Released on May 2, 2008
A government investment of $2.76 million will enable SIAST to increase its training capacity for three medical diagnostics programs by 12 positions annually.
The training is in the Medical Laboratory Technology program, the Medical Radiologic Technology program and the Combined Laboratory and X-ray Technician program. Each of these programs was accepting 16 new students per year. That goes up to 20 as of September 2008. The increase was enabled by capital funding of $2.4 million for facility renovation and new equipment, supported by a $360,000 boost in operating funds in the 2008-09 Saskatchewan budget.
"Saskatchewan's new government is committed to helping our young people meet their education and training goals," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "This investment in SIAST also supports a health care system that meets the needs of our people."
"Our medical diagnostics programs are popular choices with potential students, and our med diagnostics grads are key contributors to effective care for patients," SIAST's president and CEO Dr. Robert McCulloch said. "Today's announcement is good news for both groups."
Graduates of these programs are in demand in research institutions such as the Canadian Light Source in addition to health care facilities. Investments in high quality training support the delivery of quality health care and the growth of the knowledge economy.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Chris Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: Chris.Jones-Bonk@gov.sk.ca