Manitoba Expands Training for Rural Diagnostic Technologists

Manitoba is set to enhance training opportunities for laboratory and X-ray technologists in response to staffing shortages in rural and northern communities. On October 31, 2023, Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara and Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced that the province will double the number of first-year students supported in the combined laboratory and X-ray technologist (CLXT) program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Starting in January 2026, the program will now accommodate ten students, up from five.

Asagwara emphasized the urgent need for more diagnostic staff in rural areas, stating, “Communities across rural Manitoba have been clear. They need more diagnostic staff to keep care close to home.” The increased training capacity is expected to expedite the entry of new graduates into the workforce, thereby reducing delays in laboratory tests and imaging services.

Furthermore, this initiative allows aspiring technologists to build their careers within their home communities, enhancing local healthcare delivery. The role of CLXTs is pivotal, as they provide essential services such as lab testing, general X-rays, and electrocardiograms in various rural hospitals, directly impacting patient care and diagnosis.

Manitoba has historically relied on out-of-province training programs while preparing to launch its own CLXT initiative. This additional capacity will serve as a temporary solution until Assiniboine College completes necessary upgrades and regulatory preparations for its own program, which aims to enroll twenty students by September 2027.

Renée Cable remarked on the collaborative effort, stating, “This agreement demonstrates the value of strong partnerships. By collaborating with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, we are ensuring that Manitoba students have immediate access to essential training opportunities while we prepare to launch our program in Manitoba.”

The provincial government is investing $178,270 in the expansion of training seats for the 2025–26 academic year. In addition, Shared Health will provide return-of-service agreements to Manitoba applicants, covering tuition and academic costs in exchange for approximately 5,000 hours of work in the province post-graduation. The additional seats will be available for the January 2026 intake, marking a significant step towards strengthening healthcare resources in rural Manitoba.