Photo: Dr Naseem Koylass, Acting President of COSTAATT receives certificate ofapproval for the Enrolled Nursing Programme from Mr Corey George President of the Nursing Council of Trinidad and Tobago
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago – July 29, 2026 – The College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) officially celebrated the approval and handover of its Nursing Assistant Programme during a ceremony at its City Campus on Wednesday, July 29, marking a significant step in strengthening the nation’s healthcare workforce.
The programme, approved by the Nursing Council of Trinidad and Tobago, is the result of close collaboration among COSTAATT, the Nursing Council, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training. The inaugural cohort of up to 200 students is expected to begin in September 2026, with a second intake planned for January 2027.
Delivering the feature address, Dr. the Honourable Lackram Bodoe, Minister of Health, described nursing assistants as the “quiet heroes” of the healthcare system and emphasized their vital role in delivering compassionate, patient-centred care. He commended COSTAATT for expanding opportunities for healthcare training and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the programme through clinical training partnerships.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Senator Professor Emeritus the Honourable Prakash Persad, Mr. Hansen Narinesingh, MP, Parliamentary Secretary, said the programme reflects the Government’s commitment to creating stronger education-to-employment pathways while addressing the country’s growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
In welcoming guests, Mrs. Roamar Achat-Saney, Chair of the COSTAATT Board of Trustees, described the approval as a historic milestone for the College and reaffirmed COSTAATT’s commitment to producing competent, compassionate and ethical healthcare professionals.
Mr. Corey George, President of the Nursing Council of Trinidad and Tobago, noted that the programme had successfully met the Council’s rigorous standards and represents an important new pathway into the nursing profession.
Dr. Naseem Koylass, Acting President of COSTAATT, said the programme builds on the College’s long-standing contribution to healthcare education, noting that COSTAATT has graduated more than 5,000 nurses over the past 25 years. She added that the College remains committed to preparing graduates who combine technical competence with professionalism, compassion and integrity.
The ceremony highlighted the strong partnership between Government, regulators and the tertiary education sector in addressing national healthcare workforce needs. As the country’s largest provider of nursing and allied health education, COSTAATT continues to expand opportunities for students while helping to build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for Trinidad and Tobago.
Photo:-(L-R) Dr. the Honourable Lackram Bodoe, Minister of Health, Mr. Corey George, President of the Nursing Council of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Naseem Koylass, Acting President of COSTAATT, Mrs. Roamar Achat-Saney, Chair of the COSTAATT Board of Trustees, Mr. Hansen Narinesingh, MP, Parliamentary Secretary, Dean, COSTAATT School of Nursing Health & Medical Technologies Anjenney Boodoosingh-Dwarika, COSTAATT Chair of Nursing Jesinta Tobas
