SASKATOON — Two new programs have been launched in the School of Rehabilitation Science in the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine. Learners can now apply to be part of the province’s first occupational therapy and speech-language pathology
“Our school will be the first in Canada to have occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and physical therapy programs housed together with harmonized programs,” said Dr. Brenna Bath (PhD), director of the school. “This will provide a unique training opportunity for our students to train together and better prepare them for working in interdisciplinary teams.”
Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists are health-care professionals who promote and support overall health and well-being. Occupational therapists work with and support people of all ages and abilities to participate in meaningful everyday activities. Speech-language pathologists identify, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders among individuals across the lifespan.
The master’s-level programs will begin in the fall of 2026, each with a cohort of 40 learners. Learners in these in-person, full-time 27-month programs will undertake more than 1,000 clinical hours with placements starting in the first year of studies. Curriculum will focus on preparing learners to meet the needs of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous, remote, rural and urban communities.
“USask plays a vital role in educating the health-care professionals needed by the people of Saskatchewan. This new programming reflects our commitment to advancing health education in order to address the evolving challenges faced by communities throughout the province,” said USask President and Vice-Chancellor Peter Stoicheff. “We’re proud to offer new pathways for students so they can help achieve our shared vision for a healthier future.”
The Government of Saskatchewan committed approximately $17.8 million to develop the Master of Occupational Therapy and the Master of Speech-Language Pathology programs. These programs are part of the province’s Health Human Resource (HHR) Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize, and retain more health-care professionals.
“We know that giving students the opportunity to study closer to home increases the likelihood that graduates will stay and build their careers here—strengthening Saskatchewan’s health care system and communities,” Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “We are proud that students who previously had to leave the province to become occupational therapists or speech-language pathologists will soon be able to train right here in Saskatchewan.”
To support the growth, additional teaching faculty and staff are joining the school. So far 12 faculty members, including inaugural program chairs, have been recruited to lead curriculum development and will initiate research programs this fall.
“This is an exciting time for our college,” said Dr. Sarah Forgie (MD), dean of the College of Medicine. “These programs and their future learners, alumni, and faculty will provide greater access to important health-care services and will have a lasting impact for the people of Saskatchewan.”
For further information about the program and admissions, visit the School of Rehabilitation Science page. Applications for the first student cohorts will be accepted until mid-December of this year.
— Submitted by USask Media Relations
