Business Training Center (BTC), an educational institution in Dominica with over 27 years of experience, has announced a new partnership with St. Joseph University, aimed at addressing the global nursing shortage.
A press release shared that the collaboration seeks to provide an accessible pathway for students pursuing careers in nursing, “at a critical time when nursing education costs are rising globally, and access to affordable training is becoming increasingly limited.”
The World Health Organization reported in 2025 that globally, there has been an increase in the nursing workforce in recent years, yet disparities and lack of access still plague many communities.
The release also explained that the partnership is designed to offer an alternative route for aspiring nurses, particularly in light of recent policy changes in the United States. Reportedly, starting July 2026, new regulations will considerably limit federal student loan funding for graduate-level nursing programs. Specifically, the cap on annual loans will be set at $20,500, with a lifetime borrowing limit of $100,000 for nursing students.
“This change is expected to create barriers for thousands of aspiring nurses seeking to advance their careers,” continued the write-up.
It added that through this collaboration, international students will have the opportunity to study in Dominica at a more affordable cost compared to the United States and other developed nations.
They can pursue their Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) education through BTC’s programs, which serve as a pathway to St. Joseph University’s LPN program. Students requiring foundational skills can enroll in BTC’s Diploma in Nursing Assistant and Patient Care, which prepares them for the rigors of professional nursing education.
Lucia Stedman, President of Business Training Center, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating,”We are delighted with the overwhelming response we have received from students enrolling in
our health courses.
“This partnership with St. Joseph University represents a significant milestone in our mission to provide accessible, quality education. We specialize in second-chance education, and some of our graduates have gone on to obtain Bachelor’s degrees in Midwifery. This demonstrates the solid foundation our programs provide for advanced study in healthcare,” Lucia Stedman, President of Business Training Center.
The collaboration aims to address both local and global needs.
In Dominica, the demand for nursing professionals continues to outpace the capacity of existing local institutions, leaving many aspiring nurses without options, as per the release. By establishing this pathway, BTC and St. Joseph University say they are helping to ensure that more individuals in Dominica can pursue their ambitions in healthcare.
In addition to nursing education, BTC’s certification courses—offered in collaboration with Training Express in the United Kingdom—provide internationally recognized credentials. These credentials can enhance employment prospects across the Caribbean and beyond, states the release.
BTC also emphasizes promoting educational tourism within Dominica, the “Nature Isle” of the Caribbean. International students choosing to study there will benefit from affordable tuition, a supportive learning environment, and the chance to experience Dominica’s natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Lucia Stedman extended an invitation to prospective students worldwide, stating, “We invite students from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and across the Caribbean to consider Dominica as their destination for building a rewarding career in healthcare.”
Very good news. Opportunity for healthcare students pursuing a career in nursing. Wish them well.