Saskatchewan welcomes first students to new occupational therapy and speech language pathology programs
The Government of Saskatchewan is recognizing a milestone in the expansion of health professional training in the province. Students will begin studies in the first-ever Master of Occupational Therapy and Master of Speech-Language Pathology programs at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
"Until now, students had to leave the province to receive this training," Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "We are proud to bring these programs home, allowing students to train in Saskatchewan and help build the skilled workforce our communities need now and into the future."
The province has invested $37 million to help establish the occupational therapy and speech-language pathology programs. This fall, 80 students (40 in each program) will form the first cohorts to begin their studies in Saskatchewan, significantly expanding training capacity beyond the 50 total seats previously available through interprovincial training agreements.
"Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists play a critical role in providing high-quality care across our health system and in communities throughout Saskatchewan," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "Increasing the number of professionals trained in Saskatchewan puts patients first by ensuring the right care is available in the right place and at the right time for years to come."
Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists provide vital services to children, seniors and individuals living with disabilities, injuries or illnesses. Their work supports communication, participation, independence and overall quality of life for people in a variety of settings.
Both programs are housed within USask's School of Rehabilitation Science in the College of Medicine, alongside the Master of Physical Therapy program, creating opportunities for interprofessional learning and collaboration.
"We are grateful for the government's continued commitment to USask as we expand our programming and training to meet the health-care needs of the people of Saskatchewan," University of Saskatchewan president and vice-chancellor Vince Bruni-Bossio said. "The professionals we train in occupational therapy and speech-language pathology will strengthen access to critical services for people in communities throughout the province."
Increasing the number of occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists trained in Saskatchewan is expected to improve the retention of graduates in the province and help meet growing demand for services.
"I am excited for the opportunity to follow my dream of becoming a speech-language pathologist while continuing my education in my home province," incoming student Molly Morris said. "Communication is more than just speaking, and I hope to centre my work around this principle by creating comfortable and safe environments for patients and their support systems. I am particularly passionate about supporting individuals with multilingual backgrounds, neurodivergent individuals, and those with alternative communication needs. It is also exciting to join a program from the very beginning and contribute ideas, provide feedback, and help shape a positive culture for future students."
"Being part of the very first cohort is an exciting opportunity to lead the way and help shape the future of occupational therapy in Saskatchewan," incoming student Brooklyn Anderson said. "Having this program at USask gives us the opportunity to learn from the rural, urban, and Indigenous communities that shape our province and will help prepare us to become occupational therapists who can make a meaningful impact close to home."
The programs support Saskatchewan's ongoing efforts to educate, recruit and retain skilled health professionals while strengthening allied health services as part of the Health Human Resource Action Plan and Patients First Health Care Plan.
