CANADA CAREERS
How to secure skilled and rewarding work in healthcare
Healthcare jobs are skilled jobs
What if healthcare work was considered a skilled trade?
Would you like to help people every day?
Would you like to have an impact for families and communities?
Does that sound like a fulfilling and rewarding career?
Every day Canadians walk into regulated career colleges and decide to help keep our country moving and working, supporting innovation and technological advancements, and ensuring systems Canadians depend on are reliable.
I’m talking about our healthcare industry.
Maybe when you hear healthcare career you think of lab coats, long and expensive years of study, and people with letters after their name. We need those people, of course. But there are many others whose names won’t be found engraved on clinic doors and yet are working right alongside our doctors, dentists, and other specialists to keep our healthcare system running every hour of every day, in every community and every time zone.
A growing – and aging – population needs many more healthcare workers to help sustain a healthy country. While we have been paying careful attention as a country to our shortages of carpenters and plumbers to build
Michael
Sangster
Chief Executive Officer
more homes, we must equally tend to our frontline care shortages. Perhaps part of the solution starts with recognizing our healthcare professionals as we would our skilled trades practitioners. Rigorous training, provincial accreditation standards, and handling people’s well-being on a daily or even hourly basis – our healthcare workers have tremendously important and dynamic careers. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see careers in healthcare get the same attention, respect, and support we provide to those working in the skilled trades?
Whether you’re a doctor or dental assistant, a surgeon or a support worker, you are a high-
ly skilled professional, and our goal through this magazine is to highlight the comprehensive skills training that takes ordinary people and creates remarkable careers right across our country.
Don’t take my word for it – read the stories of our learners and our industry-expert trainers and learn about the work of our members in delivering efficient, high-quality, and industry-driven training for today’s healthcare professionals. Our economy needs more skilled workers to fill critical vacancies immediately, and this is why we’re shining a light on some of the unsung heroes of our healthcare system perhaps to inspire you or someone you know to consider one of these rewarding careers.
It’s said that change is inevitable, while growth is optional. The last few years have seen a lot of change for our country, and the years ahead promise even more as we grapple with emerging technologies, changing demographics, and ensuring our country’s continued growth and prosperity.
As we confront these challenges, we must find new, creative solutions for labour shortages in key areas like healthcare – and not only to find those solutions but implement them quickly.
Our member institutions stood up during the pandemic and delivered the healthcare workers our country needed. We continue to stand ready to provide a key pipeline of talent to our local hospitals, clinics, and care facilities.
So, why not take a step into a regulated career college or click that mouse and learn more about one of these programs. A journey starts with a single step, and then another but it can lead to amazing places!
Healthcare careers in Canada BY THE NUMBERS
Whether you like working in an office or being on-the-go, working hands-on with people or behind the scenes, and working regular hours or when it suits you, there’s a healthcare career for you.
Why working in healthcare adds up to a great career
As long as there are people getting sick and aging, there will always be a need for medical professionals and the professionals who support them. From the small towns to the big cities, and from private care homes to hospitals, there are employers seeking to hire and to better serve their patients. Let’s look at some Canadian healthcare job statistics by the numbers:
1,280
That’s how many hospitals there are in Canada, from Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife with about 100 beds and 500 staff to Hamilton General Hospital with nearly 1,300 beds and over 18,000 staff and volunteers! Of course, hospitals are just one place you’ll find healthcare workers – they also work in private clinics, care homes, retirement residences, hospices, and many more.
$8,740
That’s how much is spent on healthcare in Canada per person per year! That adds up to an estimated $344 billion dollars last year – and it means lots of opportunities for work right across the country.
2 million
How many Canadians work in the healthcare sector, according to 2021 Statistics Canada data. They divide that number into three categories: hospitals, which includes nearly half of all healthcare jobs; nursing and residential care facilities which encompass one in five jobs; and the remaining third which includes doctors’ offices and clinics, medical labs, and other healthcare practitioners.
16 percent
Demand for healthcare workers in Canada was expected to rise 16 percent between 2020 and 2030,
faster than any other industry in the country! What’s driving the growth in jobs? Retirements of existing workers, population growth, and the aging cohort of baby boomers who will require more care are all contributing factors. The jobs are there, and they’re growing. There are plenty of places to work. With highly transferrable healthcare skills, it’s clear graduates from healthcare programs will be in demand in the years to come.
Working Hard, With Heart
We know that demand for healthcare services is increasing, and the number of jobs is growing. But what about the jobs themselves?
