Rockland Community College unveiled a new nursing simulation lab Tuesday, giving students access to advanced training tools designed to prepare them for real-world healthcare settings.

Students began using it this semester.

College officials marked the celebration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the more-than-5,000-square-foot facility.

The lab features virtual reality and a 3D anatomy table and a variety of responsive mannequins that allow students to practice clinical skills in a classroom environment.

The project was funded with $3 million in federal funding and an additional $1 million in state grants.

"It's really going to provide students with state-of-the-art opportunities for real-life situations where they can prioritize. They can delegate. They can communicate with the mannequins," said Sara Annuziato, dean of Nursing, Health and Wellness.

According to New York state data, more than 47,000 nursing licenses were issued last year.