The UWI Global Campus, Barbados. Friday, February 21, 2025 – The University of the West Indies ( The UWI) Global Campus, Barbados, is proud to announce the launch of two critical healthcare education programmes: The Healthcare Management (HCM) programme and the Law for Healthcare Practitioners (LHCP). These programmes are designed to equip healthcare professionals with the competencies required to navigate an evolving industry landscape.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in employment for registered nurses (RNs) from 2023 to 2033, leading to an estimated 194,500 job openings each year. This increase is driven by the need to replace workers who transition to other occupations or leave the workforce, including retirements. Additionally, as global healthcare systems adapt to increasing patient demands, administrative efficiency and legal awareness have become crucial for professionals at all levels.
Recognising the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, The UWI Global Campus is committed to equipping practitioners with expertise in management and legal frameworks, ensuring they are prepared for leadership roles and regulatory compliance.
In a recent Let’s Talk Access session – a social media programme produced and presented by The UWI Global Campus – Mr Ryan Byer, Head of Global Campus Sites, Barbados, explained the rationale for implementing this targeted training: "We have introduced and revamped these programmes to align with our mission of advancing education, public service, and regional development. These programmes are designed to provide targeted training that contributes to professional and organizational development, which will ultimately position the institutions and the country towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #3 (Good Health and Well-being for All and All Ages). Additionally, our long-standing partnership with the Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) was formalised in January 2025 through a Letter of Agreement (LOA), strengthening efforts to train nurses and other healthcare professionals."
The Healthcare Management (HCM) and Law for Healthcare Practitioners (LHCP) programmes offer industry-relevant expertise. Dr Fay Parris, President of the Barbados Nurses Association (BNA), brings over forty years of nursing experience, including leadership, management, and academic tutoring. Ms Britney Mayers, Principal Legal Counsel at Gideon Legal Attorneys-at-Law, has over seven years of legal experience in civil, corporate, and commercial law, specialising in personal injury cases, in addition to fourteen years in the insurance industry. Their combined expertise ensures that students gain both practical knowledge and industry insights essential for professional growth.
From nurses to administrators, the ability to provide efficient, ethical, and legally sound care is essential. These programmes will benefit a wide range of healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, specialists, hospital administrators and managers, allied health professionals, healthcare policymakers and public health officials, medical office assistants and administrative staff, healthcare entrepreneurs and private practice owners, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics.
Dr Parris highlighted the importance of gaining both management and legal perspectives in healthcare. She explained, “The HCM programme seeks to provide competencies aimed at streamlining administrative processes and ensuring efficient budget management, while the LHCP course equips professionals with healthcare law knowledge to navigate regulations, uphold patient privacy and ensure safety. This dual expertise empowers healthcare providers to make informed decisions that not only comply with legal standards but also optimise organisational performance.”
Ms. Mayers emphasised the critical legal challenges healthcare professionals face today, stating, “Healthcare law is a dynamic and evolving field with significant legal implications for both practitioners and patients. Our LHCP course addresses key topics such as reproductive health, patient consent, compliance with statutory regulations, and the impact of emerging technologies like telemedicine and data privacy. With a focus on tort and contract law, confidentiality, and the Data Protection Act 2019, this course equips healthcare practitioners with essential legal knowledge to navigate today’s complex healthcare landscape.”
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by contacting The UWI Global Campus, Barbados via telephone at: 246-420-1120 / 1123 / 1124 / 1125 / 1133 or by Email at: barbados@open.uwi.edu. Discounted rates are available for those employed in the healthcare sector, and flexible payment plans are offered to help individuals achieve their training and educational goals.
