REGINA —Occupational therapy and speech-language pathology training programs are coming to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in the fall of 2026.
Each of the new training programs will be a two-year master's program that will accept up to 40 students per year. The programs are targeted to begin in the fall of 2026. Until then, students from Saskatchewan can continue to access reserved seats in occupational therapy and speech language pathology in Alberta through the government's interprovincial agreement programs (IPAs) which were established in 2020.
In 2024-25, the Government of Saskatchewan is allocating approximately $8.1 million to establish the new programs.
Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists provide services to communities throughout the province, including children, seniors and people with disabilities, injuries or illnesses. Under these new programs at USask, students will undertake clinical placements as early as their first year of studies.
"We look forward to continuing to foster connection, and champion the transformative power of communication for the people of Saskatchewan,” Speech-Language & Audiology Canada Provincial Advocacy Manager and Interim Director of Speech-Language Pathology Jennifer Cameron-Turley.
"It is fitting that this announcement is happening shortly after Speech and Hearing Month, as it helps us continue to bring increased awareness to the profound impact of communication and swallowing disorders can have on people's lives.”
"The creation of this occupational therapy program at USask will address the long-standing provincial shortage of OTs and allow for greater access to critical occupational therapy services that serve Saskatchewan's population needs, including primary care access, mental health support and management of chronic conditions," Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists' Saskatchewan Chapter (CAOT-SK) Regional Director Christine Fleming said.
