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YWCA Health Connect is an employment program that supports newcomer self-identified women pursuing their healthcare credentials in Canada.

This program is a national project delivered in British Columbia by YWCA Metro Vancouver and Ontario, in partnership with YWCA Toronto.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Individual and group-based mentorship and coaching
  • Financial wrap-around support for skills training
  • Employment-related workshops focused on the health industry
  • Employment support, such as counselling and how to navigate the credential recognition system
  • Work placement support for paid and unpaid positions and up to 12 weeks of post-job placement support
  • Conversation circles sessions to enhance occupational-specific language skills, focusing on medical topics and terminology in the sector
  • Networking events with employers, mentors and participants
  • Career exploration opportunities in collaboration with health partners
  • Employer engagement training sessions on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

The YWCA Health Connect program recognizes the unique challenges faced by women immigrant healthcare professionals transitioning into the Canadian healthcare system. Designed to provide tailored support, the program caters to those just starting the credential recognition process as well as those seeking a residency or placement aligned with their pre-arrival expertise.

For healthcare professionals who are beginning or have not yet completed the credential recognition process:

  • Establish clear career goals tailored to individual aspirations
  • Access detailed information on the foreign credential recognition and licensing process in Canada
  • Enhance language proficiency to meet professional standards
  • Explore alternative employment opportunities within the healthcare sector
  • Receive assistance in obtaining provisional licenses to start practicing in Canada

Register for Stream 1

For healthcare professionals who have completed their credential recognition and hold a provisional or full license to practice in British Columbia (BC) and Ontario (ON), issued by a recognized healthcare regulator, and who are seeking a residency or placement that reflects their pre-arrival skills:

  • Define career goals and create a strategic plan for securing a residency or placement
  • Improve language proficiency to better integrate into the Canadian workplace
  • Identify and overcome language barriers that may impact professional communication
  • Gain relevant Canadian work experience through targeted opportunities
  • Access mentoring and coaching from experienced professionals in the field
  • Benefit from comprehensive wraparound supports to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce

Register for Stream 2

PARTICIPANTS MUST

  • Be an Internationally Educated Health Professional (IEHP)
  • Be a newcomer self-identified woman
  • Be a Landed Immigrant with valid status as: Permanent Resident of Canada, Protected Person/Convention Refugee, Open Work Permit Worker and Canadian Citizen (up to 10 years landed in Canada)
  • Have previous experience in healthcare and a Degree or Diploma in healthcare-related studies
  • Be unemployed or underemployed and able to participate in daytime virtual workshops
  • Be legally eligible to work in Canada and living in Ontario or British Columbia

Please refer to the Stream 1 and Stream 2 information above to complete your registration.

Mentor or hire
our participants.

Are you ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of internationally educated health professionals (IEHP)?

Join the YWCA Health Connect team as a mentor or employer, and empower newcomer women to advance their careers in healthcare while contributing to the growth and diversity of the Canadian healthcare landscape.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Health Connect Program Partner. Now, please share with us how you would like to participate.

Start Now

For more information on the program schedule or if you have any accessibility needs,
please contact us at HealthConnect@ywcatoronto.org | 437.441.0413

This program is delivered in Ontario by
YWCA Toronto

This program is delivered in British Columbia by
YWCA Metro Vancouver