The College recently held an online townhall with MRT post-secondary institutions (NAIT, SAIT and the University of Alberta) to discuss the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic that are new and ever-changing. Key items on the agenda were the impact of the pandemic on entry-to-practice pathways, the status of student practicums and graduation timelines. It was agreed that it is important to support students through the unexpected impacts of the pandemic at this early stage of their career.

The College recognizes that educational programs are being challenged to find new ways of delivering education to ensure that competent health professionals are available to deliver high-quality patient care. The College has been collaborating with Accreditation Canada and supports the thinking that educational program personnel are best positioned to make decisions on their respective programs’ responses to this unprecedented situation. The College encourages post-secondary institutions to consult and discuss changes as needed with us; however, we do not require them to report changes in delivery models that have been implemented in response to COVID-19, provided the changes are temporary.

Post-secondary institutions are:

• Stimulating competencies as needed
• Continuing theory exams
• Staggering students’ return to practicum sites or continuing placements if it is appropriate and safe to do so
• Postponing first-year or junior students’ rotation into practicum

As the MRT community adapts to the COVID-19 pandemic, MRT post-secondary institutions are keeping on pace to meet the needs of MRT students by using online education supports such as videos and virtual reality applications.

The College affirmed its commitment to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including educational institutions, to provide support during the pandemic.