BURSARIES OFFERED FOR STUDENTS STUDYING HEALTH DISCIPLINES

Students who want to enter health professions will benefit from bursary funding in exchange for a commitment to work in Saskatchewan. Health Minister Don McMorris today announced funding for 600 new and continuing return-in-service bursaries.

"Keeping and attracting key health professionals is a top priority of this government," McMorris said. "It's a commitment we made and have vigorously pursued since we assumed leadership four months ago."

This year, the provincial government is devoting more than $6 million to support bursary programs in the health field. Closing date for nursing and health sciences bursary applications is May 9.

"Combined with the Budget commitment rebating up to $20,000 in post-secondary tuition for graduates who settle in Saskatchewan for seven years, our return-in-service bursary program is a compelling incentive to keep young people in Saskatchewan after they complete their studies," McMorris said. "Saskatchewan's short commutes to work, closer proximity to family and friends, and great lifestyle opportunities are also very attractive to young people."

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, midwifery; nuclear medicine; physical, occupational and respiratory therapy; pharmacy; prosthetic and orthotic technology; speech language pathology; clinical psychology; clinical social work and ultrasonography.

In partnership with the Saskatchewan Medical Association, the government is offering bursaries throughout the year to students and residents studying medicine.

Bursaries are provided with a service commitment to work in the province's publicly funded health system, and are one of many ways the government retains and recruits health professionals.

Students are encouraged to check the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health website for application details on all bursaries. Students interested in applying for bursaries should contact 306-787-7955, e-mail bursary@health.gov.sk.ca, or visit the website at www.health.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: adinsmore@health.gov.sk.ca