Province invests $51.2 million in new healthcare training opportunities | News and media

Released on May 9, 2024

The Government of Saskatchewan is making progress on an ambitious expansion of health training. In 2024-25, a $51.2 million investment will support a new and continued expansion of healthcare training across the province, with a focus on nursing chairs.

Over the past three years, the government has invested more than $111.5 million to expand health training programs in support of the Health Human Resources Action Plan. Approximately 870 new healthcare training positions – more than 250 of which are in nursing programs – are being implemented for Saskatchewan students.

“Our government recognizes the importance of training the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the needs of people across Saskatchewan,” said Premier Scott Moe. “Expanding educational opportunities is a key outcome of our Health Human Resources Action Plan. This investment in training is part of broader efforts to meet the current and future needs for nurses and other healthcare professionals in our province. “

This year’s funding will add 66 new training positions across six programs and develop four new domestic training programs: Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physician Assistant and Respiratory Therapy. It also supports the continuation of previously announced expansions of 550 healthcare training seats and 150 nursing seats across the province in urban, rural and northern locations.

Of the 2024-2025 healthcare education investments, $4.9 million is earmarked to support new educational opportunities for nurses in the province. Three nursing programs in Saskatchewan institutions will be expanded, including:

• 24 seats for registered nurses through the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program, offered jointly by the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic;
• 16 seats for registered psychiatric nurses at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic; And
• Eight seats for registered psychiatric nurses at North West College (brokered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic).

“Expanding nursing education seats not only enriches the educational journey of aspiring nurses by providing them with access to top-notch education, but also serves as a proactive response to the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals,” President and CEO of North West College Dr. Eli said Ahlquist. “By creating new opportunities in healthcare education, especially within Saskatchewan, we ensure local students are equipped with the resources to pursue rewarding careers within their own communities.”

The new registered nursing and registered psychiatric nursing seats will be available to students in fall 2024.

“Having a support system is integral to our mental well-being,” said Abenniel Browne, a registered psychiatric nursing student at North West College. “That’s why I chose the RPN program to provide support and make a difference in the lives of people dealing with mental health and addiction issues.”

Nurses and other healthcare professionals can benefit from a variety of support during and after their studies. Nursing graduates working in designated rural communities in Saskatchewan may be eligible for up to $20,000 in student loan forgiveness in Saskatchewan. Graduates may also be eligible for the Graduate Retention Program, which provides an additional $20,000 tax credit for living, working and filing taxes in Saskatchewan after graduation.

To learn more about these comprehensive programs and additional healthcare training opportunities in various professions and locations, visit: saskatchewan.ca/hhr-train.

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