Internationally Educated HealthProfessionals

Why Choose Saskatchewan?Learn about Saskatchewan's health care system and find out why health professionals from around theworld come to Saskatchewan each year.

English is ImportantFind information on English language requirements for health care professionals, how to have yourEnglish tested, and options to improve your English.

Getting LicensedLearn about the registration and licensing process for health care professionals. This section alsocontains a list of regulatory bodies that grant licenses to practice, information on the process to getlicensed for most health care occupations, and a guide to help you research the licensing process foryour profession.

Working in Health CareSaskatchewan offers many job opportunities in health care. Learn what health care professionalsshould know about working in Saskatchewan and find links to websites that list available health carejobs.

Options for ImmigratingLearn about the options for immigrating to Saskatchewan as a health care professional.

Assess Your SituationThis section contains a list of five factors that other immigrants have found helped them succeed inSaskatchewan: English Language proficiency; eligibility for a licence; employment; adaptability; and

the Saskatchewan "fit".

Common QuestionsThis section lists common questions about getting a licence in a regulated health profession, such as:Do I need a licence to work in my profession in Saskatchewan? How do I obtain a licence? How longwill it take and how much will it cost? What can I do before I arrive?

Experiences Working inSaskatchewan's Health CareSystemHealth professionals from around the world have settled in Saskatchewan and are making a significantcontribution.

Senthil

For some, choosing a Saskatchewan

community means they can focus on their specialty. Senthil is a psychiatrist with Child and Youth Servicesat the Regina General Hospital.

"Although I had several offers across Canada, I decided to come to Regina because the job was in my area

of specialty. Also, there was a community of Indian doctors here and it was a larger center for my family."

Senthil found his present position through an internet search. Within six months from when he applied, hewas offered the position.

"The health region sponsored me for a site visit and helped me obtain a working visa. I recommend others

take advantage of the site visits. It helped me make my decision."

Senthil eased his transition by contacting his co­workers before he arrived.

"Prior to coming, I was able to talk via email and phone with the other psychiatrists on staff. This made a

big difference. I felt we had established a rapport and I had a better understanding of the job.

The General Hospital is a wonderful place to work. In addition to my practice, I mentor psychiatry students

as a Clinical Assistant Professor with the University of Saskatchewan. I enjoy working with the students."

(Read more about Senthil's experience).

Patricia

Family plays a big part for some in the

decision to come to Saskatchewan. Patricia's sister­in­law Charity encouraged her to come and helped herfind work at a long­term care facility.

"My first job was as a nurses' aide at the health care facility where my sister­in­law works. Because I was

trained as a Registered Nurse and had landed immigrant status, I was able to work in health care

immediately. After I qualified for my graduate nurse licence, I moved into a nursing position in the same

facility."

Nursing in Canada is different from Ghana.

"Medicine is medicine wherever you are in the world. However, I found the approach different in Canada.

Nurses, for example, have a lot more responsibilities in Ghana. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to attend

a program that helps internationally trained health professionals understand the differences and adjust to the

Canadian health care system. It was very helpful and I would recommend it to others."

Co­workers have helped Patricia adjust to her new environment.

"I have found people very willing to help if they know you need help. I am not shy. If I have difficulty in a

particular area, I ask for help."

In the future, Patricia hopes to draw on her past research experience to contribute to AIDS research.

"Back home in Ghana, I held a variety of positions including AIDS research. I hope in the future to become

involved with a local group that is looking at HIV/AIDS programming."

(Read more about Patricia's experience).

Mawien

For some health professionals, moving out of the major

cities can mean more opportunities to develop within their profession. Mawien chose to practice in a ruralhospital.

"I am a Family Physician at the Wynyard Hospital and Community Health center. Practicing in a rural

community allows me to use my skills more fully than I would be able to in a larger center. We see quite a

variety of cases and have to quickly assess who to treat and who to transfer to the city hospitals."

Saskatchewan offers additional support for physicians moving to rural areas.

"A special program provides some funding for physicians who come to rural areas. It is good to know about

these things and to apply."

For Mawien, working in a hospital as a nuclear medicine technologist for four years eased the transition topractising medicine in Canada.

"I had a good understanding of the Canadian health care system and experience interacting with the patients

as a technologist ­ now I do it as a physician."

Mawien was recently recognized with a national award for research.

"A colleague and I received the 2008 national Family Medicine Resident Scholarship award for our research

on Vitamin D levels. I like research. Several other doctors and I are now looking at possible research

topics related to rural medicine."

(Read more about Mawien's experience).

Anne

Those who have settled in Saskatchewan,

know the importance of support and a "home away from home" when they first arrive.

Anne, a registered nurse originally from the Philippines, is helping to create an association to support newFilipino nurses.

"I have worked as an operating room nurse at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina since 2004. When I first

arrived, I was shocked to realize that I had to start over from scratch. I had to establish myself as

someone who could do her job.

I had to build trust and a rapport with my co­workers. I know what the adjustment is like, so I am

passionate about helping to create an association for Filipino nurses. It will support new nurses as they

arrive, begin work and prepare for their exams."

Anne feels she has received good support from her work unit.

"The unit where I work in the hospital is wonderful. When I first arrived, I had the skills but I found the

environment was very different. The Canadian health care system, unlike the Philippines, uses a

community­based approach and is patient driven. The senior nurses were always there to help me."

The learning goes both ways.

"We have a number of Canadian and internationally trained nurses working together. There are cultural

differences. For example, eye contact in Canada is a sign of respect; in the Philippines, it is a sign of

disrespect. The hospital provides training to help nurses learn from each other. It is making a difference."

(Read more about Anne's experience).

Get More Information

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan

Physicians - Applying to Saskatchewan for Assessment of Credentials

National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities

Registered Psychiatric Nurses' Association of Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses

Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists

Saskatchewan Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

Saskatchewan College of Midwives

Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists

Saskatchewan College of Podiatrists

Saskatchewan College of Psychologists

Saskatchewan Dental Assistants' Association

Saskatchewan Dental Therapists Association

Saskatchewan Dietitians Association

Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association

Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists

Saskatchewan Society of Occupational Therapists

Bursaries

Saskatchewan Health Bursary Program

Retention Program

Provincial Nursing Mentorship Initiative

Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program

Are there job opportunities for me inSaskatchewan?Saskatchewan has opportunities for health care workers in certain professions. While job openings areavailable in any health occupation, physicians, nurses, medical techologists and technicians and a numberof the therapy occupations are in high demand. Check the job sites listed below to see what positions areavailable in your occupation:

Health Careers in Saskatchewan is the provincial recruitment agency that helps job seekers find

employment with the Saskatchewan regional health authorities and the Saskatchewan Cancer

Agency.

Health Regions: Saskatchewan is divided into 13 regions. Each has a regional health authority

that organizes and delivers health services.

Saskjobs.ca is the largest job­posting site in Saskatchewan. It has job postings in entry­level,

trade, professional and management positions.

Here you can find more information to assist you in your job search.

Not all health professionals are hired in the public healthcare system. Many regulated health professionals,such as chiropractors, dental assistants,dental hygienists, optometrists, pharmacists and podiatristswork in private businesses. For example, dentists set up their own businesses and often hire dentaltherapists and dental assistants. Many private clinics offer physiotherapy services, and private diagnosticlabs also employ health care workers.

You can start your job search before you come to Canada. If you already qualify for a license, or if you wantto work in an unregulated position, you may be eligible for a temporary work permit

Contact me

Amarjot Singh

Licensed Immigration Consultant R508214

Web > immigrationteacher.org

Tel 780-707-4831

Linkedin