Saskatchewan students can now train for careers in occupational therapy and speech-language pathology without having to leave the province. The University of Saskatchewan has launched both programs for the first time, creating 80 new training seats. Brooklyn Anderson is among the first students to begin occupational therapy training. “There’s a lot of excitement in the room and we’re going to learn so much and it’s a really cool opportunity,” Anderson said. Anderson was inspired to pursue occupational therapy after seeing firsthand the difference an occupational therapist made for her cousin, who has autism. Having grown up in Shellbrook, she says training closer to home makes the opportunity even more meaningful. “It’s only an hour away from home. So being here is huge for me,” she said, noting she plans to stay in Saskatchewan after completing her studies. Regina’s Molly Morris is among the first students training to become a speech-language pathologist in Saskatchewan. Morris says being closer to home has helped ease some of her nerves. “It kind of changed everything for me. I was willing to move of course, because SLP is my passion, but just hearing that it was on home turf, I couldn’t wait,” she said. Each program has 40 students, for a total of 80 seats. Previously, 50 seats were available to Saskatchewan students through interprovincial training agreements. “Not only are we bringing these programs home to our own province, but also a significant increase to the number of opportunities available to Saskatchewan students,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. The province contributed $37 million to establish the two programs, with the goal of strengthening Saskatchewan’s workforce in both professions. “There is demand, clear demand in both of these professions, not only in the health-care sector, but I think the educational sector as well as other opportunities out in the community,” Cockrill said. Sarah Forgie, dean of the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine, says training students in Saskatchewan could encourage more of them to build their careers here. “We know from the research that we do that where you train is often where you stay,” Forgie said. For Anderson, classes begin Monday, with hopes of building a career that allows her to make a difference close to home.
