NOSM University and McMaster to strengthen rehabilitation care in the North

A new pathway will support occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech-language pathology students
with placements, housing, and relocation support in Northern Ontario.

McMaster University’s School of Rehabilitation Science and NOSM University are launching a new pathway that will help rehabilitation sciences students from Northern Ontario train closer to home and build careers in the region.

The Northern Practice Pathway builds on a long-standing partnership between the two universities and responds to ongoing shortages in rehabilitation services across Northern Ontario. The pathway will support students in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech-language pathology through clinical placements in the North, housing during placements, and relocation support.

For many learners, clinical placements are where careers are rooted. By making it easier for students from Northern Ontario to complete placements in the North, the pathway is intended to strengthen the connection between education, local practice, and long-term recruitment.

“When learners are supported to train in Northern communities, they gain first-hand experience with the unique strengths, health-care needs, and realities of practising in the region. Those experiences shape the health professionals they become and strengthen the connections that encourage them to build their careers in Northern Ontario,” says Dr. Céline Larivière, Provost and Vice-President, Academic at NOSM University. “This partnership reflects the power of long-term collaboration to improve access to care across Northern Ontario.”

“Northern Ontario has a high rate of job vacancies in rehabilitation sciences,” says Dr. Mike Ravenek, Director, Health Sciences and Program Development at NOSM University. “The Northern Practice Pathway will help NOSM University effectively serve learners and communities as we work to respond to the unique health challenges and evolving needs of the region.”

Support is provided through existing funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health. Students selected for the pathway will complete most of their clinical placements in Northern Ontario. They will also receive support for travel and relocation costs, secured accommodations for the duration of their northern clinical rotations, and dedicated educational opportunities that focus on the understanding of Indigenous and Francophone health and responsive care.

“The Northern Practice Pathway is a practical response to rehabilitation needs across the region,” says Dr. Sarah Wojkowski, Vice-Dean, Health Sciences and Executive Director, School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University. “By using existing provincial support in a focused way, we can reduce some of the barriers students face and help them build the relationships, skills, and confidence to practise in the North after graduation.”

Each year, the pathway will be available to up to six occupational therapy students, six physiotherapy students, and two speech-language pathology students. Prospective students can learn more about the pathway on the McMaster School of Rehabilitation Science website.

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About NOSM University

NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university and one of the greatest education and physician workforce strategy success stories of Northern Ontario. More than just a medical university, it was purpose-built to address the health needs of the region. While advocating for equitable access to care, the university contributes to the economic development of Northern Ontario. NOSM University relies on the commitment and expertise of the people of Northern Ontario to educate health- care professionals to practise in Indigenous, Francophone, rural, remote, and underserved communities. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and advocacy, NOSM University is an award-winning, socially accountable organization renowned for its innovative model of distributed, community-engaged education and research.

For further information, please contact news@nosm.ca.

About McMaster University

McMaster is a research-intensive university ranked among the best in the world with a bold ambition to advance human and societal health and well-being. Among Canada’s top universities for student services, our research excellence is matched by our long history of teaching innovations and commitment to preparing students for an increasingly complex future. Our alumni continue to be among the most employable graduates globally, as they bring the McMaster vision of a brighter world to communities near and far.