The RM of Pipestone is offering training for health care aides this fall season. They are also announcing the introduction of a new service bursary program aimed at supporting graduates of the Comprehensive Health Care Aide (CHCA) course offered in Reston in September 2023.
The program served locally will enable local students to take the course without a long drive or having to move.
“The Comprehensive Health Care Aide program equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a significant impact in the lives of our community members,” said Archie McPherson, Reeve of the RM of Pipestone. “We are excited to introduce this bursary program, which not only shows our commitment to supporting the education of our community members but also addresses the critical need for healthcare professionals.”
This initiative will offer financial assistance to the graduates who secure employment as Health Care Aides in Reston, Elkhorn, Virden, Melita, Hartney, Souris and Redvers, Sask. This bursary aims to encourage and reward individuals who choose to serve in these critical healthcare roles in our communities.
In collaboration with Prairie Mountain Health, the RM of Pipestone has identified over 30 available Health Care Aide positions in the previously mentioned locations. This presents an excellent opportunity for graduates to begin their healthcare careers in this region.
The need for health care aids hits close to home. Reston, for example, has a personal care home as well as a transitional care unit. “Our transitional care unit is currently closed due to lack of nurses and health care aides,” says Parker Janz, Economic Development Officer for the RM of Pipestone. “We are hoping that will change after this course takes place.”
All graduates of the Reston-based CHCA program who secure employment at any of the designated sites will be eligible for the service bursary. The bursary will be disbursed in two installments: $500 upon graduation and signing an employment contract and an additional $500 after six months of service.
The course will be taught within the Reston RES Centre by an instructor hired by Assiniboine Community College. RES stands for Recreation, Education & Socialization so its use as a training centre fits well with the RES Centre’s mandated purpose.
Interested individuals are encouraged to enroll in the CHCA course in Reston, commencing in September 2023. The maximum enrollment for the program is 22 students.
For more information about the Comprehensive Health Care Aide program in Reston, contact EDO Parker Janz at the RM of Pipestone.
