News release

Mount Royal launches Professional Communication Program for Internationally Educated Health Professionals

(CALGARY, Feb. 11, 2010) A new program designed to enhance effective communication between culturally diverse individuals will be launched for internationally educated health care professionals. Mount Royal’s International Education and the Faculty of Health and Community Studies have collaboratively developed the Professional Communication Skills of Internationally Educated Health Professionals Program (IEHPs), which will begin March. 29, 2010.

A 13 week pilot course will be offered in the Spring 2010 term followed by a second course delivery in the fall. “What makes this Program innovative is the teaching of
communication skills within the cultural context of Canadian health care using a performance-based methodology,” says Karen Dodge, program coordinator. “This allows participants to practice extensively through role rehearsals and the use of simulation patients.”

The program will enable midwives, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists educated outside of Canada to strengthen their cultural competence, communication skills and strategies and language that they need to work effectively with culturally diverse clients and colleagues.

Funding for the 2010 Program has been made available by Alberta Employment and Immigration and no tuition fees will be charged. Applications are welcome from IEHPs who are Alberta residents and have Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident status.

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Media contact:
Fred Cheney, Media Relations Officer
Office of External Relations
Office: 403.440.5195
Cell: 403.542.7904
mediarelations@mtroyal.ca