Manitoba Expands Training for Lab and X-Ray Technologists

The province of Manitoba is set to increase the number of training spots for students pursuing careers as combined laboratory and X-ray technologists. On Tuesday, Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced the addition of five new training seats at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, effective from January 2025. This initiative aims to address the critical staffing shortages in diagnostic services, particularly in rural and northern communities.

The newly created training spots are part of a broader strategy to enhance healthcare services in less populated areas. The cross-trained technologists will provide essential services, including lab testing, general radiography, and electrocardiogram monitoring. The initiative reflects a commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce where it is needed most.

$178,270 will be allocated by the province for the 2025-26 fiscal year to fund these additional training seats. In a bid to incentivize graduates to work in Manitoba, Shared Health will offer return-of-service agreements to students accepted into the program. This agreement will cover tuition and academic expenses in exchange for a commitment of 5,000 hours—approximately three years—of service within the province after graduation.

Addressing Staffing Shortages

The announcement comes at a time when nearly 20 percent of laboratory and X-ray technician positions in Manitoba remain unfilled. Jason Linklater, president of the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals, welcomed the initiative, stating, “This will certainly benefit rural communities that depend on those services to keep rural ERs open.” He emphasized that such initiatives are vital for maintaining healthcare access in underserved regions.

Linklater also highlighted the broader context of staffing challenges, noting that there are approximately 1,000 vacant allied health positions across Manitoba. He urged the government to implement similar programs for other critical areas, such as respiratory therapy and paramedic training, to further bolster the healthcare workforce.

The five additional training seats serve as a temporary measure while Assiniboine College prepares to launch its own program. The college is currently upgrading facilities and acquiring necessary equipment, with the goal of introducing a 20-seat training program by September 2027. Once operational, this program will significantly reduce the province’s reliance on training institutions outside of Manitoba.

Asagwara noted, “By working with advanced education and training, we’re actually doing the work by standing up this training in Manitoba, building our own capacity.” This approach aims to create a sustainable pipeline of healthcare professionals who are equipped to serve the needs of their communities.

The expansion of training opportunities for lab and X-ray technologists marks a significant step towards addressing the healthcare challenges facing rural Manitoba. With the combined efforts of educational institutions and government support, the province is taking proactive steps to ensure that quality healthcare remains accessible to all residents.