From next year, lectures at Glasgow Caledonian University will encourage the student nurses to test their knowledge and skills by entering the virtual world of Second Life and create their own online character, known as an avatar.
The student nurses can then assess a range of virtual patients which lecturers have programmed in advance with a variety of ailments.
Nursing lecturers hope students will use an avatar to explore the virtual hospital in Second Life and treating the virtual patients.
This will allow the student nurses to practice their theory in a safe environment without fear of making mistakes.