Health Ministry seeking to revolutionise nursing assistant programme

…launches hybrid programme on Coursera platform

The Health Ministry has taken a momentous step towards revolutionising nursing education in the country by partnering with the renowned Coursera online platform to introduce the Hybrid Nursing Assistant training programme. The collaboration aims to make quality healthcare training accessible to all individuals, ensuring that aspiring nurses have the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge.
The official launching ceremony was held on Friday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Coursera Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeff Matthew shared his excitement and vision for the future of this initiative during the launch, emphasising the importance of not only meeting individuals’ basic needs, but also offering them access to over 50 professional certificates and seeing them receive personalised Coursera coaching while studying online.
He said that this comprehensive support system was designed to empower participants and pave the way for a successful career in nursing.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony speaking at the launch said that Government was unwavering in its commitment to improving the country’s healthcare infrastructure and raising the standard of service across all levels.
Dr Anthony expressed his delight at the overwhelming response to the programme, with about 1000 nurses already enrolled and undergoing training. Further, he disclosed the Ministry’s plans to establish simulation centres nationwide within the next month to provide hands-on learning experiences for participants. It was highlighted during the launch that the success of the Hybrid Nursing Assistant training programme is evident, with approximately 800 individuals already taking advantage of the online courses. By offering this programme through Coursera, the Ministry aims to equip more individuals with the skills and expertise needed to excel in the field of nursing. This initiative is poised to increase the number of qualified nurses graduating each year, ultimately enhancing the quality of healthcare services in Guyana.

Other online courses
Dr Anthony also revealed other plans stating that there were about 20 training programmes within the Ministry, and efforts were underway to make all of them available online.
“In other cases, we are curating to see how we can have your (Coursera) programmes to match the needs of us,” Dr Anthony stated.
Further, alluding to this partnership, the Health Minister pointed out the challenges relating to nurses within the entire Caribbean, and noted that many other countries in the Caribbean were looking at what Guyana was doing. He believes that they would be more than willing to partner on some of the courses being provided.
He added that when the applications were placed online for persons to join the programme, the Ministry received expressions of interest from several Caribbean countries.
According to him, the initiative reflects the Ministry’s dedication to leveraging technology and partnership opportunities to enhance healthcare education and service delivery in Guyana. By offering this programme through Coursera, he noted, the Health Ministry aims to equip more individuals with the skills and expertise needed to excel in the field of nursing. It is poised to increase the number of qualified nurses graduating each year, ultimately enhancing the quality of healthcare services.