WELCOME TO THE PATIENT NAVIGATOR PROGRAM (PNP)
What is the Patient Navigator Program?
The Patient Navigator Program (PNP) for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) is funded by the Government of Alberta. The purpose of this program is to bridge highly skilled international medical graduates (IMGs) into a non-physician occupation in the areas of patient navigation, health promotion /Â facilitation, and medical interpretation.
It is comprised of the following components:
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Interpretation
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Patient Navigation
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Workplace and Career Readiness
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Health Promotion / Facilitation
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Community Connections
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Practicum Placement
Practicum Overview
This practicum is a hands-on experience that is important to participants’ success in a public health career. Participants must complete 50 hours within a healthcare workplace where they are able to practice their patient navigation skills.
PNP DATES
Applications close January 2nd, 2025
Upcoming Cohorts:
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Cohort 5: January 31st – April 24th 2025
- Tuesday-Fridays (9:00am-1:30pm MST)
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Cohort 6: September 5th – November 28th 2025
- TBD
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PNP
Eligibility Criteria
This program is only open to permanent residents or naturalized Canadian Citizens residing in Alberta, Canada. Applicants must be members of AIMGA and must be available to attend all classes from January 31st – April 24th 2025, as well as complete a weekly practicum either throughout the program or during the 30 day follow up period (April 25-May 23, 2025). All accepted participants must also provide proof of taking an English Language Proficiency test in the past, and need a minimum score equivalent to a CLB of 7 to be eligible for this program. Accepted tests include: CLBA or CLBPT, IELTS, OET Medicine, CELPIP, and TOEFL. Those who have underwent education in Canada (high school or post-secondary diploma or degree) are also not eligible for this program. Priority will be given to those IMGs who are unemployed or underemployed and who are serious and committed to seeking employment during and following the program.Â
Patient Navigator Program Outcomes
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Applying strategies for health promotion and navigation: Understanding the factors that influence the delivery and utilization of health services.
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Identifying relevant and appropriate sources of information and support for patients: Enhancing the ability to connect patients with essential resources.
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Utilizing skills such as team building, negotiation, conflict management, and group facilitation: Building partnerships, mediating between differing experiences and expectations among newcomers, and promoting health and well-being.
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Displaying socio-cultural competencies: Interacting effectively with diverse individuals, groups, and communities, embodying attitudes and practices that foster inclusivity and increased understanding of patients’ prior experiences with health systems.
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Addressing dimensions of communication: Developing proficiency, including internal and external exchanges; written, verbal, non-verbal and listening skills.
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Applying cultural awareness and trauma-informed care competencies: Embodying a patient-centred care approach while working with newcomers in the community; respect for diversity, and a trauma-informed approach.
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Demonstrating leadership competencies: Â Building capacity, improving performance, and enhancing the quality of the working environment; and
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Displaying health education competencies: Facilitating sessions in the community to increase health literacy through community conversations and health presentations.
Practicum Program Objective
Participants are expected to fulfill a 50 hour practicum placement in one of the following areas: patient navigation, health promotion / facilitation, or medical interpretation. The purpose of the practicum is to allow each participant to practice the skills they learn throughout the program and apply this knowledge gained in the Canadian workplace. This experience ultimately enables participants to build connections and become workplace-ready. The placement itself depends on AIMGA’s partnerships, as well as the participants’ backgrounds and interests.
The purpose of the practicum is to:
- provide participants with the opportunity to utilize the skills gained through this program;
- discuss cultural differences observed and any challenges faced by participants throughout their practicum;
- obtain feedback regarding their performance and suitability for future positions;
- network, obtain professional reference(s), and receive guidance and mentorship; and
- find meaningful positions where participants’ skills are being utilized and valued.
Evaluation
Evaluation is a mandatory part of this program. Participants will be required to complete evaluation at several stages of the program (pre, mid, post). Practicum supervisors will also be required to evaluate participant performance post placement.

Acknowledgements
This program has been made possible with funds from the Government of Alberta (Newcomer Supports) to assist IMGs in their pursuit of alternative pathways and to integrate IMGs into the Canadian healthcare system.
