Saskatchewan Polytechnic is doubling the number of seats in its combined laboratory and radiology technologist (CLXT) program to cope with a scarcity in the province.
The Saskatchewan government has said it is a component of its strategy to hire more technologists in the province and provide rural health services.
“Ensuring that we have the capacity for higher education to meet the desires of the labor market is a priority of our government’s expansion plan,” Higher Education Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor said on a Tuesday.
“Graduates of the combined program of laboratory and radiology technologists are at the top of rural hospitals and fitness centers, where they play an important role in fitness care teams.”
Sask.Polytech President and CEO Larry Rosia said it is one of two centers in Canada that will offer the CLXT grade program.
“We look forward to doubling the number of seats we can offer from January 2021 and meeting this need for physical care,” Rosia said.
The two-year program is presented on the Saskatoon campus and students are trained in medical laboratory, x-ray procedures and electrocardiography.
They also make 3 clinical placements at approved sites throughout the province, rural areas.
“Combined laboratory and radiology technologists provide key medical diagnostics services, adding medical lab and x-ray procedures, and are an integral component of a physical care team,” said Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Rural and Remote Health.
“That is, they are in rural spaces where they can use their full diversity of capabilities to provide X-ray and laboratory services.”
The announcement comes days after Sask PolyTech introduced its new five-year strategic plan, Leading the Rise: Taking Polytechnic Education to New Heights.
“Sask Polytech’s new strategic plan is based on a commitment that our students will get the education and hands-on learning opportunities they want to succeed in their careers, communities and lives,” Rosia said on August 26.
“While we look ahead for the next five years, the education implemented has never contributed more to our collective success, at home and around the world.”
The Saskatchewan Polytechnic has campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, as well as distance opportunities.