Saskatchewan’s first-ever Master of Occupational Therapy and Master of Speech-Language Pathology programs welcomed their inaugural students this week, marking a significant expansion in health professional training that could help address service shortages across the province, including in the Border City.
Read more: Lloydminster Bobcats name Chris Leeming as new assistant coach
The University of Saskatchewan programs admitted 80 students this fall — 40 in each program — more than the 50 total seats previously available through interprovincial training agreements, according to the provincial government.
“Until now, students had to leave the province to receive this training,” advanced education minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “We are proud to bring these programs home, allowing students to train in Saskatchewan and help build the skilled workforce our communities need now and into the future.”
The province has invested $37 million to establish the programs, which are housed within USask’s School of Rehabilitation Science in the College of Medicine alongside the Master of Physical Therapy program.
Addressing critical service gaps
The expansion comes as health service needs assessments have highlighted gaps in specialized care across Saskatchewan, including in border communities like Lloydminster.
“Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists play a critical role in providing high-quality care across our health system and in communities throughout Saskatchewan,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Increasing the number of professionals trained in Saskatchewan puts patients first by ensuring the right care is available in the right place and at the right time for years to come.”
Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists provide vital services to children, seniors and individuals living with disabilities, injuries or illnesses. Their work supports communication, participation, independence and overall quality of life for people in a variety of settings.
Building interprofessional capacity
Both programs create opportunities for interprofessional learning and collaboration with existing physical therapy training.
“We are grateful for the government’s continued commitment to USask as we expand our programming and training to meet the health-care needs of the people of Saskatchewan,” University of Saskatchewan president and vice-chancellor Vince Bruni-Bossio said. “The professionals we train in occupational therapy and speech-language pathology will strengthen access to critical services for people in communities throughout the province.”
The investment in health professional training follows similar initiatives including Alberta’s $22 million rural health package and federal support for oral health programs across Canada.
The first cohorts of occupational therapy and speech-language pathology students will complete their training over the next two to three years, with graduates expected to enter the Saskatchewan workforce and help address ongoing service demands in communities across the province.
Read more: Thousands attend 36th annual St. Walburg Wild Blueberry Festival
