When Saint Mary’s received a landmark investment of $25 million from the provincial government in 2023, the university leveraged existing expertise towards a new purpose and to support an area of life that impacts Nova Scotians every day: healthcare. The university got to work developing academic and professional programming and pathways for healthcare leaders and innovators of the future.
The resulting Healthcare Pathways Initiative is a university-wide project, aligned with the Province of Nova Scotia's Action for Health strategy. Since 2023, a dedicated team of faculty and staff have worked to build programming, certificates and courses that apply our expertise in data analytics, management, and leadership to the healthcare sector.
Recent developments include the Healthcare Professional Development series, a suite of certificate and course offerings launched in June 2024, including:
• Innovation in Healthcare with Design Thinking
• Leading the Healthy Healthcare Workplace: The R.I.G.H.T Way
• Data Literacy Intro in Healthcare Series
• Conflict and Negotiations Certificate
• Healthcare Leadership Certificate
Interest has been high; spots for the Fall sessions filled quickly, and the 2025 Winter/Spring courses are fully subscribed with a waiting list.
The brand-new Master of Applied Health Services-Professional Stream also started in September with an inaugural cohort of 8 students, and an additional master's program and graduate diploma are in development.
Additionally, the team has been working to create pathways between the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and Saint Mary’s. Since 2023, agreements have been made between the two institutions, including pathways in Occupational Health and Safety and Disability Support Services programs.
Interested faculty and staff are encouraged to learn more and follow updates at the Healthcare Pathways Initiative website.