While there’s a lot of focus on challenges like doctor shortages, there are more acute worker shortages to consider. Canada is experiencing shortages of nurses and personal support workers (PSWs) with the shortage expected to increase. These front-line workers provide important day-to-day patient care,
and our healthcare system needs a lot of them as they are often called to manage and be responsible for multiple patients at a time.
Our country’s aging population also means more appointments and more complex care needs. This has meant specialist clinics and dentists’ offices are also busier, leading to increased demand for dental hygienists and assistants, medical office assistants, pharmacy technicians, and medical lab technicians to turn around lab results.
To help reduce the burden on the primary care system, some employers and government agencies are placing an increased focus on personal wellness and preventative medicine, which has also grown the demand for dietary aides, massage therapists, and similar allied health professionals.
What that all adds up to is an increased demand for innovative and agile career college training to prepare learners for these available careers.
It All Adds Up
Why are a growing number of Canadians and newcomers choosing careers in healthcare?
STABILITY: With a wide array of employers and growing demand, an education in the healthcare sector provides learners with a high likelihood of ongoing employment. Your skills will be highly transferrable, and in public sector or larger settings you may also obtain union membership as part of your employment. And with many retirements expected in the years to come, opportunities for advance-
ment are expected to be strong.
MEANINGFUL WORK: If you enjoy caring for people, alleviating suffering, or helping others to improve their lives, a career in healthcare is for you. Research shows caring for others can be good for your own well-being! While performing medical procedures may not be for everyone, the good news is that there are many other ways to contribute to our healthcare system including office work, pharmacy technician jobs, and teaching.
FLEXIBILITY: Whether you like working for a large public sector employer or a small team setting, whether you want to live and work in a more rural setting or right downtown in a major city centre, and whether you want to work regular business hours or prefer shift work, you can find a healthcare career that matches your preferences. With the right training, you may even be able to open your own clinic. And with high quality Canadian medical education on your resume, working internationally may also be an option.
BENEFITS: Many healthcare careers offer incentives like benefits packages, employee perks, and learning incentives. Due to the high number of open positions, in some fields you may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement or a signing bonus.
Ready to Begin?
There are dozens of types of jobs in healthcare. Whether you want to work with patients, paperwork, or prescriptions, you can find a job in your community in healthcare.
Canada’s career colleges can help.
550
That’s how many NACC-member career colleges operate in Canada, across every province and one territory. Each day, tens of thousands of students are building strong careers with relevant skills training from qualified industry-expert trainers.
400+
You have over 400 different NACC-affiliated career college options across Canada if you want to train for careers in healthcare. These programs include handson learning opportunities such as labs and practicum placements, which contribute to the job readiness of these future skilled professionals.
85
The graduates of 98 health and human services programs at Ontario career colleges had between 85 and 100 percent employment in 2022. While some graduates choose to pursue additional study, or experience personal circumstances that prevent them from proceeding to work, nine out of every ten career college graduates participate in the workforce.
Regulated career colleges have been offering job training and upskilling in Canada since the 19th century, and they continue to play an important role in educating our healthcare workforce – and the workforce of many other industries – across the country.
1,280
Number of hospitals in Canada
$8,740
Amount spent annually per person
2,000,000
Workers in healthcare industry in Canada
16%
Increase in demand for health care workers
550
NACC member colleges across Canada
400+
NACC-affiliated colleges offering healthcare training
85-100%
Rate of employment for graduates of Ontario career college health and human services programs in 2022
How career colleges are training today’s healthcare workforce
Canadians looking for a rewarding, fast-paced, dynamic career could be as little as one year away from a fresh start.
Career colleges across Canada offer a wide array of programming, including healthcare programs, that help prepare learners for in-demand careers in their local communities. Over 175,000 learners attend these colleges each year.
Who chooses career colleges?
With so many learners, Canada’s career colleges attract people from all walks of life. While some proceed to a career college right after high school, most learners are over the age of 30. More than half have attended another post-secondary institution, with some of these students enrolling for more study because their credentials are not recognized in Canada. Aligning with the workforce in many
healthcare professions, the majority of learners are women.
Career colleges tend to have more flexible learning schedules that may include evening, weekend, or online classes which allow learners to continue to work and earn, or cover family responsibilities. As many as two out of every five people attending a career college have children or other dependents.
