Expanding Healthcare Education in Ontario: A Promising Path towards Meeting Growing Demand

Ontario is taking steps to educate and train more healthcare workers, but it is a gradual process. In March 2023, the province announced plans to open a new medical school on the Scarborough campus of the University of Toronto in partnership with the university’s faculties of medicine and nursing. This medical school will graduate up to 30 physicians, 30 physician assistants, 30 nurse practitioners, 40 physical therapists, and 300 life sciences undergraduates each year.

The Council of Ontario Universities released a report earlier this year indicating that universities are ready to expand by at least 880 nursing spaces in 2022, with the potential for further increases in the future. As of March 2020, there was a 35% increase in applications, suggesting that there are plenty of qualified and interested applicants to fill these new spaces.

Ontario offers a range of excellent healthcare programs for students looking to pursue careers in the field. The programs include certificates, diplomas, and degrees in various areas of healthcare, such as nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

For instance, the University of Toronto offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Doctor of Pharmacy, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery. Another popular institution, the Michener Institute of Education at UHN, provides a range of healthcare programs, such as Medical Laboratory Science, Radiological Technology, and Respiratory Therapy.

The University of Toronto Scarborough is launching a new medical academy, the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH), in partnership with the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, along with local hospitals and health networks. SAMIH will provide medical and healthcare training to up to 30 physicians, 30 physician assistants, 30 nurse practitioners, 40 physical therapists, and 300 life sciences undergraduates annually. Additionally, the academy will include an expanded life sciences program at U of T Scarborough.

Plans include building a new central hub for the academy at the intersection of Morningside Avenue and Military Trail, across from the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. The new building is scheduled to open in September 2025 and will accommodate students in various disciplines. Local partner hospitals and health networks will include the Scarborough Health Network, Lakeridge Health, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Michael Garron Hospital.

There are also Ontario colleges, such as Centennial College, that offer healthcare programs, including Practical Nursing, Dental Assisting, and Massage Therapy. Moreover, institutions like McMaster University offer programs that focus on interdisciplinary healthcare, such as the Master of Science in Global Health program.

Overall, there are numerous healthcare programs available in Ontario, which are designed to prepare students for successful careers in the healthcare sector. The programs offer students a comprehensive education and the practical skills necessary to succeed in this important and rewarding field.

Full list of Ontario postsecondary please click here http://studentperspective.ca/directory/