse (LPN).
BOCES is currently accepting applications for students interested in the part-time evening program that begins in January. Registration for the evening program runs through Dec. 1; students will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The 18-month program is offered at the Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus, which is located at 925B Watervliet-Shaker Road in Albany (Colonie). Classes meet from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Those interested in registering or inquiring about the program are encouraged to call 518-862-4709 or email healthcareers@neric.org