New Brunswick Bridging Program for IEMLTs

A C C E S S I B L E , B I L I N G U A L , S U S T A I N A B L E .

Janelle Bourgeois Executive Director, NBSMLT

Outline

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Background Atlantic Connection Partners Funding Partners Program Goal & Objectives Multi Stakeholder Network Launch of Program/Pilot Strengths and Challenges Benefit to MLTs Atlantic Canada Next Steps

New Brunswick Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (NBSMLT) Mission:  The NBSMLT regulates the profession of medical laboratory science through high standards of practice and regulation, supports partnerships, education and recognition while providing excellence in services to members.

Vision:  Through its members, the NBSMLT is recognized as a leader in medical laboratory science and as an equal partner in the provision of medical services.

Background

    2009- NB Multi-stakeholder meeting 2010- FQR Pan Canadian Framework Consultation Financial Support available Project started in 2011 with goal of : Developing a bridging program in the province of New Brunswick for IEMLTs that can then be used as a model program.

Background

 Why would a regulatory body be interested in leading development of a Bridging Program?

  Requirement of multi-stakeholder involvement.

To ensure IEMLTs have equal access to the profession.

  To attract IEMLTs to the Atlantic Provinces (shortage).

To help develop online refresher courses for MLTs in NB.

 To get involved with government and show our leadership.

Atlantic Connection

The Internationally Educated Health Professionals Atlantic Connection    Initiated 2005 in response to the First Ministers Accord Cooperation among the Departments of Health, Health Human Resource divisions of the Atlantic Provinces In partnership with the Atlantic Advisory Committee on Health Human Resources (AACHHR).

The Atlantic Advisory Committee for Health Human Resources    Established in 2002 by deputy ministers of health and education. Comprised of officials from the four Atlantic provinces’ departments of health and education. Goal is to provide policy advice aimed at enhancing regional cooperation on issues relating to health human resources delivery

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Funding Partners

   Health Canada Province of New Brunswick (PETL- PGD) In-kind Support from CCNB

Program Goal & Objectives

Goal: To provide a bridging program in the province of New Brunswick for IEMLTs that can then be used as a model program.

Specific Objectives:

  Establish strong partnerships.

Provide the IEMLTs bridging program in both official languages to address the growing shortage of MLTs.

 Assist IEMLTs to work within their profession and integrate into the Canadian workforce sooner.

 Train a total of 10-15 IEMLTs over the course of the four year project.

Sustainability of the program had to be considered throughout the development of the project.

Multi-Stakeholder Network

Multi-Stakeholder Network (PAC)

PNB PEI Society NS Regulator Settlement Agencies

NBSMLT

NL Regulator Employers CSMLS Educators CCNB NBCC

Multi-Stakeholder Network (extended)

IFTLM AFTLM, LABMED NBSMLT and local stakeholders N.S. IEMLT Wk group Embassy contacts S.K. IEMLT Wk Group

Recognition

The NB Bridging Program for IEMLTs has received an Honourable mention in the category of Engagement from CIC Our initiative was among 8 others to receive this Honourable mention from a total of 63 nominations.

Launch and Pilot of the Program

• • • • • • • Flexible and accessible model Based on CSMLS PLA Students get credit for equivalencies Hybrid model (mostly online course) 90 hour Face to Face training Clinical placement in disciplines with gaps Mentorship Program

onlinecourse.net

coursenligne.net

Course Name

Transfusion Science Histotechnology Clinical Chemistry Microbiology Hematology Medical Terminology Intercultural Relations within the Canadian Health Care System Quality Management Introduction to Canadian Health Care System.

Work Safely Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers Medical Laboratory Techniques (face to face) Practicum in area of non-equivalency

Duration

MLT Specific, 45 hrs MLT Specific, 45 hrs MLT Specific, 45 hrs MLT Specific, 45 hrs MLT Specific, 45 hrs General, 45 hrs General, 45 hrs General, 45 hrs General, 45 hrs General, 15 hrs General, 5 hrs MLT Specific, 90 hrs MLT Specific, varies between 2-4 weeks

Enrollment

   # Students # Potential Students Interest

Strengths and Challenges

Strengths

      Flexible Accessible Clinical placement CCNB Mentorship program Sustainable

Challenges

  Limited clinical placement Cost of development  Complexity of hybrid continuous enrollment  Admission of international students

Benefit to Atlantic Canada

      Attraction of qualified IEMLTs to Atlantic Canada Integration is smoother (soft skill courses, mentorship) Atlantic Provinces are leaders IEHP initiatives Increased visibility for MLTs Online MLT refresher course now available in both languages for Canadian MLTs.

Cultural diversity training in laboratories

But is this Sustainable? Big Question… • Isn’t sustainability of Bridging Programs impossible?

Tips for sustainable Bridging Programs

    Do your research- don’t reinvent the wheel Program must be tied to mission of organization and its partners.

Each part of the program has to be integrated within the organization framework.

 EX: mentorship program – ACR PP volunteer committee Online courses- CCNB Cost effective method for course delivery  EX: Online courses (expensive to develop, but cost less to maintain)

Next Steps

 Expand and build partnerships  Evaluate outcomes and lessons learned  Marketing and Attraction of MLTs  Accreditation of Bridging Program

Thank you for your attention!