The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is proud to announce that its Medical Simulation Center (MSC) has been officially recognized as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training center by the Virgin Islands Department of Health—Office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The designation follows the successful completion of the Center’s inaugural EMT course and affirms its capacity to deliver high-quality emergency medical training.
Dr. Marc A. Jerome, medical director of the State Office of EMS, congratulated the UVI MSC on meeting the rigorous standards required to provide National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Training. He emphasized the Center’s vital role in addressing the need for skilled EMTs and advancing EMS training within the Virgin Islands.
UVI President Dr. Safiya George praised the recognition as a significant step forward in the institution’s commitment to workforce development and public health: “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, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the Center’s new official designation: “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.” She also emphasized the Center’s plans to establish an integrated basic EMS education curriculum for public high school students in the Virgin Islands and its potential inclusion in the VI Workforce Development’s Eligible Training Providers’ List, which would offer access to additional resources and support. In alignment with VI Act 8924, the UVI Medical Simulation Center will provide training for instructors engaged in the proposed Emergency Medical Services Education Program. Future initiatives for this program include offering hands-on, immersive training and continuing education credits.
Located on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, the one-story, 21,920-square-foot Medical Simulation Center features state-of-the-art facilities, including Inpatient and Outpatient Rooms, Debriefing Rooms, an Operating Room (OR), an Instrument Processing Room, a 10-station Surgical Skills Lab, an Immersive Interactive Training Room, Surgical VR Simulators with Haptic Response, a dining hall, a multipurpose classroom, a conference room, and administrative offices.
The Center is equipped with the latest medical simulation technology, including high-fidelity manikins, virtual reality systems, immersive environments, and task trainers. These tools provide realistic, hands-on practice in a safe and controlled environment. The versatile training spaces can be customized to replicate various clinical settings, ensuring trainees can practice in environments that closely mimic real-life scenarios.
For more information about the UVI Medical Simulation Center, visit https://www.uvi.edu/msc/index.html or contact pr@uvi.edu.
Contact the UVI Public Relations Office at pr@uvi.edu with any media inquiries.
