BURSARIES FOR STUDENTS STUDYING HEALTH DISCIPLINES

Students who want to enter the health professions will benefit from bursary funding in exchange for a commitment to work in Saskatchewan. Health Minister John Nilson today announced funding for more than 500 new and continuing return-service bursaries.

"Retaining and recruiting key health professionals in urban, rural and northern communities is a priority of this government, and it is a priority we committed to in our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care," Nilson said. "I believe that investing in our young people through the bursary program is one way to keep them in Saskatchewan after they graduate."

The provincial government is devoting $5 million this year to support bursary programs in the health field. New bursaries will be offered to Saskatchewan students studying health sciences disciplines, including audiology; combined laboratory and X-ray technology; cytology; dental therapy; dietetics and nutrition; public health inspection; MRI technology; medical laboratory and medical radiation technology; nuclear medicine; physical, occupational and respiratory therapy; pharmacy; prosthetic and orthotic technology; speech language pathology; clinical psychology; clinical social work; speech language pathology and ultrasonography.

New bursaries also will be targeted to Saskatchewan students studying to be licensed practical nurses; registered nurses; registered psychiatric nurses; nurse educators; primary care nurse practitioners; advanced nurses and those wishing to re-enter nursing.

In partnership with the Saskatchewan Medical Association, the government is offering bursaries throughout the year to students and residents studying medicine. As well, the government is targeting bursaries to students studying to be emergency medical technicians.

Bursaries are provided with a service commitment to work in the province's publicly funded health system.

Closing date for nursing and health sciences bursaries is May 6th. Students are encouraged to check the Saskatchewan Health Web site for application details on all bursaries.

Students interested in applying for the bursaries should contact (306) 787-7955, e-mail bursary@health.gov.sk.ca, or visit at www.health.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083