Using an experimental design, students were provided learning experiences in HPS and CSL modalities for instruction on management of cardiac emergencies. Student knowledge was assessed pre and post intervention, utilizing a customized HESI exam as an outcome measure. This assessment has been tested and validated by Elsevier, and offer a means of specifically measuring nursing knowledge. The goal of this research was to demonstrate how the use of simulation technology in nursing education facilitates the cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills necessary to develop expert nurses who are able to think critically in patient situations Although no significant difference was found between HPS and CSL modalities in assessment of student knowledge, student preference for learning evidenced in the post assessment surveys is an important consideration in curriculum planning.