Released on April 4, 2007
Students who want to enter the health professions will benefit from bursary funding in exchange for a commitment to work in Saskatchewan. Health Minister Len Taylor today announced funding for 600 new and continuing return-in-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 and in our Health Workforce Action Plan,” Taylor said.
This year, the provincial government is devoting over $6 million to support bursary programs in the health field. Closing date for nursing and health sciences bursary applications is May 4.
“Combined with the Budget announcement eliminating provincial income tax on the first $20,000 of income for five years for post-secondary graduates who settle in province, our return-in-service bursary program is a powerful incentive to keep young people in Saskatchewan after they complete their studies,” Taylor said. “Saskatchewan’s lower housing costs are also very attractive to young people, as are our short commutes to work, closer proximity to family and friends, and great lifestyle opportunities.”
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.
Certain health sciences professions will be eligible for clinical placement bursaries, which are offered to students in an eligible program that requires the completion of a final clinical placement as part of training.
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.
Students are encouraged to check the Saskatchewan Health website 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 the website at www.health.gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca