Caribbean Nursing Programs

There is a shortage of nurses in many parts of the world. In the United States, for instance, nursing schools have little room to accept students and are not producing enough graduates to keep up with demand. Consequently, nursing schools in the Caribbean have become an alternative way for prospective students to gain training and certification that allows them to work in the United States or remain in the Caribbean as a licensed nurse.

American University of Antigua, Nursing Program Antigua

The American University of Antigua School of Nursing offers an associate of nursing (ASN) degree, which can be completed in two years. Students study microbiology, nursing ethics, psychiatry and pediatric care, among other classes. Once the ASN coursework is completed, students can take the American National Council Licensure Examination. The school also offers the opportunity to gain a bachelor's in nursing in conjunction with Lehman College, part of the City University of New York group of colleges. ASN graduates transfer to Lehman College to continue their studies and gain their bachelor's.

International University of Nursing, (IUON) St. Kitts

The International University of Nursing in St. Kitts is modeled after the U.S. nursing curriculum and allows students to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing while learning theory and gaining practical experience. Practical experience is acquired via working at local health centers and hospitals. The program lasts three years and requires students to take their first four to six semesters at the St. Kitts campus. The last year of the course is completed at a partner school in the United States or Canada. The partner schools include Colorado State University Nursing Program, Morehead State University Nursing School, Louisiana College Division of Nursing, Purdue University Nursing Program, and Kwantlen University Nursing Program in Canada.

The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, School of Nursing

Individuals can obtain a bachelor of science in nursing at the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica, by enrolling in the pre-registered nurse or the post-registered nurse program. Each program can be taken part time or full time and involves studying anatomy, epidemiology, biochemistry and nutrition. After completing the degree, students can take the Regional Examination for Nurses Registration. Once they pass, they can become registered nurses and practice in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries.

Ministry of Health, School of Nursing, Trinidad & Tobago

The Ministry of Health of the nation of Trinidad and Tobago runs a nursing school. The school offers two programs - basic nursing and psychiatric nursing. Both programs are three years long, with training being offered at three different locations: Port of Spain General Hospital, St. Ann's Psychiatric Hospital and Palms Club in San Fernando. To be admitted into the school, candidates must be citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and be at least 17 years old and no older than 45. All recipients of the school's training must work for the government of Trinidad and Tobago for at least three years.

Excelsior Community College, SON, Kingston, Jamaica

Opened in 1974, the Excelsior Community College School of Nursing in Kingston, Jamaica, offers three nursing programs: the assistant nursing degree, the bachelor of science in nursing and the bachelor of science in nursing completion degree, which is a postgraduate program for registered nurses. To be admitted into the postgraduate program, prospective students must be licensed and registered with the Nursing Council of Jamaica.