Antigua and Barbuda Eyes Specialised Healthcare Training Partnership With Monroe University

Healthcare professionals in Antigua and Barbuda could soon have greater opportunities to pursue advanced qualifications without leaving the country for extended periods, following discussions between Health Minister Michael Joseph and Monroe University President Mark Jerome on developing specialised training programmes.

The discussions, held on Friday, November 13, focused on establishing educational opportunities tailored to the country's growing healthcare needs, particularly in public health, laboratory services and clinical training.

A central proposal involved introducing a blended learning model that would allow healthcare professionals to complete academic and theoretical coursework virtually while undertaking practical and clinical training locally.

Under the proposed arrangement, participants would receive concentrated periods of in-person instruction in Antigua and Barbuda, reducing the need to travel overseas for extended periods to complete advanced qualifications.

Joseph and Jerome also explored the possibility of coordinating clinical training with activities at the Mount St. John's Medical Centre, allowing healthcare workers to gain practical experience within the country's existing healthcare system.

The Minister highlighted the importance of expanding specialised training as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and broaden the range of services available to the public.

He identified laboratory services as a priority area, noting that demand is already significant and is expected to increase as the government moves towards establishing a public laboratory.

According to Joseph, developing a workforce with the necessary technical expertise will be essential to supporting the country's expanding laboratory capabilities.

The discussions also examined the need for greater specialisation in public health, particularly in addressing obesity, infant mortality and prenatal care.

Joseph explained that while several nurses in the public healthcare system already hold bachelor's degrees, and some have obtained master's qualifications in public health, additional specialised training is needed to address the country's specific health challenges.

He emphasised the importance of developing professionals with focused expertise who can contribute to the design and implementation of targeted healthcare programmes and policies.

In response, Jerome expressed willingness to explore the development of a customised Master of Public Health programme designed around Antigua and Barbuda's identified priorities.

The proposed programme could incorporate virtual academic instruction alongside practical training conducted locally, providing participants with opportunities to develop advanced skills while continuing to work within the national healthcare system.

Jerome also highlighted Monroe University's experience delivering educational programmes to Caribbean and African communities, pointing to the university's faculty composition as an advantage in understanding the cultural and professional needs of students from the region.

He referenced the institution's previous partnership with a major healthcare workers' union in New York, through which training opportunities were provided to approximately 1,000 adult learners.

Those programmes supported workers at different stages of their careers, including entry-level healthcare employees seeking to enter clinical professions and nurses pursuing graduate-level qualifications.

The meeting concluded with an understanding that Monroe University's academic team would need to develop a programme structure combining virtual theoretical instruction with coordinated clinical training for a local group of participants.

While no formal agreement or implementation date was announced, the discussions opened the possibility of expanding access to specialised healthcare education in Antigua and Barbuda.

The proposed collaboration could help strengthen the country's healthcare workforce, support the development of local expertise and improve the availability of professionals trained to address critical public health and clinical needs.