The University of the Virgin Islands' Medical Simulation Center (MSC) is now officially recognized as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training center by the Virgin Islands Department of Health—Office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

According to UVI, the new designation comes in the wake of the successful completion of the Center’s inaugural EMT course and confirms its readiness to deliver high-quality, nationally recognized emergency medical training.

The certification affirms that the MSC meets the standards necessary to provide National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Training, a critical component in the development of the territory’s healthcare workforce, UVI said.

Dr. Marc A. Jerome, medical director of the State Office of EMS, praised the achievement, saying the University had met the rigorous criteria required to earn EMT training center status. He emphasized the importance of the designation in addressing the demand for skilled EMTs across the Virgin Islands and furthering the reach and quality of EMS training.

UVI President Dr. Safiya George described the milestone as a reflection of the university’s long-term investment in public health and educational excellence. “This approval is a result of the University’s ongoing investment in delivering world-class health care education for our students,” said Dr. George. “It also ensures that our students and community members have access to the highest standard of emergency medical training right here in the Virgin Islands.”

Charlene Navarro, RN, executive director of the Medical Simulation Center, welcomed the designation with enthusiasm and highlighted its significance for the Center’s future plans. “We are delighted to be recognized as an EMT Training Center and eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with the State Office of Emergency Medical Services to further our mission of delivering exceptional medical training and education,” said Navarro.

She also announced upcoming initiatives that will extend the Center’s reach, including the development of an integrated basic EMS education curriculum for public high school students in the Virgin Islands. Additionally, the MSC is working toward being included on the VI Workforce Development’s Eligible Training Providers’ List, which would expand access to vital support and resources for trainees.

In alignment with VI Act 8924, the Center will also serve as a training site for instructors participating in the proposed Emergency Medical Services Education Program. Plans for that program include hands-on instruction, immersive simulation-based training, and the provision of continuing education credits.

Located on the Albert A. Sheen Campus in St. Croix, the UVI Medical Simulation Center is a one-story, 21,920-square-foot facility equipped with the latest medical training technology. The building houses a variety of advanced simulation environments, including:

• Inpatient and Outpatient Rooms

• Operating Room (OR)

• Instrument Processing Room

• Debriefing Rooms

• 10-Station Surgical Skills Lab

• Immersive Interactive Training Room

• Surgical VR Simulators with Haptic Response

• Multipurpose Classroom and Conference Room

• Dining Hall and Administrative Offices

  

The Center features high-fidelity manikins, virtual reality systems, immersive environments, and task trainers, all designed to provide hands-on practice in safe, controlled settings. These tools allow for the recreation of realistic clinical scenarios, enabling trainees to develop confidence and proficiency in responding to complex medical situations.