Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Click on any of the topics below for answers to frequently asked questions about the National Healthcare Language Program.

Enrolment

  1. How do I enrol in the program?

You can enrol in the program by emailing healthcarelanguage@isans.ca

 

  1. Is the program free?

Yes. The program is funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is free for eligible clients.

 

  1. Is there a deadline to register?

Courses run year-round with regular start dates. Registration is ongoing and you can apply at any time. You can find more information here.

 

  1. Do I need to be a member of a professional association to be eligible?

No, you are not required to be a member of a professional association.

 

  1. Are there any additional materials or resources I need to purchase?

There are no additional purchases or resources required to take the courses. However, Communication Strategies for Patient Interactions (CSPI) clients who choose to do  the simulated patient session at the end of the course will be responsible for most travel costs involved. NHLP can only provide a small supplement to assist with this.

 

  1. What is the maximum number of clients in a class?

The maximum number of clients in a class is 15.

 

  1. Are there any specific requirements for digital proficiency or access to technology?

These are online classes so you must have basic digital literacy skills and access to a device. If you are new to online learning, you can take a self-directed online course to learn how to use the Settlement Online platform. For more information, contact healthcarelanguage@isans.ca

 

  1. How do you assess eligibility for applicants with disabilities or special needs?

We try to make our courses accessible to all. If you have a disability or special needs, please contact healthcarelanguage@isans.ca to discuss your specific situation.

Eligibility – Immigration Status

  1. What are the eligibility criteria for the program?

The eligibility criteria are different for each course. You can find more information here.

 

  1. Who is eligible for this program?

Permanent residents (PR), CUAET holders, Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) participants, TFWs under section 112 of IRPR, PPs under section 95 of IRPR, and participants of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot are eligible for this course. If you are unsure of your status, contact healthcarelanguage@isans.ca.

 

  1. Are refugees eligible for this program?

Refugees who are permanent residents are eligible for this program. If you are unsure of your status, contact healthcarelanguage@isans.ca.

 

  1. Are temporary workers eligible for the course?

Most temporary workers are not eligible for this program. If you are unsure of your status, contact healthcarelanguage@isans.ca.

 

  1. Are citizens eligible for this program?

No, citizens are not eligible for this program.

 

  1. Are international students eligible for this program?

No, international students are not eligible for this program.

 

  1. Are clients eligible across Canada?

This program is available to clients in all provinces and territories except Quebec. Clients from Quebec are not eligible for this program.

 

  1. Do I need to provide documentation to prove my eligibility?

Yes, you will need to provide documentation to prove both your status and your language level. You must provide a copy of Confirmation of Permanent Resident status or copies of both sides of your PR card, and a copy of your CLB test results from an approved assessment centre or a LINC Certificate from a language school.

Eligibility – Education/Employment Status

  1. Is there a minimum educational qualification required for enrollment?

Yes, clients must be a recognized internationally educated nurse, physician, or pharmacist. Therefore, you must have educational qualifications and certification from your home/first country.

 

  1. Do I need to have prior work experience in healthcare to be eligible for the course?

No, but clients must be a recognized internationally educated nurse, physician, or pharmacist. Therefore, you must have educational qualifications and certification from your home/first country.

 

  1. Are individuals on a career break or those transitioning from other professions eligible?

Clients must be a recognized internationally educated nurse, physician, or pharmacist.

 

  1. Do I need to provide documentation to prove my eligibility?

Yes, you will need to provide documentation to prove both your status and language level.

 

  1. Is there an interview or assessment process as part of the eligibility criteria?

No, there is no interview or assessment process beyond the eligibility documents.

 

  1. Can I enrol if I am currently a student in another program?

Yes, you can enrol if you are currently a student in another program.

 

  1. Are there any restrictions based on the type of nursing (e.g., LPN, RN, NP) for enrollment?

You must be a nurse in your country of origin. You need to contact your local nursing regulatory bodies for more information on types of nurses, and the equivalency in Canada for your education and experience.

Language Requirements

  1. Are there any language prerequisites or language proficiency requirements for enrolment?

You must have a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score to register. Eligible participants can take a free CLB assessment at a language assessment centre. Find free newcomer services near you (canada.ca). We accept the Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) or a LINC certificate.

 

  1. Do you accept IELTS or CELPIP test results?

No, we do not accept IELTS or CELPIP results. Settlement language schools in Canada require clients to have a CLB score so we can measure your progress according to the national language standard. Other standardized language tests do not provide us with the information we require to accurately measure language progress.

 

  1. Do you accept the CLB Online Self-Assessment (CLB-OSA)?

No, we do not accept the CLB-OSA. These self-assessment results are unofficial and cannot be used for employment, academic, immigration or citizenship purposes. They are intended to give you an approximate indication of your language ability.

