508 graduate from Hybrid Nursing Assistant Programme

Some 508 nursing assistants from Regions One to 10 recently marked a significant milestone as they graduated from the Ministry of Health’s Hybrid Nursing Assistant Training Programme, a pioneering initiative designed to strengthen Guyana’s healthcare workforce.
The programme forms part of the Ministry’s broader hybrid approach to health education, which strategically combines virtual learning with hands-on practical training. This blended model ensures students are not only grounded in theory but are also adequately prepared to meet the demands of real-world healthcare environments.

The theoretical component of the training was delivered online, providing flexibility and improved access for students across the country, particularly those in hinterland and rural communities. This was supported by face-to-face tutorial sessions, allowing for deeper engagement, clarification of course material, and continuous academic support.
To further enhance learning, students participated in practical and clinical training within modern simulation laboratories established in several regions. These facilities provided realistic, hands-on experiences that bridged the gap between classroom knowledge and patient care, equipping graduates with the confidence and competence required in clinical settings.
Only in May, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony made the announcement during the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) Annual Nursing Awards Ceremony, where he underscored the urgency of expanding and modernising Guyana’s nursing capacity in response to global shortages and rising local demand.
He noted that Guyana’s three core nursing schools in Georgetown, Linden, and New Amsterdam had previously produced only 200 to 250 registered nurses annually. However, the introduction of the hybrid nursing assistant programme enabled a significant scale-up in training, with participants completing theoretical coursework online and practical training at simulation centres across the country. At the time, more than 1500 persons were enrolled, with another 1000 expected to join later in the year.
Dr Anthony also highlighted the relevance of the initiative as Guyana advanced construction on six new regional hospitals in Lima, Diamond, Enmore, Bath, Skeldon, and West Demerara, all of which will require adequately trained medical personnel.
He said that instead of lamenting the shortage of nurses, the Government had taken a systematic approach to expanding the profession by creating clear career pathways for entry-level nursing assistants to progress to registered nurses and, ultimately, specialised areas of care.
More than 900 nursing assistants across Guyana entered the final year of the Health Ministry’s pioneering Hybrid Training Programme in May of 2025 – a major stride in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its health workforce.