Health Care Education

You can find health care certificate, diploma and degree programs right here at home. Many health care occupations are currently in-demand across the province. The following section highlights health training opportunities available at Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions. Please note that the lists are not exhaustive; for a full list of offerings, please consult individual institution websites.

Students who are interested in medical school can find information on the College of Medicine website.

Programs identified as “Direct Entry” in the below tables require secondary or high school credits. “Non-Direct Entry” programs require some post-secondary credits.

Universities

University of Regina offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following health sciences and nursing areas. Click the program names below for complete program information and entrance requirements.

University of Saskatchewan offers undergraduate and graduate programs in health sciences and nursing areas. Click the program names below for complete program information and entrance requirements.

Polytechnics

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers diploma, certificate, degree and bridging programs in health sciences and nursing areas. Click the program names below for complete program information and entrance requirements.

Indigenous Education

First Nations University Indigenous Health Unit offers courses and programs focusing on contemporary issues in Indigenous health, traditional healing and Indigenous health research methods through the programs listed below. Click the program names for complete program information and entrance requirements.

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies offers diploma and certificate programs in the following health sciences areas. Click the program names below for complete program information and entrance requirements.

Gabriel Dumont Institute partners with credit-granting institutions to offer health sciences training to Métis students in programs listed below. Click the program names below for complete program information and entrance requirements.

Saskatchewan Regional Colleges

Saskatchewan Regional Colleges partner with credit-granting institutions to offer health sciences training so students can learn where they live. Note that programs may not be offered at every campus. Click the program names below for complete program information, location, and entrance requirements.

Carlton Trail College has campuses in Humboldt, Punnichy, Wakaw, Watrous and Wynyard.

Cumberland College has campuses in Nipawin, Melfort and Tisdale.

Great Plains College has campuses in Kindersley, Maple Creek, Martensville, Swift Current, Biggar and Warman.

Lakeland College is located in Lloydminster, AB.

Northlands College has campuses located in La Ronge/Air Ronge, Buffalo Narrows and Creighton.

North West College has campuses in Battlefords and Meadow Lake.

Parkland College has campuses in Canora, Kamsack, Esterhazy, Fort Qu'Appelle, Melville and Yorkton.

Southeast College has campuses in Assiniboia, Estevan, Indian Head, Moosomin, Weyburn and Whitewood.

Interprovincial Health Sciences Training Agreements

Saskatchewan has interprovincial agreements (IPAs) with post-secondary institutions in other provinces to reserve seats for eligible Saskatchewan residents in specific priority health programs not available in Saskatchewan. These programs provide training for critical health occupations in Saskatchewan where employment prospects for graduates are very high.

Saskatchewan students enrolled in IPA programs may be eligible for financial aid during their studies, as well as the Graduate Retention Program if they live and work in Saskatchewan after graduation.

Students will complete the clinical portion of their program in Saskatchewan, making it easier to start their career at home.

IPA Fact Sheet

For complete out-of-province program information and entrance requirements, please contact the educational institution directly through the website links provided below.

Programs identified as “Direct Entry” in the below tables require secondary or high school credits. “Non-Direct Entry” programs require some post-secondary credits.

Occupational Therapy – University of Alberta (U of A)
Non-Direct Entry - Occupational therapists work with the disabled, the elderly, newborns, school-aged children, and individuals with a permanent or temporary impairment in their physical or mental functioning. The objective of Occupational Therapy is to help citizens perform daily tasks in their living and working environments, and to assist them to develop the skills to live independent and productive lives.

Speech Language Pathology – University of Alberta (U of A)
Non-Direct Entry - Speech language pathologist are trained professionals who assess and treat speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive and other related communication disorders as well as swallowing difficulties.

Respiratory Therapy – Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Direct-Entry - Respiratory therapists assist physicians in diagnosing, treating and managing patients by providing services, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator management, oxygen and aerosol therapy, patient assessment and evaluation, and diagnostic services including pulmonary function testing and blood analysis. See the Respiratory Therapy Fact Sheet to learn more.

Nuclear Medicine Technology – Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Direct-Entry - Nuclear medicine technologists use radioactive drugs and specialized instruments to help diagnose and treat disease and injury, allowing evaluation of the function of various body organs. Through the nuclear medicine technology program, students learn the techniques of imaging, laboratory procedures and equipment operation.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Direct-Entry - Diagnostic medical sonographers work as members of patient care teams, applying high-frequency sound waves to assess patients and provide information to physicians for diagnoses and monitoring patients' health status.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
Direct-Entry - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to image all parts of the human body using non-ionizing radiation that is safe for human tissue. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist is responsible for operating the MRI scanner, obtaining images, optimizing image quality and identifying pathology.

Cardiovascular Perfusion – British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Non-Direct Entry - Cardiovascular perfusionists, as key members of open-heart surgical teams, operate extracorporeal circulation equipment, such as heart-lung machines, during open-heart surgeries or other medical procedures requiring artificially supporting or temporarily replacing a patient's circulatory or respiratory function. They closely monitor the patient's blood flow and other vital signs during open heart surgery and are also responsible for administering intravenous fluids, blood products and anesthetic drugs.

Environmental Public Health – To be announced.
Non-Direct Entry - Public Health Inspectors deliver a wide variety of environmental health/public health programs through consultation, education, inspection and enforcement of legislation within an assigned geographical area.

Orthotics and Prosthetics – British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Non-Direct Entry - Orthotists and prosthetists perform detailed assessments to determine a patients orthopedic and prosthetic needs and assess functionality of muscle development, sensory function, range of motion, and joint stability. They also develop plans to address patient needs and goals, including pain reduction, stability and mobility.

Electroneurophysiology – British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Non-Direct Entry - Electroneurophysiology technologists work in hospital settings, operating electroneuro-diagnostic testing equipment used to test and assess the integrity of the peripheral and central nervous system.

The Government of Saskatchewan offers a variety of student financial supports including scholarships, grants and bursaries, and student loans to support secondary and post-secondary education.

Student support information and eligibility can be found at the website links below:

• Incentives for Health Care Professionals
• Final Clinical Placement Bursary
• Scholarships
• Grants and Bursaries
• Student Loans
• Education and Training Incentive
• Job Training and Financial Support Programs
• Graduate Retention Program
• Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities
  
  

You can also contact Student and Support Services: