U of S brings occupational therapy, speech language pathology programs
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing nearly $8.1 million to establish two new healthcare training programs at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S).
These two new programs aim to address the provincial shortage of occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists.
Health Minister Everett Hindley says these professions were in high demand and the healthcare providers were concerned about the shortage of occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists.
“A key pillar of our Health Human Resources Action Plan is to create training opportunities here at home for Saskatchewan students passionate about a career in health care while encouraging them to choose to live and work in the province after graduation," Hindley said.
The new training programs will be two-year master's degrees that have around 40 seats per year.
The programs are estimated to begin in the fall of 2026. Until then, an interprovincial agreement will help Saskatchewan students access seats in the two programs at the University of Alberta.
Minister of Advanced Education Colleen Young says Saskatchewan has needed these services and the need continues to grow.
"Our post-secondary institutions play key roles in helping address provincial labour market needs and achieving our Growth Plan goals," Young said.
"Establishing these programs in-province will give more students the opportunity to train closer to home and make it easier to retain our grads here in Saskatchewan."
U of S president Peter Stoicheff welcomes the investment, saying the programs will contribute to training much-needed healthcare professionals and improving quality of life across Saskatchewan.
The provincial government says occupational therapists and speech language pathologists provide vital health services to communities throughout the province, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.
Under these new programs at the U of S, students will undertake clinical placements as early as their first year of studies, which will place more professionals into the healthcare sector sooner, according to the province.
"The opening of this speech-language pathology program at the University of Saskatchewan heralds a new era in practice for our province," said Jennifer Cameron-Turley, a speech language & audiology Canada provincial advocacy manager.
"It is fitting that this announcement is happening shortly after Speech and Hearing Month, as it helps us continue to bring increased awareness to the profound impact of communication and swallowing disorders can have on people's lives. We look forward to continuing to foster connection, and champion the transformative power of communication for the people of Saskatchewan."
The province says in addition to these programs, the government is investing $2 million to develop a physician assistant program at U of S starting in fall 2025.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Oilers force Game 7 of Stanley Cup final with 5-1 win over Panthers
The Oilers are one win from history. The Panthers are one loss from infamy. Zach Hyman scored his playoff-leading 16th goal and Stuart Skinner made 20 saves as Edmonton defeated Florida 5-1 on Friday to force Game 7 in the Stanley Cup final.
Where is Louis Riel? Heritage Minute of Métis leader quietly removed
A decision to quietly remove a decades-old Heritage Minute on Louis Riel has left some in the Métis community scratching their heads, as questions are raised about how Canada's history is portrayed.
Heritage minister views next election as a referendum on Canadian cultural reforms
Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge says the next federal election could become a referendum on Canadian culture and the trio of legislative measures the Liberals have advanced to try to protect it.
Billionaire businessman James K. Irving dead at 96
The family of Canadian billionaire businessman James K. Irving has announced his death at the age of 96, just over a month after the death of his younger brother, Arthur.
'Reckless in the extreme': Lamborghini driver convicted for crash while passing Toronto streetcar
A Lamborghini driver who tried to pass a Toronto streetcar at three times the speed limit, striking several parked cars and totalling his own vehicle, has been found guilty of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
Pedestrian killed on Hwy. 97 following bus crash that caused 'numerous' injuries
A pedestrian was struck and killed on Highway 97 in the B.C. Interior early Friday afternoon as emergency crews were responding a school bus crash that caused “numerous” injuries to those on board.
4 people found dead in southwestern Ontario town of Harrow
Ontario Provincial Police are investigating after four people were found dead in the town of Harrow, just south of Windsor. Officers were called to a residence on County Road 13 at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.
4 members of a billionaire family get prison in Switzerland for exploiting domestic workers
An Indian-born billionaire and three family members were sentenced to prison on Friday for exploiting domestic workers at their lakeside villa in Switzerland by seizing their passports, barring them from going out and making them work up to 18 hours a day.
MP Marco Mendicino spat on by man in Ottawa
A video circulating online shows MP and former cabinet minister Marco Mendicino get spat on while on his way into a government building in Ottawa.