by Curlan Campbell
- 44.3 nurses per 10,000 residents in region is well below threshold for universal healthcare access
- Flagship programmes include BSc in Nursing, Certificate in Phlebotomy, Associate Degree in Medical Assisting, BSc in Sonography, and Radiology
- Offerings developed directly in response to rising demand across Grenada’s hospitals and clinics
As the Caribbean continues to face mounting workforce shortages and long-standing gaps in clinical training, Blue Horizon College is positioning itself as a vital force in rebuilding the region’s healthcare capacity. The institution began in 2024 as the Care-Transition Clinic School of Nursing, offering foundational training to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
In 2025, it was rebranded as Blue Horizon College, School of Nursing and Allied Health, now located at the Woodlands Commercial Complex, St George, to expand its vision and mission, evolving into a comprehensive educational institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Founded by registered nurse, nurse educator, and public health practitioner Ambika Joseph, the college has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to advancing healthcare education across the Caribbean.
Joseph said the vision for the institution began long before its official opening. “Blue Horizon College was born out of a deep commitment to strengthening healthcare capacity in Grenada and the wider region,” she explains. Drawing on years of frontline experience, she added, “I witnessed the gaps in clinical training, academic preparation, and the ongoing workforce shortages that strain our health system. These experiences inspired me to conceptualise an institution that could meaningfully address these issues.”
With Latin America and the Caribbean facing only 44.3 nurses per 10,000 residents, well below the 70.6 per 10,000 recommended for universal health access by 2030 (PAHO), the timing felt urgent. “Our aim is to build a strong local workforce, reduce strain on health services, and equip future providers with the skills and confidence needed to deliver exceptional care,” Joseph noted.
Adding to the challenge, 40% of nursing positions across the Caribbean remain vacant, largely due to widespread nurse migration. Joseph recognised the critical need to replenish and strengthen the nursing workforce to fill this growing gap.
Blue Horizon College recently introduced several flagship programmes, including a BSc in Nursing, a Certificate in Phlebotomy, an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting, a BSc in Sonography, and Radiology programmes. These offerings were developed directly in response to rising demand across Grenada’s hospitals and clinics.
“Hospitals and clinics urgently need nurses, medical assistants, diagnostic imaging professionals, phlebotomists, and sonographers,” Joseph said. She explained the creation of the School of Nursing and the School of Allied Health was a deliberate step toward building a skilled, future-ready workforce. “Introducing these programmes at this time allows us to address existing shortages, strengthen the healthcare system, and create meaningful career pathways for Grenadians.”
Joseph envisions the college as “a catalyst for transformation in healthcare education” and hopes the institution will help position Grenada as a regional leader in training nurses and allied health professionals.
The BSc in Nursing programme is central to that mission. According to Joseph, its uniqueness lies in its flexible structure and specialisation options. “Our BSc in Nursing stands out due to its hybrid learning model, specialised tracks, academic support, and expert faculty,” she said. Students can choose between Public Health Nursing or Nursing Administration, preparing them either for community-focused practice or leadership roles. The curriculum incorporates simulation labs, virtual modules, problem-based learning, and case studies. “These strategies build clinical judgment, enhance critical thinking, and prepare students to make sound decisions in complex healthcare environments,” Joseph explained.
Real-world readiness is also a priority. “Preparation is accomplished through structured clinical rotations, interdisciplinary collaboration, high-pressure simulation exercises, and ethical and cultural competence training,” she said. To support this, partnerships are underway with government entities, hospitals, and community clinics. “These collaborations ensure that students receive robust clinical experience under the guidance of experienced preceptors,” Joseph added.
Joseph emphasised that personal qualities matter as much as academic ability when selecting future healthcare providers. “We look for individuals with compassion, resilience, strong work ethic, empathy, critical thinking, teamwork skills, and a desire to serve their communities.” The college offers mentorships, workshops, community engagement opportunities, and professional guidance. “Our goal is to nurture confident, well-rounded graduates ready for employment and continued education,” she noted. Partial scholarships are also available to encourage Grenadians to pursue healthcare careers.
Looking ahead, Joseph sees healthcare demand continuing to rise. “Demand will continue to increase due to ageing populations, chronic disease prevalence, expanded healthcare services, workforce migration, and persistent global shortages,” she warned. Blue Horizon College aims to help fill this gap locally and regionally.
Technology will play a central role. “We plan to use digital simulations, virtual clinical experiences, electronic learning platforms, and clinical decision-making software,” Joseph said, underscoring the importance of preparing graduates for a digital healthcare landscape.
Maintaining global competitiveness is also a priority. “We will maintain rigorous academic standards, align with international best practices, integrate global health perspectives, and support preparation for international certification.”
Joseph acknowledged that expanding academic offerings has not been without challenges. “Balancing institutional growth while navigating regulatory requirements has been one of our biggest hurdles,” she said. With several specialised programmes proposed, ensuring each one met the required standards demanded extensive planning, documentation, and rigorous academic development.
As a newly established institution, unlike some older institutions, the college faces unique barriers, especially widespread public misconceptions about accreditation. “Many people did not fully understand how accreditation works,” Joseph explained. “Accreditation is a structured, multi-step journey. We must first build the programmes, deliver them, and then show evidence of successful outcomes before we can gain accredited status.”
Another major challenge has been recruiting qualified faculty. “Grenada simply doesn’t have educators with the specialisation we need,” she noted. As a result, she had to source instructors internationally, ensuring the college could offer the level of expertise required for high-quality training.
Despite these obstacles, Joseph remains confident. “Every challenge has pushed us to strengthen our foundation. We’re building not just a school, but a long-term solution for the region’s healthcare workforce. Her leadership philosophy centres on empowerment and integrity. “My philosophy is built on service, excellence, and empowerment,” she reflected. “Education is transformative, and I strive to create an environment where students and faculty can grow, innovate, and reach their highest potential.”
As for the next 5 years, Joseph’s ambitions are bold. “I envision Blue Horizon College evolving into a university offering advanced degrees in nursing, allied health, and healthcare administration,” she reveals. She also plans to expand research capacity, international partnerships, and simulation facilities. Ultimately, she said, “Our goal is to become the leading centre for healthcare education in the Caribbean and to position Grenada as a producer of world-class healthcare professionals.”
Great initiative Ms Joseph. Proud of your accomplishments. Keep climbing