As an extra incentive to students to enter the health care field, Sun Country Regional Health Authority (SCRHA) has approved a significant increase in the educational bursaries it offers to students.

Qualified students can apply for as much as $20,000 in educational bursaries from SCRHA over the next four years to study as registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, laboratory technologists, diagnostic imaging personnel and physicians.

"We're finding that the number of new employees, especially nurses, that we might need over the next few years is higher than predicted due to the low supply of and high demand for nurses throughout Canada and the U.S."

Cal Tant, president and Chief Executive Officer of SCRHA said, "To encourage more students to become health care professionals and to come to work for us, we will help pay for their education."

Students who qualify for the bursary of $5,000 per year of education will be required to sign a contract with SCRHA for up to years return of service. "We're hoping that when these new graduates move here and see what a great place it is to live and work, they'll stay," said Tant.

The new SCHRA bursaries can be combined with Saskatchewan Health's grant programs for health care employees and physicians. SaskHealth offers up to $20,000 in different grants in exchange for a four-year service commitment.

The bursary applications are available immediately from Christine Schenk, SCHRA Human Resources, Box 2003, Weyburn, S4H 2Z9. Or e-mail Schenk at schenk@SCHR.sk.ca for an application.

"We're hoping the combined grants of as much as $40,000 will gain the attention of students and draw them into the health care field and keep them here," said Tant.