In a strategic response to the escalating global nursing crisis, Dominica’s Business Training Center (BTC) has forged an innovative alliance with St. Joseph University. This collaboration, announced by the 27-year-old educational institution, establishes an accessible educational pipeline for nursing aspirants worldwide.
The initiative arrives at a pivotal moment as the World Health Organization’s 2025 report acknowledges persistent disparities in healthcare workforce distribution despite overall growth in nursing numbers. Concurrently, impending U.S. policy changes set to take effect in July 2026 will dramatically restrict federal student loan funding for graduate nursing programs, imposing a $20,500 annual cap and $100,000 lifetime borrowing limit.
BTC President Lucia Stedman characterized the partnership as “a significant milestone in our mission to provide accessible, quality education.” The institution specializes in second-chance education, with numerous graduates having advanced to obtain Bachelor’s degrees in Midwifery and other healthcare disciplines.
The program architecture enables international students to pursue Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) qualifications through BTC’s foundational programs, which articulate directly into St. Joseph University’s LPN curriculum. Students requiring preliminary training may enroll in BTC’s Diploma in Nursing Assistant and Patient Care, which prepares them for rigorous professional nursing education.
Beyond addressing global needs, the partnership specifically targets Dominica’s domestic healthcare education gap, where local institution capacity has failed to meet demand for nursing professionals. The collaboration also leverages BTC’s certification courses offered with UK-based Training Express, providing internationally recognized credentials that enhance employment prospects throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
The initiative simultaneously promotes educational tourism in Dominica, offering international students affordable tuition within a supportive learning environment enriched by the island’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Stedman extended invitations to prospective students from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and across the Caribbean to consider Dominica as their destination for building healthcare careers.