“A lot of our online programs offer synchronous and asynchronous hours, meaning sometimes you’re online with your classmates but you can also learn on your own in a self-paced learning environment,” said Neatu Kharaud, Director of Online Learning with Algonquin Careers Academy and a past instructor with the school. “We have experienced instructors that are available during the synchronous and asynchronous
Online, part-time, self-directed, weekend learning, and practicums are some of the options available to help learners succeed.
time Monday through Friday and then around-the-clock access to our learning management system, so you always have access to your instructor’s content and material that’s posted online.”
Learners tend to choose career colleges for their smaller class sizes, accelerated programs with more regular intake cycles, and direct connection to employment post-graduation. Those with existing education can sometimes accelerate their learning through recognition of past courses and credentials, reducing their overall study time. Career colleges offer programs in a wide array of disciplines.
What sort of training is available?
Career colleges across Canada offer a variety of programs that
are helping graduate workers who will alleviate the burden in medical offices, emergency rooms, and front-line service environments across Canada. Graduates of career colleges are working in their home communities as paramedics, dental care assistants, practical nurses, personal support workers, pharmacy technicians, and addictions and community support workers to name a few.
Ani Aleksanyan teaches at Anderson College in the cardiology technician program, of which she is also an alumna. She said programs like hers prepare learners for a growing need in Canadian healthcare.
“A lot of cardiology technicians are retiring, meaning graduates are finding hospital jobs within a year of graduating,” she said. “About 90 percent of graduates find work during their practicum and often they have their choice of where to work.”
Courses in your typical healthcare program at a career college may include a mix of theory, lab sessions, and practical placements out in real work environments. Oftentimes in high-demand industries, graduates are employed directly out of their placement once they pass their licensing exams, and typically the vast majority find work within three months of graduation.
How are career college graduates prepared for the workplace?
Preparing for today’s healthcare jobs requires the right blend of hands-on learning, and industry experience and connections. As career college graduates in health-
care programs complete their courses, they’re being prepared for industry exams and certifications that prospective employers will expect them to have. Guiding them along the way are industry experts who often teach while maintaining part-time work in their field, providing up-to-date knowledge and useful industry contacts.
“What’s out there in the field is being taught and shown in our labs as well,” added Kharaud. “When the students complete their placements, they are fully prepared for what’s out there. Our instructors are also in close contact with our placement hosts as well.”
As career college learners start to think about where they’re going as part of practicums, and what sorts of jobs they want to apply to post-graduation, they often meet with staff working for their college who help advise them and find employment. Inoka De Silva has been advising career college students on their career choices for 12 years and is the director of career services for three Toronto-area Academy of Learning campuses.
“We like to talk to the students from the beginning of their studies to help support them whether they’re looking for part-time employment, volunteer work, or thinking ahead to their internship,” De Silva said. “We assist them with their internship and, if all goes well during the internship period and the employer has the opportunity open, our graduates get hired. We offer lifetime career service support so our graduates can come back to career services
as alumni and seek our support.”
With an increasing need for many healthcare professionals, some companies and care facilities are getting in front of career college trainees sooner and sooner. De Silva said her college recently hosted a healthcare specific job fair with on-the-spot interviews and job offers for those enrolled in personal support worker programs.
“Throughout the years we’ve built partnerships with many employers as well as staffing agencies,” she added. “The career service team assisted students to get all their documentation in order, such as vulnerable sector check and immunization report, and to assist them with the application and interview processes. We were able to get numerous graduates hired through this event.”
How to get started
With over 550 career colleges in Canada, covering every province and two territories, those seeking to work in healthcare have many training options. Those looking to start a healthcare career should look at options available from their closest colleges, or a suitable online option where applicable, and speak to an admissions representative to determine the right fit with their interests, skills, schedule, and career expectations.
“There is a wide range of programs that we offer for students and we always start by reminding them the opportunity to study is a fantastic gift,” noted Kharaud. “We start by welcoming them to this new journey and praising them on their decision. It’s never too late to start learning.”
HEALTHCARE CAREERS:
Personal Support Worker
Radiology Technician
Dental Assistant
Medical Office Assistant
Massage Therapist
Community Support Worker
Personal Aide
Home Support Worker
Personal Care Attendant
Cardiologist Technician
Pharmacy Assistant
Veterinary Technician
Phlebotomy Technician
Practical Nurse
Resident Care Worker
Healthcare Aide
Continuing Care Assistant …and more!
Here are five different in-demand careers that you could begin with as little as a year of studies at your local career college.
