New Brunswick Bridging
Program for IEMLTs
ACCESSIBLE, BILINGUAL,
SUSTAINABLE.
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?
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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
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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
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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)
PEI
Society
NS
Regulator
PNB
Settlement
Agencies
NBSMLT
NL
Regulator
Educators
CCNB
NBCC
Employers
CSMLS
Multi-Stakeholder Network (extended)
IFTLM
AFTLM,
LABMED
NBSMLT
and local
stakeholders
Embassy
contacts
N.S.
IEMLT
Wk
group
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
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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
Duration
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
Quality Management
General, 45 hrs
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 and Challenges
Strengths
Challenges
 Flexible
 Limited clinical
 Accessible
placement
 Cost of development
 Complexity of hybrid
continuous enrollment
 Admission of
international students
 Clinical placement
 CCNB
 Mentorship program
 Sustainable
Benefit to Atlantic Canada
 Attraction of qualified IEMLTs to Atlantic Canada
 Integration is smoother (soft skill courses,
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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.
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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!