New health careers course opens pathway for Sun West students

By Ian MacKay

Sun West high school students and others across Saskatchewan will soon have a new opportunity to explore careers in medicine.

Beginning this fall, students in Grades 10 to 12 can enrol in Health Careers 20L through the province’s distance learning centre. School divisions also have the option to offer the course locally, according to a statement from the Ministry of Education.

The course is designed to introduce students to a wide range of health professions and help them make informed decisions about post-secondary education and career paths.

Students will study areas such as nursing and patient care, medical diagnostics and technologies, pharmacy, dentistry, mental wellness and addictions, and emergency care. The curriculum will also highlight emerging roles, including physician assistants and virtual health-care assistants.

In addition to career exploration, students will gain a foundational understanding of health-care systems, professional roles, ethics, safety and communication.

The course was developed by staff with the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Virtual Health Hub and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Education Minister Everett Hindley said the program aims to give students a strong start as they consider future training and careers while also building awareness of workforce opportunities within Saskatchewan’s health sector.

More information and registration details are available at saskDLC.ca.