Navigating Health Care Education in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan, a province rich in natural beauty and vibrant communities, is also a hub for health care education. With a diverse range of programs and institutions, students aspiring to join the health care sector have numerous pathways to gain the necessary qualifications. Whether you are considering a career in nursing, pharmacy, or allied health professions, Saskatchewan offers many options to suit your educational and professional goals. This blog post provides a detailed guide to health care education opportunities within Saskatchewan, as well as options outside the province, and highlights financial supports and incentives available to students.

Health Care Education in Saskatchewan

Post-Secondary Institutions Offering Health Care Programs

1. Universities

Saskatchewan’s universities provide a broad spectrum of health care programs catering to different interests and career goals.

University of Regina

• Gerontology: Direct Entry
• Health Studies: Direct Entry
• Kinesiology: Direct Entry
• Nursing: Includes programs such as After Degree Nursing, Nurse Practitioner, with various entry requirements (Direct and Non-Direct Entry).
• Psychology: Offers undergraduate degrees and graduate programs (Masters and/or Doctorate).
• Social Work: Non-Direct Entry

University of Saskatchewan

• Dental Programs: Includes Dentistry and Dental Assisting (Non-Direct Entry and Direct Entry respectively).
• Health Studies: Direct Entry
• Kinesiology: Direct Entry
• Medicine: Non-Direct Entry
• Nursing: Offers Post-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Nurse Practitioner programs.
• Nutrition and Pharmacy: Both Non-Direct Entry
• Psychology: Includes undergraduate degrees and advanced graduate degrees.
• Physical Therapy, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine: All Non-Direct Entry programs

2. Polytechnics

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is renowned for its comprehensive health care training programs, including:

• Paramedic Programs: Primary Care Paramedic and Advanced Care Paramedic (Direct and Non-Direct Entry)
• Medical Laboratory Technology: Direct Entry
• Dental Programs: Includes Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene (Direct Entry)
• Nursing Programs: Various options including Practical Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, and Registered Nursing Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Nurses (Direct and Non-Direct Entry)
• Pharmacy Technician: Direct Entry
• Mental Health and Addictions Counselling: Direct Entry

3. Indigenous Education

Specialized programs are available to support Indigenous students through:

• First Nations University: Offers programs like Bachelor of Health Studies and Indigenous Birth Support Work Certificate (Direct Entry)
• Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies: Includes Health Care Aide and Indigenous Practical Nursing (Direct Entry)
• Gabriel Dumont Institute: Provides training for Métis students in Continuing Care Assistant and Practical Nursing (Direct Entry)

4. Saskatchewan Regional Colleges

Regional colleges across Saskatchewan offer local access to health care education:

• Carlton Trail College: Offers Continuing Care Assistant, Practical Nursing, and Primary Care Paramedic programs (Direct Entry)
• Great Plains College: Includes Continuing Care Assistant and Practical Nursing (Direct Entry)
• Lakeland College: Located in Lloydminster, offering Health Care Aide (Direct Entry)
• Northlands College: Offers Continuing Care Assistant (Direct Entry)
• North West College: Provides Continuing Care Assistant, Practical Nursing, and other programs (Direct Entry)
• Southeast College: Offers Continuing Care Assistant and Practical Nursing (Direct Entry)
• Suncrest College: Features programs including Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Ultrasound, Medical Laboratory Assistant, and more (Direct and Non-Direct Entry)

Health Care Education Outside of Saskatchewan

For programs not available in Saskatchewan, students may explore interprovincial health sciences training agreements. These agreements reserve spots for Saskatchewan residents in priority health programs in other provinces. Key programs include:

• Cardiology Technology at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Cardiac Option) at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
• Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology at University of Alberta
• Respiratory Therapy, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Cardiovascular Perfusion at BCIT
• Environmental Public Health at Concordia University of Edmonton
• Orthotics and Prosthetics and Electroneurophysiology at BCIT

Financial Supports and Incentives

Saskatchewan provides various financial supports and incentives to make health care education more accessible. These include:

• Graduate Retention Program: Offers financial benefits for graduates who live and work in Saskatchewan after completing their studies.
• Bursaries and Scholarships: Many institutions and organizations provide financial assistance based on merit, need, or specific criteria related to the health care sector.
• Student Loans: Government and private loans are available to help cover tuition and living expenses.

Saskatchewan is a great place to pursue a career in health care, with a variety of educational options available both within and outside the province. From comprehensive programs at local universities and polytechnics to specialized training through interprovincial agreements, there is a pathway for every aspiring health care professional. The financial supports and incentives available further ease the journey, making it feasible for students to focus on their education and future careers.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance in your health care career, Saskatchewan’s robust educational landscape offers the tools and opportunities to help you succeed. For more details, don’t hesitate to contact the relevant institutions or reach out to the Saskatchewan Health Partnerships and Workforce Planning Branch.

Embark on your health care education journey today and contribute to the vital sector of health care in Saskatchewan!