ACCESSIBLE, BILINGUAL, SUSTAINABLE. New Brunswick Bridging Program for IEMLTs Janelle Bourgeois Executive Director, NBSMLT

Outline 1. Background 2. Atlantic Connection Partners 3. Funding Partners 4. Program Goal & Objectives 5. Multi Stakeholder Network 6. Launch of Program/Pilot 7. Strengths and Challenges 8. Benefit to MLTs Atlantic Canada 9. 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 NB Multi-stakeholder meeting 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 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) NBSMLT PEI Society NS Regulator NL Regulator Educators CCNB NBCC CSMLSEmployers Settlement Agencies PNB

Multi-Stakeholder Network (extended) NBSMLT and local stakeholders IFTLM N.S. IEMLT Wk group S.K. IEMLT Wk Group Embassy contacts AFTLM, LABMED

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

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Course NameDuration Transfusion Science MLT Specific, 45 hrs Histotechnology MLT Specific, 45 hrs Clinical Chemistry MLT Specific, 45 hrs Microbiology MLT Specific, 45 hrs Hematology MLT Specific, 45 hrs Medical Terminology General, 45 hrs Intercultural Relations within the Canadian Health Care System General, 45 hrs Quality Management General, 45 hrs Introduction to Canadian Health Care System. General, 45 hrs Work Safely General, 15 hrs Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers General, 5 hrs Medical Laboratory Techniques (face to face) MLT Specific, 90 hrs Practicum in area of non-equivalency MLT Specific, varies between 2-4 weeks

Enrollment # Students # Potential Students Interest

Strengths Challenges Flexible Accessible Clinical placement CCNB Mentorship program Sustainable Limited clinical placement Cost of development Complexity of hybrid continuous enrollment Admission of international students Strengths and Challenges

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!