Released on August 9, 1999
More physical and occupational therapists will be working in Saskatchewancommunities thanks to a $112,000 Saskatchewan Health Paramedical Bursary.
This year, six occupational therapy students and 10 physical therapy students
each have been awarded a bursary of $7,000 per year for up to three years of
their academic studies. In return, the students have committed to work in
areas of the province demonstrating the greatest need for two to four years
after graduation.
In addition to this year's 16 new bursaries, $152,000 in ongoing bursaries will
be paid to 32 continuing and graduating students for a total of $264,000 for 48
Saskatchewan students. Last year's program budget of $264,000 funded the
education of 45 students.
Since 1959, the Saskatchewan Health Paramedical Bursary Program has been
providing financial aid to students in hard-to-recruit disciplines such as
physical and occupational therapy and clinical psychology.
"For the same cost as a single national recruitment ad, we can help fund a
Saskatchewan citizen's tuition and fill a critical health system vacancy with
one of our own graduates," Health Minister Pat Atkinson said. "This bursary
program is one more way to make sure our communities get the skilled
professionals they need."
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For more information, contact:
Jeff Brown
Saskatchewan Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4088