BURSARIES FOR STUDENTS STUDYING HEALTH DISCIPLINES

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

"Keeping and attracting health professionals to Saskatchewan is a top priority of this government, and it is a priority we committed to in our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care," Taylor said. "I believe that bursaries not only assist students who wish to begin or advance careers in health care, they also encourage graduates to make full use of their skills and education at home in our province through a return-in-service commitment."

Building on bursaries and other Action Plan commitments, the provincial government recently announced Working Together: Saskatchewan's Health Workforce Action Plan – a comprehensive, detailed plan designed to improve health care in Saskatchewan by keeping and attracting health care professionals.

This year, the provincial government is devoting $5 million to support bursary programs in the health field. New bursaries 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.

New bursaries will also 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.

Certain health sciences professions will be eligible for clinical placement bursaries, including public health inspection, pharmacy, psychology, medical diagnostics programs, physical therapy, ultrasonography and primary care paramedic technology.

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 5th. 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