The Ministry of Children and Family Development has contracted the UBC College of Health Disciplines to administer funds in support of paediatric northern placements. The professions of occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech language pathology (SLP) are being targeted.

The purpose of this funding is to increase the number of paediatric therapists in the North Region of British Columbia. It is hoped that this initiative will give contracted agencies in the region an opportunity to provide valuable practicum experience with the aim of recruiting these trained professional therapists to fill vacant positions.

As part of the Paediatric Northern Practicum Initiative, the College of Health Disciplines will:

• Identify placement needs and opportunities in the North Region
• Match students to the identified placement needs;
• Provide $250/week to Therapy (OT, PT, SLP) students completing their practicum requirements in the North Region (an additional $250 is available per student for exceptional circumstances)
• Facilitate relocation expenses for graduating OT, PT and SLP students accepting a position in the North Region (not to exceed $4,000.00 per student)

Contractors in the North Region can apply directly to the College of Health Disciplines for relocation support on behalf of graduating students using the attached application form.