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The provincial government would like there to be 32 graduates from the program before the new long-term care facility in La Ronge opens. (Image Credit: Submitted photo/Northlands College Marketing)
long-term care requirements

Northlands College launches continuing care program for northerners

Jun 5, 2026 | 5:01 PM

Northlands College will be offering an Indigenous Continuing Care Assistant program this fall as part of their effort to staff the new long-term care facility in La Ronge.  

It is being offered in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies with support from the Saskatchewan Healthy Authority (SHA) and various provincial ministries. Tuition is free and anyone regardless of background can apply, but it’s subject to a Return for Service Agreement at the new long-term care facility, which will reach substantial completion by the end of this year.  

“It does have that Indigenous component built right into the curriculum, which we are really excited about, and the pilot program for this is meant to be for northerners,” said Northlands Director Cody Cooper.  

“We are not looking to accept from other provinces or from down south. It is meant for people in the North to get training in the North, so they can work in the North and take care of the Elders and people who need our care.” 

According to a 2023 report from the Provincial Auditor of Saskatchewan, the SHA will need to hire an additional 137 staff for the new 80-bed long-term care centre. That includes approximately 103 continuing care assistants, 18 licensed practical nurses and 16 registered nurses.  

“This program is a pointed effort on behalf of the college and other stakeholders in order to meet the staffing requirements for that long-term care facility,” Cooper explained. 

“It’s an important community building program as well, and it is meant to meet the direct needs of La Ronge and provide opportunities for the people in the tri-community area.” 

The new long-term care facility in La Ronge as of June 2026.
The new long-term care facility in La Ronge as of June 2026. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The application period has already opened and will remain open until all spots are filled. Cooper noted some people have already been accepted into the program, which requires a high school diploma or equivalent to apply.  

The first cohort will include 16 students, but the provincial government would like there to be 32 graduates before the new facility opens.

Larissa Muirhead is one of the instructors and she said continuing care assistants are the first person a client sees in the morning and is vital to their personal health. 

“They are truly the heart of the hospital when we look at how people are cared for in hospitals. A lot of glory goes to the physicians, but the people who firsthand know the most about the clients are the people who are working with them every day to help them get up in the morning and do the basics of their care,” she added. 

“They are the first point person for the client to make sure they are getting their basic needs meet. They carry out a lot of the work that the physicians are hoping will happen so that healing can happen with these people.” 

Those interested can apply online here at the Northlands College website or visit a local campus for more information.  

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com