Canada’s healthcare system is under duress. Wait times for surgical and other therapeutic treatments were 198 per cent longer in 2023 than in 1993. More than one in five Canadians don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner and 60 per cent of those who do can’t get a same-day or next-day appointment. 

While government investments in healthcare are critical, one of the biggest challenges that Canada’s healthcare system faces is timely and affordable access. This is where polytechnic institutions make important contributions, readying the future workforce, supporting sector innovation and by working directly within their communities to deliver healthcare training and services. 

Developing workforce skills

In a sector that relies on the adaptability of its healthcare workers, industry-responsive education is paramount.  Polytechnics prioritize agile and timely training, responding to needs in the field as they emerge. 

For example, in response to a shortage of nurses, Saskatchewan Polytechnic condensed a nine-month Transition to Registered Nursing in Canada bridging program to just 14 weeks, readying internationally-educated nurses to work in the province nearly six months sooner. 

Easing labour market pressures equally relies on work-ready graduates equipped with the necessary skills on day one. By developing and refining curricula alongside sector partners, training programs for both full-time students and those at mid-career reflect current needs. 

At Fanshawe, nursing students get hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment with oversight from industry experts, giving them the competencies and confidence to hit the ground running. 

Humber Polytechnic offers more than 100 continuing education courses and workshops specifically designed for healthcare professionals. Courses target both interpersonal and technical skills, enabling professionals to enhance patient management, expand their qualifications and build their knowledge in specialized areas to boost their competitive edge in the workforce. 

Supporting sector innovation

A steady supply of healthcare professionals is only half the battle. Medical technology to lighten the workload of practitioners will be an important part of strengthening our healthcare system and maximizing strained resources. As innovation intermediaries, polytechnics help industry develop and adopt new technologies through applied research. 

According to 2024 research, the economic benefits of this work are substantial. For every dollar invested in polytechnic applied research, the rate of return is between $8.09 to $18.49, with social impact like that in the healthcare sector driving toward the upper range. 

Frank Fiorenza is a respiratory therapist who worked with Algonquin College to develop a tool that increases the safety of mechanical ventilators by keeping the patient connected to the ventilator during a filter change or during transport. This not only reduces risks for patients but also for clinicians, protecting them from airborne particles. This award-winning invention is being used by hundreds of hospitals worldwide.  

At BCIT, researchers helped the BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre develop a device called the Baby Calmer. This technology fits into a neonatal incubator and calms babies born prematurely, emulating physical contact, breathing and heartbeat to calm babies during and after a stressful procedure. Reducing stress in the early stages of life has been shown to enhance a baby’s brain development. 

These are just two of the thousands of applied research projects undertaken each year.  

Serving the community

The responsive nature of polytechnic education also supports active community outreach. One of the best examples can be found at George Brown’s WAVE Dental Clinic. At this centre, students from the School of Dental Health work alongside faculty to provide dental services to the local community. This both provides real-world experience to learners and gives locals access to low-cost dental care. 

In Manitoba, RRC Polytech takes community involvement to the next level by taking its healthcare training mandate to the entire province. The polytechnic has developed Mobile Training Labs, 53-foot trailers that can provide up to 2,000 sq. ft. of healthcare training space. This allows the institution to extend its training capacity – and the benefits of a professional healthcare education – to rural and remote communities. 

Healthcare is one of the few sectors that Canadians access from first breath to last. While we’re proud of our public healthcare system, optimizing it is no simple task – it requires the input and effort of many contributors. From delivering fast-track nursing programs to helping innovators develop new technologies, polytechnics are proving everyday that they are part of the solution.