Government Programs for Allied Health Professionals

A variety of programs exist to provide financial support, information and resources to help allied health professionals increase their skills and knowledge, and access career opportunities. They include:

The eligible allied health professions are: audiologists, dietitians, medical laboratory technologists, medical radiation technologists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, speech-language pathologists.

Allied Health Professional Development Fund
The Allied Health Professional Development Fund (AHPDF) is being offered once again in 2010/11. The purpose of the fund is to develop skills and enhance knowledge and leadership among allied health professionals. Practising members of 9 regulated health professions can apply for up to $1,500 for professional development courses and programs. Learn more about the AHPDF.

The AHPDF has invested in a multi-year subscription to an electronic health library for practising members of the 9 eligible health professions. The library provides access to the most recent health care literature to help allied health professionals determine the best approach to patient care. Access the electronic health library. 

Underserviced Area Program 
Administered by the Primary Health Care Team, this program enhances access to health care services in designated rural and remote areas of the province that have difficulty attracting and retaining health care professionals. It offers a variety of components aimed at attracting and retaining health care providers to underserviced areas in Ontario. Learn more.

Health Professions Database
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is working with the regulatory health Colleges of Ontario to create a database that will help ensure Ontarians have access to the right number and mix of health professionals. The database will provide standardized, consistent and comparable demographic, geographic, educational and employment information on all the regulated allied health professionals in Ontario. Learn more.