Across Canada, PSWs may also be known as healthcare aides, continuing care assistants, resident care workers, or personal care attendants
Personal Support Worker (PSW)
These positions go by different names in different provinces – sometimes they’re called Healthcare Aide or Continuing Care Assistant – but, no matter the title, they’re essential to keeping our nursing homes, retirement residences, hospitals, hospices, communal care homes, and educational facilities running.
How essential? There are hundreds of thousands of people employed as PSWs and, just in Ontario, it’s expected there will be an additional 51,000 hired by 2032! It’s no surprise, then, that the Government of Canada’s Job Bank forecasts strong demand for PSWs in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and PEI, with healthy demand in the other 10 provinces and territories. An aging population and a number of expected retirements are helping to drive the demand for these key medical professionals.
What makes PSWs so important? These compassionate and skilled medical workers can often be found helping patients who need assistance to complete nor-
mal daily activities whether due to a permanent or temporary illness, injury, or other health condition. They ensure patients are able to live healthy and productive lives while they recover or manage lifelong conditions, and help patients avoid further injury or other issues which might worsen their situation.
Achieving this might include ensuring those in their care take their medicine while identifying any new or worsening symptoms, helping them to get active and get ready for the day, providing companionship, and other light tasks the patient might require help with. In some settings, the job may involve food preparation, transporting the patient to appointments and operating mobility devices, and keeping good records of the patient’s behaviour.
Is this job right for me?
Because of the hands-on nature of the job, PSWs tend to work in shifts to ensure regular coverage for the patients they’re working
with. In larger care settings, PSW roles may be full or part-time with evenings and weekend shifts in addition to daytime hours. Though you may work independently during your shift, teamwork is essential as, depending on the type of patient and setting, you might be collaborating with other PSWs as well as other medical personnel and patient family members. Physical fitness is also important as PSWs are often on their feet for their whole shift and may be needed to lift or physically support a patient.
A typical hourly rate for a PSW might start between $20 and $25 per hour, rising as high as $45 per hour in the territories. In some cases, signing bonuses, educational credits for further training, or relocation bonuses may be available.
To become a PSW, graduates typically complete a certificate program at an eligible college including a hands-on placement (also called a practicum). A vulnerable sector check, First Aid certification, and the ability to physically complete the demands of the job are also common requirements. Language requirements should also be considered depending on the province and setting of the job, and PSWs working with patients in their home or in a smaller setting may require a vehicle and driver’s license.
After several years in the field, PSWs seeking to advance their career will often pursue management or supervisory roles, or complete additional training to become a Registered Practical Nurse or similar.
Careers to consider in healthcare
Medical Office Administrator
When can I see my doctor? Where do I need to go to get my prescription? What were the instructions the specialist gave me or my loved one at my last visit?
These are just some of the important duties of Medical Office Administrators, the backbone of a functioning medical clinic. Often found in hospitals, clinics, and other care settings, Medical Office Administrators keep patients flowing in and out, helping with efficient use of a doctor or medical specialist’s time, and ensure patient records are kept confidential and necessary information is clearly communicated to those who need to get it – whether patients, their family members, or specialists.
With many Canadians reaching their senior years, their medical needs are becoming more complex and this means more appointments and more demands on the time of doctors and specialists. This is part of the reason Medical Office Administrators are in high demand in places like Manitoba, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, with plenty of job postings also found in every other province. These jobs may be in large public sector
Are you discreet, organized, a strong communicator, and great with people?
Working in a medical office can be a dynamic and rewarding career choice.
settings as part of a specific clinic or unit, or could be found in a neighbourhood doctor or dental office, affording prospective Medical Office Administrators a wide variety of workplace settings and dynamics.
Is this job right for me?
In addition to privacy and discretion, those wishing to become a Medical Office Administrator are usually personable, strong communicators, detail oriented, and highly organized. They are typically comfortable using technology for managing patient records and coordinating calendars. They may also have some financial skills to assist with bookkeeping, submitting billing to insurance compa-
nies, or reconciling of expenses. These types of roles often attract individuals who enjoy office work and stable hours, and can include health benefits, pension, bonuses, vacation, wellness programs, and free parking.
Most Medical Office Administrators complete an office administration program with a stream or specialization focused on medical office settings that prepare graduates for the unique challenges of working in the medical field. Select positions may also seek candidates familiar with provincial health or workplace insurance regulations, knowledge of specific medical software or of working with electronic medical records, or some basic knowledge of medical terminology. Oftentimes, being able to write or speak a second language is an asset.
