New designation enables WIOA funding as ten EMT graduates — including the territory’s first WIOA-sponsored trainees — achieve 100% first-attempt national certification pass rate
The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center (UVI MSC) has been officially added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), a designation administered by the Virgin Islands Workforce Development Board (VIWDB) that expands access to federally supported workforce training opportunities for Virgin Islanders pursuing careers in emergency medical services. The designation allows eligible residents to access Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, a federal workforce development program that supports job training and career advancement, to participate in UVI MSC training programs, reducing financial barriers and creating new pathways to nationally recognized emergency medical credentials.
Coinciding with this designation, UVI MSC proudly announced the successful completion of Cohort 2 of its Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training Program, marking another exciting milestone for emergency care in the Virgin Islands. Ten residents have now completed the rigorous program and are eligible for National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification, demonstrating a strong commitment to serving their communities.
To date, seven of the ten graduates have taken the NREMT examination, all of whom passed on the first attempt, continuing the program’s outstanding record of a 100 percent first-attempt certification pass rate among graduates. Among these high-achieving graduates are the territory’s first WIOA-sponsored trainees to successfully complete UVI MSC’s EMT program and earn national certification. These graduates showcase the power of workforce partnerships in transforming lives and strengthening the Virgin Islands’ emergency medical services.
“This designation represents a major advancement in strengthening the emergency medical workforce pipeline in the Virgin Islands,” said Charlene R. Navarro, executive director of the UVI Medical Simulation Center. “By joining the Eligible Training Provider List, UVI MSC can now connect more Virgin Islanders with federally supported pathways into emergency medical careers while continuing to deliver nationally recognized, high-quality training right here at home.”
The milestone further strengthens UVI MSC’s role in addressing emergency healthcare workforce shortages throughout the territory. During testimony before the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands earlier this year, lawmakers heard concerns regarding the limited number of certified emergency medical providers available to serve residents across the Territory. UVI MSC’s EMT Training Program helps address this workforce need by preparing residents for immediate entry into emergency response careers through simulation-based, nationally aligned training.
“These outcomes validate the University’s investment in building healthcare training infrastructure that responds directly to workforce needs in the Virgin Islands,” said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. “UVI MSC is not only training emergency responders — it is helping build the foundation of a stronger healthcare workforce for the Territory.”
Navarro attributed Cohort 2’s success to a training model intentionally designed around the realities of Virgin Islands residents.
“WIOA funding removes a financial barrier that has historically prevented some qualified individuals from entering healthcare careers,” Navarro said. “At the same time, our program is intentionally designed to support working adults and parents while maintaining rigorous national standards. Every student in this cohort trained on the same high-fidelity simulators, met the same performance expectations, and completed the same national certification process.”
Located on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, UVI MSC serves all Virgin Island residents through simulation-based healthcare education, emergency medical training, and workforce development programs. The Center currently holds multiple training designations, including recognition as a Virgin Islands Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services-designated EMT Training Center, an American Heart Association International Training Center, and a National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians Authorized Training Center. The newly awarded ETPL designation further expands opportunities for eligible residents to pursue emergency medical training through workforce development support.
UVI MSC is currently enrolling Cohort 3 of its EMT Training Program. Eligible applicants may apply for WIOA Individual Training Account funding through the Virgin Islands Department of Labor to support program costs. Veterans enrolled through UVI CELL’s continuing education platform may also access additional tuition support options. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact UVI MSC for more information.
About the UVI Medical Simulation Center (UVI MSC)
The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center (UVI MSC), located on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, is the U.S. Virgin Islands’ only dedicated medical simulation center focused on healthcare workforce development, emergency medical training, and clinical skills advancement. With a strong emphasis on emergency management and disaster readiness, UVI MSC prepares healthcare professionals and first responders to effectively respond to mass casualty incidents, natural disasters, and public health emergencies through high-fidelity, scenario-based training.
UVI MSC provides simulation-based education and certification programs for healthcare professionals, first responders, students, and community members across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.
UVI MSC serves as a designated Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training Center recognized by the Virgin Islands Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, an authorized International Training Center of the American Heart Association (AHA), a National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Authorized Training Center, and a provider on the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Through workforce-driven training and strategic partnerships, UVI MSC is strengthening the Territory’s healthcare and emergency response workforce while expanding pathways to nationally recognized credentials for Virgin Islanders.
For more information, course schedules, or Cohort 3 enrollment:
📞 (340) 692-4101
