Released on May 9, 2024
The Government of Saskatchewan is moving forward with an ambitious expansion of health training slots. From 2024 to 2025, the $51.2 million investment will support new and continued expansion of health care training across the state with an emphasis on nursing seats.
Over the past three years, the government has invested more than $111.5 million to expand health training programs in support of the Health Workforce Action Plan. Approximately 870 new health care training slots (more than her 250 slots in nursing programs) are being introduced for Saskatchewan students.
“Our government recognizes the importance of training the next generation of health professionals to serve the needs of people across Saskatchewan,” said Premier Scott Moe. “Expanding educational opportunities is a key outcome of the Health Workforce Action Plan. This investment in training is part of a broader effort to meet the current and future needs of our state’s nurses and other health professionals. .”
This year's funding will add 66 new training slots across six programs and develop four new national training programs: Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Physician Assistant, and Respiratory Therapy. It will also support the continuation of previously announced expansions of 550 health training slots and 150 nursing slots in urban, rural and northern regions across the state.
Of the 2024-25 health care training investment, $4.9 million is targeted to support new nursing education opportunities in the state. His three nursing programs at Saskatchewan facilities will be expanded, including:
- 24 registered nurse positions through the Saskatchewan Joint Bachelor of Nursing (SCBScN) program, a collaboration between the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Technological University.
- 16 psychiatric registered nurse positions at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Institute.and
- Eight psychiatric registered nurse seats at North West University (brokered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic Institute).
Dr. Eli, President and CEO of Northwest University, said, “Expanding nursing education slots will not only enrich the education of aspiring nurses by providing access to top-notch instruction, but will also provide skilled nurses with access to top-notch instruction.'' “It also serves as a proactive response to the growing demand for medical professionals.” Ahlquist said. “Creating new opportunities in health care education, especially within Saskatchewan, will ensure local students have the tools to pursue rewarding careers within their own communities.”
The new Registered Nurse and Registered Psychiatric Nurse seats are expected to be offered to students in Fall 2024.
“Having a support system is an essential part of our mental health,” said Aveniel Brown, a registered psychiatric nursing student at Northwest University. “That’s why I chose the RPN program to provide support and make a difference in the lives of people facing mental health and addiction issues.”
Nurses and other health professionals have access to a range of support during and after their studies. Nursing graduates who work in designated rural communities in Saskatchewan may be eligible for up to $20,000 in Saskatchewan student loan forgiveness. Graduates may also be eligible for the Graduate Retention Program, which provides an additional $20,000 in tax credits for living, working and paying taxes in Saskatchewan after graduation.
To learn more about these expanded programs and additional medical training opportunities in a variety of professions and locations, visit saskatchewan.ca/hhr-train.
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