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Your Future Awaits in BVI

Ponce Health Sciences University is answering a need for more healthcare professionals by preparing more students for jobs with a world-class, culturally-competent education.

ACCREDITATIONS

Ponce Health Sciences University has acquired the necessary accreditations for our students to advance from our programmes to careers in their field.
PROGRAM(S) ACCREDITATION
Location Pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
MD PSM & STL Liaison Committee on Medical Education
MD BVI Preliminary Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine
Collage of students and teachers

PURPOSE

Our Mission

The mission of Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) is to provide a world-class, culturally-competent, health sciences education to the population we serve, through innovative adaptive learning environments focused on the success of its students to become ethical practitioners and scientists.

Our Vision

The PHSU vision is to build on its reputation as a prestigious academic and research leader educating underrepresented diverse populations while focusing research efforts on solving global health disparities.
Image of icons of different doctors and nurses

HISTORY

PHSU announces the addition of an international location in Tortola, BVI.

PHSU opens a new medical school in the British Virgin Islands.​  PHSU School of Medicine BVI offers a medical degree (preliminarily accredited by ACCM) that offers a clear pathway to study in the British Virgin Islands for two years while completing the final two years and residency in the U.S.

PHSU St. Louis announces pursuing expansion of the School of Medicine in North St. Louis

The Ponce Health Science University School of Medicine - St Louis is announced as part of a planned multi-million educational investment in North St. Louis. 2.

Ponce Health Sciences University opens its St. Louis campus

The PHSU St. Louis campus is opened, extending the university’s global network and efforts to serve historically underserved communities. St. Louis represented the perfect opportunity to expand and advance efforts to educate diverse populations in health sciences.

University Ventures acquires Ponce Health Sciences University

PHSU is acquired by University Ventures in September 2014 to operate the school, with a goal to build a global network of affiliated health sciences universities committed to preparing students for their careers in healthcare.

PHSU forms its Doctorate in Clinical Psychology program

The PsyD in Clinical Psychology program is established at the PHSU main campus, which has since expanded to incorporate a Ph.D. in psychology and a certificate in Couples and Family. With the PsyD, PHSU aims to develop culturally-competent and socially-capable clinical psychologists with a foundation in biology, social sciences, human…Read More

Ponce Health Sciences University is formed

The Ponce Medical School Foundation, Inc. takes over the school’s medical program. Ponce Health Sciences University graduates its first class of 23 students in 1981. Since then, Ponce Health Sciences University has graduated over 1,000 health professionals.

The Catholic University of Puerto Rico is formed

The first iteration of Ponce Health Sciences University is founded by the Catholic University of Puerto Rico. Soon, the University begins to phase out the medical program.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Ponce Health Sciences University boasts over 45 years of experience in providing world-class education to highly qualified students across the programs offered in our academic portfolio. Throughout our history, we have produced over 4,000 graduates in Medicine, Clinical Psychology, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Nursing, and soon, Dental Medicine.
Image of the PHSU President
Our institution is widely recognized in Puerto Rico and other nations for its strong focus on health sciences, incorporating a robust scientific research component that addresses health disparities within the Latino community and other minority groups. In 2018, we established a campus in St. Louis, Missouri, to bring our world-class educational and healthcare initiatives to an even wider audience, furthering our mission of excellence in the field of health sciences. We are thrilled to be able to continue to creatively expand our academic programs and campus offerings to meet the global demand for healthcare professionals. This includes the establishment of a location with a new medical school in Tortola, British Virgin Islands in 2024. In doing so, and through the additional services we offer, the university will continue fulfilling its mission and vision, which is centered on directly serving the population we engage with, focusing on the success of our students and the PHSU’s community.

As we embark on this exciting journey into the future, Ponce Health Sciences University remains dedicated to excellence in education, research, and service. Our commitment to shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals, advancing scientific knowledge, and addressing healthcare disparities is unwavering. With our passionate faculty, devoted staff, and talented students, we look forward to continuing our mission of serving and positively impacting our community and the world at large.
Dr. Gino Natalicchio President of Ponce Health Sciences University

PHSU Locations

Ponce Health Sciences University’s history dates back to its founding in 1977 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. We’ve been expanding our prestigious health sciences offerings since, with a focus on graduate medical education programs.

With locations in Ponce, San Juan, St. Louis, and BVI we’re expanding our global network while staying committed to preparing students for real-world healthcare careers and clinical situations.
Map of Locations in Puerto Rico
Map of Locations in the US
Map of Locations in British Virgin Islands

PHSU School of Medicine BVI

We are proud to be housed on the campus of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). Founded in 1990, HLSCC is a premier institution for higher education, offering a range of programs to support the academic, career, and personal growth for the people of BVI. Their commitment to fostering innovation and partnerships made them the ideal home for PHSU School of Medicine BVI. Learn more about HLSCC here.

We are also in the process of establishing a partnership with the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town for the future growth of the School of Medicine in the BVI.