More opportunities exist in health studies for francophones at Laurentian University following the recent negotiation of articulation agreements with French-language community colleges.
Students who have a diploma in sports and recreation management, dental hygiene, massage therapy, paramedics or practical nursing from Collège Boréal can enrol beginning this fall in the French–language Bachelor of Arts in Health Studies program at Laurentian University. Students will receive advanced standing according to their grade point average.
“These new articulation agreements presage other collaborations between our institutions and new future perspectives for our regions’ francophone students,” said college president Denis Hubert.
To date, 12 articulation agreements exist between the two institutions. The French-language Études de la santé program is sponsored by the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) to create a solution for accessible francophone health services in Northern Ontario. It is also the first French-language, university-level program in Ontario, according to Sika Eliev, assistant professor and program co-ordinator.
“This program was set up to respond to the French minority in the North and throughout the provinces who have a difficult time going to the doctor and not being able to communicate in their own language,” she said. “So, I’m making sure we have representation across the board for students to be able to respond to the needs of the population that want services in French. That is a relevant issue in health.”
Another recent partnership between La Cité collégiale in Ottawa and Laurentian University will allow students who complete their diploma in respiratory therapy to enrol in the Health Studies program at Laurentian. Advanced standing for credits will be given depending on the student’s grade point average.
“This partnership, which facilitates transition from college to university, is excellent news for our students who wish to pursue their studies,” said La Cité collégiale’s president Andrée Lortie. “This collaboration will meet the workplace’s needs, always in search of qualified bilingual professionals with leading-edge knowledge and expertise.”
The Health Studies program is offered as a three- or four-year degree with a strong focus on social sciences.
Eliev described it as a stepping stone that prepares students for a myriad of skills such as organizing, executing, managing and evaluating programs, understanding social problems linked to health, developing health policy, and applying linguistic and cultural skills.
The CNFS offers bursaries to students enrolled in certain French-language health programs in their first year.
Eliev said she is also recruiting people who are working and want to enhance their credentials. Efforts will be made to offer some courses through continuing education and by satellite in order to accommodate learners across northeastern Ontario.
Graduates of the program could qualify for a number of employment opportunities within the health-care sector.
Eliev is excited about the program and welcomes the collaboration between the college and university.
“I think it will enhance the importance of reflecting the needs of the community where minorities in French are living.”
Admissions to French-language programs at Laurentian University are up by 18 per cent this year.
