French-Language Training
The French-Language Training Service aims to strengthen bilingual capacity within the healthcare system by offering a variety of French-language learning opportunities to staff.
This service is designed for any employee who wishes to learn French or improve their existing French skills for work-related purposes. By investing in language training, we support healthcare professionals in better serving Francophone patients and enhancing access to services in French.
Training Opportunities
Instructor-Led French Courses
Formal French-language courses are offered in partnership with Université de Saint-Boniface. These classes are available both in person and virtually to eligible employees each semester. The courses provide structured learning guided by experienced instructors.
Registration for Instructor-Led Courses
The registration process for instructor-led French courses at Université de Saint-Boniface is structured to ensure clear communication and smooth coordination.
- Registration periods and required documentation are communicated to employees at least one month before the start of the program.
- Applicants must ensure they meet any program requirements or prerequisites.
- Interested employees are required to complete and sign an application form and submit it by email to: [email protected] before the registration deadline.
- Applicants will then receive confirmation of their registration along with any additional relevant information.
This process ensures that participants are well prepared and supported throughout their learning experience.
Online Self-Directed Learning (Rosetta Stone)
Employees may also access self-directed online training through Rosetta Stone. This digital platform allows participants to learn at their own pace using a computer or smartphone. The program is available year-round, offering flexibility to accommodate busy schedules.
Through Francophone Health, sixty paid licenses are available for the Rosetta Stone language-learning platform. Once registered, employees have three months to access and complete the program at their own pace.
Since its launch in 2024, more than one hundred employees have participated in and benefited from this program.
How to Register
Employees interested in the Rosetta Stone program can email [email protected] to be placed on the waitlist. As licenses become available, employees will be contacted directly and asked to sign a license agreement. Instructions on how to access the platform will then be provided.
Professional Development in Francophone Health
Additional professional development opportunities focus on Francophone health and cultural competency. These include workshops, discussion groups, practical tools, and training on cultural and linguistic sensitivity.
Instructor-Led Training – Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the training?
To be eligible for French in a Health Setting training, employees must:
- Be employed in a designated position, facility, program, or department for the full duration of the course
- Hold a permanent position or a term position longer than one year
- Have direct contact with patients, residents, clients, or the general public
- Commit to the minimum required participation hours per session
What is the required attendance commitment for training?
Participants must commit to actively attending:
- 24 of 33 hours (Beginner, Advanced, and Perfectionnement levels)
- 16 of 22 hours (Intermediate level)
A written commitment is required on the registration form.
Are the courses free?
Yes. French-language courses are provided free of charge by Shared Health-Soins communs.
What levels are offered?
- Beginner Level 1: For employees who have never studied French.
- Returning learners: Employees who successfully completed a previous level should register for the next level.
- Learners with some knowledge of French but no prior courses at USB: A language assessment is required to determine the appropriate level.
Courses are offered in partnership with the Université de Saint-Boniface.
What is the registration process?
- Carefully read the Information Sheet.
- Complete and sign the registration form.
- Submit the form to your FLS Coordinator or designated contact person before the deadline.
- The Coordinator will forward the registration form to Shared Health-Soins communs.
Do not send the form directly to the language training facility. - The language training provider will contact learners by email approximately one week before the course start date to confirm details (start date, time, and location).
How will I know if I am registered?
Course confirmations are sent by email. Please check your inbox regularly and review your junk/spam folder, as new email addresses may sometimes be filtered.
Do I need to consent to information sharing?
Yes. By registering, you consent to Shared Health-Soins communs and the Université de Saint-Boniface sharing the following information with your employer:
- Your enrolment status
- Your attendance
- Your final results
Personal information is collected under the authority of The Université de Saint-Boniface Act and is protected under FIPPA. It will only be used for administering the French in a Health Setting and Telehealth programs.
Does completing the course guarantee a bilingual position?
No. However, the training helps employees develop the language skills required to apply for designated bilingual positions and contribute to improved French-language services.
Which health organizations are included?
Employees from the following organizations are eligible to take French-language training:
- CancerCare Manitoba
- Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA)
- Prairie Mountain Health
- Shared Health
- Southern Health-Santé Sud
- St. Boniface Hospital
- WRHA
Who can I contact for more information?
For registration information, contact:
Zakia Belatik
Shared Health – Soins Communs
Phone: (204) 430-9324
For Administration Support (missed classes, questions, concerns, etc.), contact:
Virginia Valdivia
Université de Saint-Boniface
Phone: (204) 237-1818, ext. 218