Two happy female doctors walking in front of hospital building and communicating
Programs & Services

Health Connect

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

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

Are you in Ontario? Visit the YWCA Health Connect - Toronto page.

Program Highlights

  • Individual and group-based mentorship and coaching

  • Financial wraparound 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 or 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 for 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.

 

Due to high demand, intakes for stream 1 (foreign credential recognition support) are temporarily paused while we process existing applications. Please continue to check our website for updates.

 

 

For healthcare professionals who have completed their credential recognition and hold a provisional or full license to practice in BC, 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

  • Internationally educated health professional (IEHP)

  • Newcomer self-identified women

  • A landed immigrant with valid status as:

    • Permanent resident of Canada or

    • Protected person/convention refugee or

    • Open Work permit worker with valid status

    • Canadian citizen (up to 10 years landed in Canada)

  • Have previous experience in healthcare and a Degree or Diploma in healthcare-related studies

  • Unemployed or underemployed and able to participate in daytime virtual workshops

  • Legally eligible to work in Canada and living in BC or ON

 

We accept participants on an ongoing basis.

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

Two female healthcare professionals working on a laboratory

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.

Contact our team

YWCA Health Connect

720 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver, V6A 1R5
healthconnect@ywcabc.org | 778 730 2444
Office hours: Monday to Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

 

For more information on the program schedule, please contact us.

If you have any accessibility needs, please contact us to discuss accommodation. 

YWCA Toronto

 This program is delivered in Ontario by YWCA Toronto

Funded in part by Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program