SOUND OFF: Training the next generation of healthcare workers at TRU

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This work has been incredibly important in our fight against COVID-19. And Thompson Rivers University here in Kamloops is a national leader in respiratory therapy education.

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Last month we celebrated Respiratory Therapist Week and announced that we are adding 20 additional fast-track seats in the Respiratory Therapy program at TRU. This will mean more people receiving a high-quality education in Kamloops to prepare for a career in this profession. It also means there will soon be more trained respiratory therapists to provide care to people experiencing lung and breathing issues in B.C.

We are also adding 17 additional seats in TRU’s anesthesia assistant program. Anesthesia assistants provide care to surgical patients during general, regional or conscious sedation anesthesia under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.

Registered Respiratory Therapists or Registered Nurses can take TRU’s post-diploma program to gain the experience, knowledge and crucial skills required to be anesthesia assistants and perform a wide range of technical and clinical duties. Through partnerships with health authorities, students will benefit from TRU’s expertise and excellence while gaining practical experience in settings around the province.

As a government we are committed to training, recruiting and hiring a new generation of healthcare professionals. These two announcements build upon $4.4 million we invested last year for new seats for health-care workers, including respiratory therapists and anesthesia assistants, to help our province respond to local and emerging health care needs, including critical care.

Training new health care workers will transform the health of communities, here in Kamloops and right across B.C. To everyone who is stepping up and starting a career in health care: thank-you. Your work will mean so much to so many people.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.