Objective To explore the application effect of a virtual reality training system in the teaching of shoulder dystocia delivery rescue. Methods A total of 60 students from the 2024 and 2025 cohorts of the clinical medicine（eight-year program） and midwifery were selected using convenient sampling method. Thirty students enrolled in 2024 cohort were assigned to a control group and received simulated teaching using traditional delivery teaching aids. In contrast, 30 students enrolled in 2025 cohort were designated as an experimental group and trained utilizing the virtual reality training system in the teaching of shoulder dystocia delivery rescue. After the training, theoretical and practical examinations were conducted to evaluate the teaching effect. The overall usability of the training system was evaluated using the Virtual Clinical Case Application Effectiveness Scale and the System Usability Scale. Results The experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group in the total score of theoretical examination and its subscale scores of operation handling, precautions and rescue records, and the practical examination scores (all P<0.05). The experimental group obtained (8.88±1.85) points on the Virtual Clinical Case Application Effectiveness Scale, with an overall evaluation value of 0.89 points, indicating an "excellent" level. The total score of system usability was (68.75±7.0) points. Conclusion Application of the virtual reality training system in the teaching of shoulder dystocia delivery rescue can effectively improve the teaching effect. The training system exhibits robust usability and high application value, making it suitable for clinical teaching in shoulder dystocia delivery rescue.