HCT: Leading the future of healthcare training with innovation & global impact
The Healthcare Training Center (HCT) is setting a new standard in healthcare education, leveraging cutting-edge innovation and global collaborations to prepare the next generation of medical professionals. With a commitment to excellence, HCT is transforming healthcare training through advanced technology, immersive learning experiences, and strategic international partnerships. The need for highly skilled and industry-ready healthcare professionals in an evolving global healthcare landscape has never been more urgent. The Healthcare and Technology Institute (HCT), the Philippines’ largest healthcare skills training center, is at the forefront of transforming healthcare education through advanced technology, strategic global partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry.
A legacy of excellence in healthcare training
Upholding the highest worldwide training standards, HCT has been leading healthcare education advances since its founding in 2007. By incorporating best practices from international healthcare organizations, HCT has produced generations of Filipino medical professionals who are equipped to handle the challenges of a constantly evolving field.
“The world knows Filipino nurses to be the best. What you don’t often see or hear is that the first six months of employment are the worst, as stated by many medical doctors,” stated President Armand del Rosario. “Closing the gap between education and real-world practice has always been our goal. If we can reduce the six-month onboarding period for nurses to close to three months, we will have fulfilled our purpose.”
Global standards and industry partnership
In order to keep its training programs in line with international standards, HCT works closely with leaders and organizations in the healthcare industry worldwide. To keep up with new developments and industry best practices, especially when it comes to incorporating technology into instruction, the institute attends international conferences.
“We’ve witnessed how the Western world has incorporated virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare education,” del Rosario said. “Now, we’re making sure Filipino nurses gain access to the same innovations.”
A testament to this commitment is HCT’s recent three-year partnership with UbiSim, the world’s leading virtual reality simulation platform for nurses. Exclusively run on Meta Quest VR headsets, UbiSim provides immersive, hands-on training that enhances clinical judgment, decision-making, and confidence among students.
“This collaboration is a pivotal step in empowering future nurses with immersive learning experiences that blend technology with the highest standards of care,” del Rosario said. “With UbiSim, we’re preparing students for real-world challenges in a psychologically safe environment, ensuring they’re ready to excel from day one.”
Upskilling the next generation of healthcare professionals
As the global healthcare system faces an increasing demand for skilled professionals, HCT is committed to upskilling Filipino nurses and allied health workers to meet industry needs locally and internationally.
“Despite the fact that Filipino nurses are well known for their expertise and commitment, they frequently encounter difficulties when they go from school to practice,” del Rosario stated. “Medical directors at prestigious hospitals have told us that although Filipino nurses eventually excel, they first struggle because of cultural disparities, as well as, the lack of knowledge of international standards. Our training programs are designed to give students the expertise and self-assurance they need to succeed right away.”
To guarantee that all healthcare workers receive top-notch instruction that is adapted to international industry standards, HCT is seeking to broaden its training programs for allied health professionals in addition to nursing.
Innovation and digitalization in healthcare training
HCT’s commitment to innovation goes beyond VR training. The institute is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare education, recognizing the transformative potential of AI in improving both training methodologies and patient care.
“You will see AI playing a bigger role in healthcare training,” del Rosario said. “HCT rebranded from HCAI to emphasize the integration of healthcare and technology. We’re positioning ourselves at the center of this healthcare renaissance, ensuring that our graduates are trained in the most advanced, industry-relevant methods.”
With AI-driven tools that improve simulation-based learning, HCT is equipping students to deal with a rapidly changing healthcare system where digital solutions are becoming more important for clinical decision-making and patient care.
Expanding HCT’s global impact
While the UbiSim partnership marks a major milestone for HCT, the institute is also exploring future collaborations to expand its impact beyond the Philippines.
According to del Rosario, “We have pending partnerships in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. At this time, we are concentrating on optimizing the potential of virtual reality training, but we are also considering how we can apply our knowledge to other healthcare domains and regions in the future.”
Through consistent innovation, bolstering international collaborations, and ensuring that training aligns with real-world needs, HCT is reinventing the future of healthcare education. The institute’s innovative work is shaping the next generation of medical professionals and enhancing the Philippines’ standing as a world leader in healthcare education.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by The Healthcare Training Center.
