The Saskatchewan government has outlined a number of initiatives to improve veterinary services in rural areas of the province.

The initiatives include the development of a new virtual option to train registered veterinary technologists in rural and remote Saskatchewan.

There’s also a loan forgiveness program being offered to new graduates who practice in rural or remote areas of the province.

Beginning this fall, Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s two year registered veterinary technologist program will give students the opportunity to begin studies remotely and complete the program at a partnering clinical practice with local veterinarians in rural areas.

This coming year, the ministry of Advanced Education is providing 687 thousand dollars for development and operating costs.

In addition, veterinarians and veterinary technologists who work in rural or remote areas for up to 5 years, will have up to 20 thousand dollars of their Saskatchewan Student Loans forgiven.

Agriculture minister David Marit says the measures will ensure producers have access to important veterinary services.

As well, three of the 20 seats at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine will prioritize admission of students most likely to work in a large animal and or rural mixed animal practice.
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