Manitoba Expands Training Opportunities for Lab and X-Ray Technologists

The government of Manitoba is responding to a pressing need for healthcare professionals by increasing training opportunities for combined laboratory and X-ray technologists. Starting in January 2025, an additional five training spots will be available at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, aimed at addressing diagnostic staffing shortages in rural and northern communities. This announcement was made by Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara on Tuesday.

These newly created positions will help fill a significant gap in the healthcare system. The combined lab and X-ray technologists play a vital role in rural hospitals, providing essential services such as lab testing, general radiography, and electrocardiograms. The province’s investment of $178,270 for the 2025-26 fiscal year highlights its commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved areas.

Shared Health will implement return-of-service agreements for students accepted into the program. These agreements will cover tuition and academic expenses in exchange for a commitment to complete 5,000 hours—approximately three years—of service in Manitoba after graduation. This approach aims to ensure that the benefits of this investment are felt directly in rural and regional healthcare facilities.

Addressing Staffing Shortages in Healthcare

Currently, nearly 20 percent of lab and X-ray technician positions in Manitoba remain unfilled, according to Jason Linklater, the president of the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals. He expressed support for the initiative, stating, “This will certainly benefit rural communities that depend on those services to keep rural ERs open.” Linklater also noted that there are approximately 1,000 vacant allied health positions in the province, advocating for similar initiatives to be expanded to other critical areas such as respiratory therapy and paramedics.

The ten training spots at Saskatchewan Polytechnic will serve as a temporary solution while Assiniboine College prepares to launch its own program, which will offer an additional 20 seats by September 2027. This upcoming program is expected to reduce Manitoba’s reliance on training programs located outside the province.

Minister Asagwara emphasized the importance of building local capacity, stating, “By working with advanced education and training, we’re actually doing the work by standing up this training in Manitoba.” The expansion of training opportunities reflects a proactive approach to workforce development, ensuring that communities have access to the healthcare services they need.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like this are crucial in addressing staffing challenges and enhancing the delivery of care in Manitoba’s rural areas. The commitment to increasing training spots is a significant step toward ensuring that all residents have access to vital medical services.