Saskatchewan high school students can now get a head start on medical careers through a new provincewide digital course called Health Careers 20L.
Read more: Fish, game members earn provincial awards
The Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) developed the program alongside the Ministry of Health, the Virtual Health Hub, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
The course aims to give students in grades 10 through 12 early exposure to the province’s health-care sector, helping them make informed decisions about post-secondary education.
“The launch of Health Careers 20L responds to growing interest among young people in health care professions,” said Everett Hindley, minister responsible for Sask DLC, in a news release.
Hindley added that the course helps students find their “best start” by introducing them to diverse roles within the provincial workforce.
Exploring Modern Medical Roles
The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of fields, including:
- Traditional Care: Nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, and emergency care.
- Diagnostics: Medical technologies and diagnostic testing.
- Mental Health: Wellness and addictions support.
- Emerging Roles: Responsibilities of physician assistants and virtual health-care assistants.
Beyond job descriptions, the course teaches employability skills, professional ethics, and the principles of patient-centered care.
Addressing Labour Shortages
The initiative supports the province’s Health Human Resources Action Plan, which seeks to recruit and retain professionals to stabilize the health system. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill noted that engaging students early creates a pipeline for future job shadowing and employment incentives.
“Our government is putting patients first by offering more opportunities for Saskatchewan students interested in pursuing a career in health care,” Cockrill said.
How to Enroll
Health Careers 20L becomes available to all Saskatchewan students starting in the 2026-27 school year. While Sask DLC offers the course online to students regardless of their location, individual school divisions also have the option to provide the curriculum in person.
Interested students and adult learners can register or find more information at saskDLC.ca.
Read more: Gold Horse Casino hosts first powwow in the Hub
