The purpose of this comparative experimental project was to compare the impact of simulation-based learning experiences to traditional clinical rotations on critical thinking acquisition of associate nursing students within a maternal-child course. Innovative pedagogies have been integrated in nursing programs to augment inadequate clinical placement and instructor availabilities. A longitudinal convenience sample of 45 second year associate level nursing students enrolled in a maternal-child course was utilized. Four experimental groups, 24 students were exposed to an eight-hour simulation-based learning experience in place of one clinical rotation. During the eight-hour simulation day, students participated in three various maternal-child centered simulations. Three control groups, 21 students were exposed to only traditional clinical rotations. A pretest, posttest design utilizing the Health Science Reasoning Test was used to measure critical thinking in relation to learning...