Patient Navigator Program

WELCOME TO THE PATIENT NAVIGATOR PROGRAM (PNP)

What is the Patient Navigator Program?

This program is designed to bridge highly skilled international medical graduates (IMGs) into a non-physician occupation in the areas of patient navigation, health promotion/facilitation, and community based research.

It is comprised of the following components:

  • Patient Navigator Certificate, York University
  • Interpreter Certificate, CISOC
  • Community Health Promotion and Facilitation Certificate, AIMGA
  • Workplace Readiness, AIMGA

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

Current Cohort:

  • Cohort 4: June 14, 2024 to October 4, 2024
  • Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm, MST/MDT

 

Upcoming Cohorts:

  • Cohort 5: January 31, 2025 to April 25, 2025
  • Cohort 6: September 5, 2025 to November 28, 2025

For more information, please contact Drew by emailing drew@aimga.ca.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PNP

Eligibility Criteria

IMGs residing in Alberta (both permanent residents and Canadian citizens) who are interested in obtaining employment as a patient navigator. IMGs who are applying to CaRMS will not be considered for this program. IMGs must meet English Language Proficiency requirements in order to become certified as an interpreter and to conduct health related workshops in community. IMGs for this program must be unemployed or under-employed and serious about seeking employment during and following the program. This program has been made possible with funding from the Government of Alberta. IMGs must commit to the schedule and if participating online must have their cameras on at all times and be dedicated to learning. This program will include a combination of in person and online participation.

Patient Navigator Program Outcomes

By the end of the program, the participants will:

  • apply strategies for health promotion and navigation.
  • identify relevant and appropriate sources of information
  • display the socio-cultural competencies required to interact effectively with diverse individuals, groups, and communities
  • address numerous dimensions of communication including internal and external exchanges; written, verbal, non-verbal and listening skills; and
  • demonstrate leadership competencies that build capacity, improve performance, and enhance patient outcomes
  • Facilitate health education sessions in group settings both online and in-person

Practicum Program Objective

This practicum is designed to:

  • provide IMGs with exposure to Canadian medical settings by attending in the workplace and navigating patients;
  • support the professional development of IMGs by providing them an opportunity to create professional linkages, obtain feedback, and a reference where applicable
  • enhance the socio-cultural competence, and communication skills of IMGs by giving them the opportunity to participate in professional interactions with physicians, allied health professionals, and patients;
  • utilize IMGs in patient navigation roles;
  • promote the development of IMGs’ professional language proficiency, communication strategies, cultural awareness, and the employability skills that are essential for successful integration into a non-physician occupation within the Canadian healthcare environment.
  • provide opportunities for IMGs to develop and deliver patient education sessions where applicable

Evaluation

Evaluation is a mandatory part of this program and both participants and practicum supervisors will be required to evaluate the program components.

Acknowledgements

This program has been made possible with funds from the Government of Alberta (Newcomer Supports) to assist IMGs considering alternative pathways into the Canadian healthcare system.