SASKATOON, Sask. — 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) this fall.
Until now, students had to leave the province to receive training.
The province has allocated $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, expanding training capacity beyond the 50 total seats previously available through interprovincial training agreements.
Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists provide 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.
"The professionals we train in occupational therapy and speech-language pathology will strengthen access to critical services for people in communities throughout the province,” University of Saskatchewan president and vice-chancellor Vince Bruni-Bossio said.
"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."
