BURSARIES AWARDED TO NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS

Health Minister John Nilson today congratulated close to 230 Saskatchewan students who were awarded nursing and health sciences bursaries in exchange for their commitment to work in Saskatchewan. This number could swell to almost 250, as students continue to accept and return bursary offers.

These students are some of the recipients of more than 500 new and continuing health bursaries announced in the provincial budget in March. Bursaries for students studying medicine and emergency medical technology will be awarded by the new year. Students receiving these new bursaries will join 150 other students with ongoing, multi-year bursaries.

This year, the provincial government is devoting $4 million to support return-service bursary programs in the health field.

"Keeping and attracting health care professionals is a top priority of this government, and it is a priority we committed to in our Action Plan For Saskatchewan Health Care," Nilson said. "I am very pleased to recognize these students who have received bursaries to help them pursue careers as health science professionals. We can be proud of them for their commitment to health care in Saskatchewan by returning to work with and serve the people of this province."

New bursaries have been awarded to close to 170 Saskatchewan students studying to be registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses, primary care nurse practitioners, and those wishing to re-enter nursing. As well, a new bursary has been awarded to nurses in graduate studies who agree to teach at one of Saskatchewan's post-secondary educational institutions upon graduation. This initiative will help to fill nursing teaching positions.

New bursaries have been awarded to more than 60 Saskatchewan students studying a wide range of health sciences disciplines, including pharmacy; nuclear medicine, cytology; medical resonance imagery; medical radiation and medical laboratory technology; physical, occupational and respiratory therapy; speech language pathology; public health inspection and clinical psychology.

Health sciences bursaries range from $3,000 to $7,000 per year, with a service commitment to work in the province's publicly funded health system upon graduation. Dollar amounts vary for the other health disciplines.

For additional information about the bursary program, please visit our Web site at www.health.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083 Email: mrathwell@health.gov.sk.ca