VR-based healthcare simulation is an educational method that recreates real clinical environments in a virtual space, enabling learners to observe patients’ conditions, interpret clinical clues, and repeatedly practise decision-making and clinical procedures. As healthcare education shifts from one-way knowledge transfer to experience- and performance-centred learning, VR-based simulation is gaining attention as an educational tool that bridges the gap between theoretical learning and clinical practice through its realism, immersion, interactivity, and repeatability. This article examines the definition and characteristics of VR-based healthcare simulation training, the shift in the healthcare education paradigm, and the educational significance of VR healthcare simulation. It then examines case studies of virtual patient-based training programmes, collaborative learning programmes based on virtual clinical environments, and clinical scenario-based performance training programmes. Building on this, the article discusses the potential for VR-based healthcare simulation training programmes to be utilised as practice-centred educational strategies that support learners’ clinical judgement, interprofessional collaboration, communication and reflective practice.