Many of the health professionals who arrive in Saskatchewan each year are recruited to positions within the health care system.  Others begin the process of language training, obtaining a license and finding work after they arrive. 

You can start your job search before you come to Canada.  If you already qualify for a license, or if you want to work in an unregulated position, you may be eligible for a temporary work permit. 

Are there job opportunities for me in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan has opportunities for health care workers in certain occupations.  Physicians, nurses, medical techologists and technicians in particular, are in high demand.  Check the job sites listed below to see what positions are available in your occupation:

• Health Careers in Saskatchewan: a no-fee health care, internet-based recruitment service that can help you find employment with the Saskatchewan Regional Health Authorities and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.
• Health Regions: Saskatchewan is divided into 13 regions.  Each has a regional health authority that organizes and delivers health services.  Click here for a list of health regions, contact information and job listings.

Click here for more links to assist you in your job search.

Can I work without a license?

No, you cannot work in a regulated health care profession without a license.  Some health care occupations are not regulated.  Use the Working in Canada Tool to learn if your occupation is regulated or not.  If your occupation is regulated, contact your profession's regulatory body.

What do I need to know about working in Saskatchewan?

The Canadian health care system and approach to caring for patients may be quite different from your experience in your country of origin.  For example, in Saskatchewan, patient-centred care and collaboration with other professionals, patients and caregivers are key to how we provide health care services. Your regulatory body can provide valuable information on what you need to know about practicing your profession in Saskatchewan.

Several programs are offered for internationallly educated health professionals.  These programs provide a deeper understanding of how the Canadian Health Care System is organized, what Canadian patients expect from their health providers and how to communicate with patients and caregivers:

• Communication and Cultural Competence Program is a web-based course designed for internationally educated physicians.
• Orientation to Canadian Health Care Systems, Culture and Context is a pilot program offered for health professionals at any stage of licensure.  Courses will be available both in-person and on-line beginning in October 2008. 

What are my other options for working in health care?

It can take a number of years to get a license to practice in your health care profession. Some internationally educated professionals are never able to get a license.  Your English language skills, where you obtained your training, the number of years since you have worked in your occupation and your Canadian work experience may all impact whether you obtain a license.

It is important to have all the information you need to make good decisions.  After you consider your personal circumstances (time out of practice, financial situation, etc.) and the requirements for licensure, you may decide that pursuing licensure in your profession is not practical at this time. There are many other options available in health care:

• Retrain for a career in a related health care occupation while you prepare for licensure. 
• Redo your health care professional training.
• Find work in other non-regulated health care occupations, in medical research or administration.
• Undertake post-graduate studies.
• Find work in a profession where your transferrable skills are valued (i.e. industrial lab).

Some training programs are offered in Saskatchewan.  Others are not.  If you decide to retrain in your profession or a related health profession, there may be a waiting list for acceptance or competition for limited spaces.

Your answers to the following seven questions will help us continue to improve this website.

Return to the Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHP) homepage.