Multiple Case Study Evaluation of Postsecondary Bridging Programs for Internationally Educated Health Professionals
Project Description:
The objective of this research is to analyse pathways for internationally educated health professionals who have been formally educated in their chosen profession but do not have the required educational, professional, or language requirements to enter their professions in Canada. To help bridge gaps identified through professional assessment processes and transition internationally educated health professionals into professional practice, several Canadian colleges and universities have developed postsecondary programs to meet the specific educational needs of professionals educated in other countries.
This research project will analyse the experiences of internationally educated health professionals who are seeking entry into three allied health professions facing current and projected workforce shortages: Medical Radiation Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Physiotherapy. Our strategy is to examine programs in Ontario as well as in other provinces that may provide lessons on promising practices that could be adopted in Ontario.
The successful integration of internationally educated health professionals into the Canadian health care workforce has been recognized as a priority to meet current human resource challenges within the allied health sector. In addition, as Canadian society becomes increasingly diverse, there is an urgent need to ensure that internationally educated health professionals are available to address the healthcare needs of diverse populations. In light of these imperatives, the overall goal of the research is to identify the characteristics and practices of effective, internationally-educated, health professional bridging programs. The research will determine the extent to which these characteristics and practices can be transferred to other programs, and related professions.
Leads (Names and Cities of researchers):
- Ivy Lynn Bourgeault, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
- Elaine Dever, Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, Ottawa, ON
- Victoria M. Esses, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON
- Rae Gropper, Health Education Consultant, Toronto, ON
- Elena Neiterman, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
- Christine Nielsen, Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science, Hamilton, ON
- Julie Peters, Academica Research Group, London, ON
- Peggy Sattler, Academica Research Group, London, ON
- Sharon Switzer-McIntyre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Start Date: January 2012
Deliverables:
- Report identifying the characteristics and practices of effective, internationally-educated, health professional bridging programs
- Presentations to relevant stakeholders
Funder: Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario
Pilot cities/sites (if relevant): N/A