Healthcare Connections supports internationally educated healthcare professionals in securing non-licensed employment in the broader healthcare sector. Participants learn a range of sector-specific job seeking strategies, build the skillsets necessary to translate their healthcare experience into non-licensed roles in the broader healthcare sector and are regularly connected with employers interested in hiring internationally educated healthcare professionals.
Healthcare Connections has two streams:
Health Systems: Put your healthcare skills to use in healthcare administration, pharmaceuticals, clinical research and other fields.
Community Health: Help build healthy communities by pursuing employment in community health centres, public health, non-profit health organizations and other employers.
To be eligible for the program, clients must meet certain residency and experience requirements. See the program eligibility tab for full eligibility criteria.
The program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development of Ontario and the Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine.
Program Components
- 6 week online program with on-site event opportunities.
- One-on-one job search support and supportive group learning environments
- In the Health Systems stream, you’ll receive support from highly successful healthcare professionals who transitioned into careers in healthcare administration, pharmaceuticals, and clinical research after immigrating to Canada.
- In the Community Health stream, you’ll take part in rigorous training from Centennial College, the Public Services Health and Safety Association and employers from the community health sector to get you ready to quickly transition into jobs that directly impact the health of individuals and communities.
- Free one-on-one coaching and small group discussions with coaches who have experience in the fields you’re looking to enter
- One-on-one and small group support on your occupational transition
Program Benefits
- Receive regular referrals to job openings and connections to employers
- Invitations to attend recruitment and networking events
- Learn how to adapt your healthcare experience to the demands of the broader healthcare sector in Canada
- Develop effective job search strategies including market research techniques, resume development, interview skills and targeting your job search to companies that require your specific skills and experience
- Connect with mentors in your field through Speed Mentoring and The Mentoring Partnership
- Post-hire support – job retention, business communication/language coaching
- Access to in-demand training used by hospitals through the CITI program
- Profile created in the FAST Program for life sciences and biotech careers information
- Receive trainings on Mental Health Resiliency and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Access to in-demand training used by hospitals through the CITI program
Program Eligibility
- CLB 7+ in English preferred
- Completion of post-secondary education outside of Canada
- Health Systems Stream
- Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee, or Ukrainian Nationals with CUAET visa
- At least 1 year of experience in a licensed healthcare profession outside of Canada
- Community Health Stream
- Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee, Refugee Claimant with a 1-year Canadian work permit, Naturalized Canadian Citizen, or Ukrainian Nationals with CUAET visa
- At least one year of experience working in healthcare outside of Canada
- No relevant Canadian Work Experience
- Must reside in Ontario
Program Dates
- April 29, 2024 to June 7, 2024 – Health Systems
- May 21, 2024 to June 28, 2024 – Community Health
- September 9, 2024 to October 18, 2024 – Health Systems
- October 21 to November 29, 2024 – Community Health
- January 13, 2025 to February 21, 2025 – Health Systems
- February 18, 2025 to March 28, 2025 – Community Health
Program Fees
The program fee for the Community Health stream is $500 + HST. This offsets a small portion of the Centennial College academic component, and participants can apply for reimbursement based on financial need.