 

  1. What language level do I need to enrol?

Language requirements vary for different courses:

  • Communication Skills for Patient Interactions: CLB 6/6/6/6
  • Professional Communication Skills for Nurses: CLB 6/6/6/6
  • Strategies for CELBAN
    • Listening for CELBAN: CLB 7
    • Speaking for CELBAN: CLB 7
    • Reading for CELBAN: CLB 7
    • Writing for CELBAN: CLB 6

 

  1. What can I do if my CLBs are lower than listed in the eligibility criteria?

You can contact your local language assessment centre or settlement agency to find out what other language programs are available in your area to help you increase your CLB. Find free newcomer services near you (canada.ca)

 

  1. What is the success rate of past participants in gaining employment or passing certification exams after completing the course?

We do not track employment or exam passing rates. There are many factors that contribute to clients’ success in gaining employment or passing certification exams, and language is only one component of this. Therefore, success rates vary by client and profession, and cannot be directly attributed to any one course.

 

  1. Can I retake the course if I need to improve my skills further?

If there are wait lists, new clients will take priority. If there are no wait lists, you can retake the course.

 

  1. Who are the instructors and what are their qualifications?

Our instructors are fully qualified and highly experienced English as an Additional Language (EAL) instructors.

Course Content

  1. How will this program improve my communication skills?

All the courses in the NHLP focus on communication skills within a healthcare context. The content is tailored to your specific profession and focuses on the expected language use for your job. You will learn intercultural communication skills and workplace cultural norms in a healthcare setting.

 

  1. Do the courses include training on cultural competency in patient interactions?

The courses include intercultural communications and competence. You can find more information here.

 

  1. Will the course cover legal and ethical aspects of patient communication?

The courses may touch on these subjects from a language perspective, but this type of content is not the focus of these communications courses. You should contact your professional association, regulator body, or an educational institution for more information on these subjects.

 

  1. Is there a focus on dealing with difficult conversations or conflict resolution in healthcare settings?

Yes, these topics are covered from a communications perspective. Check the course outlines for more information.

 

  1. How is the course content delivered (e.g., lectures, workshops, group work)?

The courses are delivered online, primarily through asynchronous activities supplemented by synchronous sessions. The online activities are interactive and engaging.

 

  1. Will there be assignments or projects to complete?

There are weekly assignments to complete.

 

  1. Are there any exams or assessments during the course?

There is an assessment at the end of each course.

Course Content for Pharmacists and Physicians

  1. What topics are covered in the course curriculum?

The course outline can be found here.

 

  1. Will the content of the CSPI course will help me to pass OSCE exam?

You will learn communications strategies in the CSPI course that can help you with the OSCE licensure exams.

 

  1. Are there opportunities for hands-on practice or simulations during the CSPI course?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to practice your communication skills with simulated patients at the completion of the CSPI course.

Course Content for Nurses

  1. What topics are covered in the course curriculum?

The course outlines can be found here.

General Course Questions

  1. Is the program available online or in person?

This program is online.

 

  1. How long is the course and what is the course schedule?

Courses range from 8 to 14 weeks and schedules vary by course. You can find specific details for each program here.

 

  1. Do I have a choice for the days and time of the course? 

Some courses have synchronous online classes. The dates and times change for each course. You can find information for specific courses here.

 

  1. Will there be guest speakers or industry professionals involved in the course?

No, there will not be guest speakers or industry professionals involved in the course delivery. However, sector subject matter experts (SMEs) were involved in developing and reviewing the course content.

 

  1. Does the course provide training on digital communication tools used in healthcare?

No, the course does not provide training on digital communication tools used in healthcare. These vary from province to province and employer to employer so it would not be possible to cover this information in the course.

 

  1. How can I contact the instructors or support staff if I have questions during the course?

You will have regular contact with your instructor throughout the course via the online learning platform.

 

  1. Is there a mentorship program available for participants?

There is not a mentorship program attached to these courses. However, there may be one provided by your local settlement agency. Find free newcomer services near you (canada.ca)

 

  1. Are there any networking opportunities with other healthcare professionals during the course?

In most courses, you will network with other internationally educated healthcare professionals.

 

  1. How is participant progress monitored and evaluated throughout the course?

Your attendance and participation are regularly monitored throughout the course. If you are not attending regularly or completing your assignments, your instructor will contact you to discuss your situation and options.

 

  1. Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

You will receive a certificate upon completion indicating your current Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level.

 

  1. Will healthcare institutions recognize my certificate?

Criteria for acceptance varies for different healthcare institutions. You will need to check with the specific healthcare institution.

 

  1. Can you provide any testimonials or success stories from previous participants?

You can find testimonials and success stories here.