Manitoba Expands Training for Rural Diagnostic Technologists

Manitoba is addressing staffing shortages in rural and northern healthcare facilities by enhancing training opportunities for laboratory and X-ray technologists. On October 31, 2023, Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara and Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced that the province will double the number of first-year students supported in the Combined Laboratory and X-ray Technologist (CLXT) program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, starting in January 2026.

The initiative will increase the number of training places from five to ten, reflecting a commitment to meet the urgent need for diagnostic staff in rural Manitoba. Asagwara emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Communities across rural Manitoba have been clear. They need more diagnostic staff to keep care close to home.” This expansion aims to facilitate quicker entry into the workforce for students, thereby reducing delays in laboratory testing and imaging services.

Enhancing Local Healthcare Capacity

The role of CLXTs is crucial, as they provide essential services such as lab testing, general X-rays, and electrocardiograms in many rural hospitals. This program expansion is particularly vital as Manitoba has relied on training programs outside the province while preparing to establish its own CLXT program. The additional training capacity is intended to bridge the gap until Assiniboine College completes the necessary upgrades and regulatory steps to launch its 20-seat program in September 2027.

Minister Cable remarked on the significance of partnerships in this initiative, stating, “This agreement demonstrates the value of strong partnerships. By collaborating with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, we are ensuring that Manitoba students have immediate access to essential training opportunities while we prepare to launch our program in Manitoba.”

Investment in Future Professionals

To support this expanded training, the province will invest $178,270 for the 2025–26 academic year. This financial commitment is aimed at enhancing educational resources and ensuring that more local residents can pursue careers in healthcare within their communities.

Shared Health will also implement return-of-service agreements for Manitoba applicants, which will cover tuition and academic costs in exchange for approximately 5,000 hours of work in the province after graduation. This strategy not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also fosters local talent retention.

As Saskatchewan Polytechnic prepares to open additional seats for the January 2026 intake, this collaborative effort reflects a broader strategy to strengthen healthcare services across rural Manitoba, ensuring that residents have access to timely and effective medical care.