BSON partners with University Libraries to enhance medication training

KALAMAZOO, Mich. —The Bronson School of Nursing is redefining how nursing students learn medication administration through an innovative partnership with Western Michigan University Libraries’ 3D Print Team.

Training students in medication administration is a critical component of nursing education. It requires students to integrate pharmacology knowledge, patient safety principles and hands-on clinical skills. Traditionally, nursing programs have relied on candy as a stand-in for pills during practice sessions. While inexpensive and accessible, candy presents several limitations—it lacks realism, cannot accurately represent different dosages or formulations and may unintentionally reduce the seriousness of the learning experience.

In Fall 2025, BSON partnered with the Waldo Library 3D Print Team to address these challenges using cutting-edge 3D printing technology. Together, the teams created realistic pill replicas that closely simulate actual medications—without using any active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Using 3D printing allowed pills to be produced in accurate sizes, shapes and forms, including tablets, capsules and scored pills. The replicas expose students to the wide variety of medications they will encounter in clinical practice. To ensure safety and prevent confusion, the team intentionally selected semi-unrealistic colors, as the printed pills were otherwise nearly indistinguishable from real medications.

“Medication errors remain one of the most common and costly issues in healthcare,” said BSON faculty. “Training with realistic tools helps students develop muscle memory, strengthen critical thinking skills and build confidence in following safe medication administration protocols.”

The collaboration highlights how interdisciplinary partnerships across campus can directly enhance student learning and patient safety outcomes. By combining nursing education expertise with the technical innovation of the University Libraries’ 3D Print Team, BSON is creating a more immersive and professional training environment for future nurses.