UBC Expands Two Health Profession Programs to Vancouver Island
- Students can now study physical therapy and speech-language pathology in Victoria
People on Vancouver Island can now train closer to home for careers in physical therapy and speech-language pathology with the expansion of UBC’s programs to Vancouver Island.
With support from the Government of B.C., and in partnership with the University of Victoria (UVic), UBC expanded its Master of Physical Therapy and Master of Speech-Language Pathology programs in a newly renovated space at the Vancouver Island Technology Park (VITP) in Victoria.
“This is an important step forward in UBC’s efforts to expand health professions training across the province, made possible thanks to our partners and a dedicated community of clinical faculty,” said Dr. Mieke Koehoorn, Dean pro tem, Faculty of Medicine, and interim Vice-President, Health, UBC. “By creating more opportunities for students to train closer to home in this state-of-the-art facility and through local clinical placements, we’re strengthening the network of health professionals on the Island to better serve families and communities.”
The two UBC programs launched in September 2024 and will welcome 20 new physical therapy students and 8 new SLP students each year – for a total of 56 students training this fall.
“Well-trained allied health professionals are essential to our health-care system and supporting B.C.’s health workforce is one of government’s highest priorities,” said the Honourable Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “By offering this hands-on training on Vancouver Island, these future allied health professionals are more likely to secure jobs in their home communities and build networks of care from Victoria to Port Hardy.”
A world-class learning facility
The newly renovated facility at VITP provides a world-class learning experience with innovative simulation labs, collaboration spaces and state-of-the-art technology.
“By creating more opportunities for students to train closer to home in this state-of-the-art facility and through local clinical placements, we’re strengthening the network of health professionals on the Island to better serve families and communities.”
Dr. Mieke Koehoorn, Dean pro tem, Faculty of Medicine, and interim Vice-President, Health, UBC
The provincial government provided $15 million to lease, renovate and equip space at VITP and $9.1 million for start-up and operating costs.
“We’re providing more students with the training they need to succeed in in-demand jobs in allied health care. This means more professionals will soon graduate with the skills to provide top-notch care to British Columbians,” said the Honourable Diana Gibson, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head and Minister of Citizens’ Services.
Allied health professionals, like speech-language pathologists and physiotherapists, provide critical health services by supporting people to develop independence, communicate more effectively, prevent new or further injury and ultimately navigate through different environments with freedom. Both professions also work extensively within the K-12 school system, helping children and youth to navigate or overcome challenges at a young age.
“Highly trained allied health professionals contribute greatly to our team-based health-care system, and these new programs will ensure we have more of them right here on Vancouver Island,” said the Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Investing in the next generation of physiotherapists and speech-language pathologists means better support for families, ensuring that people of all ages can live healthier, more independent lives.”
Building community connections
In addition to their academic studies, students in both programs learn and apply their skills through clinical placements alongside local practitioners. These placements take place in a variety of clinical settings, including urban, rural and remote communities across the island. Students also receive training in Indigenous wellness and providing culturally-safe care.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to study physical therapy in Victoria, where it truly feels like everyone, from faculty to local clinicians, is invested in helping us succeed as future healthcare professionals,” said Abby Goldschmid, a second-year physical therapy student in Victoria. “Being part of such a supportive and passionate physical therapy community has been inspiring, and I’m excited to grow within this profession and give back to the community that has helped shape me.”
That’s a sentiment echoed by Maddie Naswell, a second-year UBC SLP student in Victoria.
“With the support of our instructors, clinical educators and peers, we are building the skills and confidence to meet the needs of our communities and shape the future of speech and language services on the Island,” she said. “I am honored to learn and grow in a place I have always called home.”
Overall, 96 per cent of UBC physical therapy graduates are now practicing across B.C., and 90 per cent of speech-language pathology graduates are practicing in regions across the province.
The collaborative work between UBC, government and UVic to offer this programming on Vancouver Island promises to increase the number of health professionals graduating in the region, which will strengthen the local network of health care providers and improve access to care closer to where people need it.
“UVic is proud to partner with UBC, Island Health and the Province of British Columbia to expand training opportunities in high-demand health-care professions here in Victoria,” said Dr. Elizabeth Croft, Vice-President, Academic and Provost at UVic. “For more than 20 years, UVic has partnered to deliver UBC’s Island Medical Program, and we are thrilled to partner on speech-language pathology and physical therapy as well. Through collaboration and programming, UVic is contributing to the future of health education and innovation on Vancouver Island, while ensuring communities across B.C. have access to the care they need.”
Original source here.