Over 80 high school students from across the Horizon School Division gathered at St. Peter’s College in Muenster on Wednesday for HealthLink, an initiative designed to connect rural youth with career opportunities in Saskatchewan’s health care sector.
The event, a collaboration between the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), Horizon School Division, and St. Peter’s College, with participation from Carlton Trail College, featured presentations from practicing health care professionals across a range of disciplines. Students heard firsthand about the rewards and challenges of working in health care, particularly in rural Saskatchewan communities.
According to Emily Cribbs, workforce planning and employment strategies specialist with the SHA, the event plays a vital role in long-term recruitment efforts.
“This is one of our most important events directed at high school students,” Cribbs said. “It’s an opportunity for them to learn about the classes they need, the colleges they can attend, and how to apply for health-related programs. It also shows them that health care isn’t just about doctors and nurses — there are so many different professions, from therapy and lab work to imaging and mental health services.”
Cribbs added that rural engagement is especially critical at a time when smaller communities across the province face increasing staffing challenges.
“It opens students’ eyes to the opportunities that exist close to home,” she said. “They learn about incentives for rural practice and hear directly from local practitioners about what it’s like to work in these settings.”
Jordan Keller, student services officer at St. Peter’s College, said hosting HealthLink on campus gives students a meaningful look at post-secondary life while emphasizing the availability of health care training in rural environments.
“We love having students from across the region come out and explore the campus,” Keller said. “It’s a great chance to showcase what we offer here, including the four-year nursing program, and for students to see that they don’t have to leave rural Saskatchewan to get an excellent education.”
Carlton Trail College has also been a longstanding participant in the initiative. Yasir Soomro, post-secondary programs manager, noted that many students are unaware of the wide range of health-related careers available beyond nursing and medicine.
“Events like HealthLink help students discover other essential roles such as continuing care aides, primary care paramedics, and medical office professionals,” Soomro said. “And they learn that they can pursue these programs close to home, at a lower cost, without sacrificing quality. We offer practical nursing and continuing care aide programs right in rural communities like Watrous and Wynyard.”
Carlton Trail also connects with many First Nations communities and students at its various campuses.
For Brent Loehr, graduation and career coach with the Horizon School Division, the event highlights the power of collaboration in creating pathways for rural students.
“It’s really awesome for our students to have this opportunity right where they learn,” Loehr said. “There are only two HealthLink events in the province — one urban, in Saskatoon, and this one here in Muenster. Having a rural-focused HealthLink is incredibly valuable for our division.”
As Saskatchewan continues to address health care staffing needs, particularly in smaller communities, organizers say initiatives like HealthLink help build awareness and interest among the next generation. By bringing together educators, practitioners, and students in a shared space, the event underscores a message echoed throughout the day: that the future of rural health care begins with local talent.
link