These types of roles can vary in hourly wage but typically start no lower than $20 per hour rising into the low thirties for more experienced and complex roles. Once a Medical Office Administrator has obtained several years of experience, they may choose to pursue roles in clinic management or roles that include additional minor medical duties.
Dental Assistant
Sometimes called Administrative Dental Assistants or Dental Receptionists, they’re often the first and last person at your chairside during a trip to the dentist.
A Dental Assistant is the one assisting the dentist and dental hygienists by taking X-rays of your teeth and gums, ensuring the treatment room is ready for your visit, reminding you to floss and follow all the other proper oral hygiene techniques, maintaining your patient records, scheduling your appointments, helping with patient sedation, and otherwise assisting the dentist in any way they might need before, during, and after your visit. Some assistants also help in the preparation of bridge and denture bases, braces, moulds for mouthguards, and orthodontic bands. Occasionally, these differences in duties may be due to how a province classifies the job, as provinces like Ontario divide these roles into chair-side (or level I) assistants, and intra-oral (or level II) assistants.
Job prospects for Dental Assistants are generally good across all Canadian provinces according to the Government of Canada, and hourly wages tend to fluctuate
While it may not be their name on the clinic door, when you find out how much dental assistants do you might just say “Ah!”.
between the low twenties to the mid-thirties for more experienced help.
In addition to completing a Dental Assistant program at a registered college, Dental Assistants will need to pass a national exam and become licensed in their home province (except Quebec) or territory. After this, depending on the clinic, a Dental Assistant will also complete additional training or credentials such as a radiography certificate course to operate a dental x-ray machine, training in infection control, and CPR.
Is this job right for me?
Most Dental Assistants can be found employed at dental, den-
ture, and orthodontics clinics, offering an array of mainly urban or suburban workplace options in generally smaller teams. Depending on the owner, dental clinics may offer incentives like health benefits, free parking, paid vacation, educational incentives, or other health programs. Depending on the clinic’s hours, Dental Assistants may work some evenings and weekends or may strictly work regular office hours. Some positions even offer a signing bonus.
Successful Dental Assistants are typically those who enjoy interacting with people, are detail oriented and organized with strong hand-eye coordination, and are positive team players. Dental Assistants should enjoy learning and be flexible as the busy schedule of a clinic can involve managing a variety of patients all at different stages of their visit. Some skills in bookkeeping or management of invoices and records may also be beneficial. Additionally, Dental Assistants should be comfortable with digital record keeping and software which will help manage the clinic’s schedule, schedule patient appointments, and submit records to insurance companies.
Careers to consider in healthcare
Massage Therapist
How would you like to help people alleviate stress, soothe muscle aches, and generally improve their well-being? With increased attention paid to wellness in recent years, massage therapists are in strong demand across Canada, especially in Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Getting started on your massage therapy career begins with a college program and a clinical placement which will help learners get a handle on both the basic skills and the theoretical knowledge they need to be successful. After college, Massage Therapy program graduates complete licensing exams, becoming a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), before they are ready to begin a career search.
Massage Therapy program graduates can find themselves working in private clinics – possibly even setting up their own clinic, once they gain enough experience – or spa settings, working alongside other health and wellness treatment providers. Some RMTs even work in exotic settings like cruise ships or luxury resorts!
Graduates can find themselves working in private clinics – possibly even setting up their own clinic
Once out in the field, Massage Therapists may choose to specialize or seek additional training in specific massage therapy techniques or other wellness practices to increase their earning potential and employability. Some, having gained experience working for another RMT, may seek business training to help them manage their own clinic.
Is this job right for me?
This career is ideal for those who enjoy flexibility, with a range of jobs that are part-time or which use a schedule outside of the typical nine to five depending on the clinic’s operating hours. The pay can vary, with RMTs in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan generally outearning their
peers. An important consideration when applying to these positions is knowing whether the job is hourly, salaried, or based on a portion of the clinic’s overall earn ings or commissions – with tips sometimes included – and wheth er the RMT or the clinic is paying for expenses like massage oils.
Above and beyond pay, there can be many fringe benefits to Massage Therapy jobs ranging from employee discounts, health benefits, casual work attire, and free parking. Signing bonuses are sometimes offered. In larger clinics, the RMT will benefit from administrative support such as reception and booking services.
Successful RMTs are those who are attentive to their patient’s needs, are good listeners, and diligent note takers. Especially in commission-based or self-em ployment settings, RMTs will need skills in sales, marketing, and negotiation when working with suppliers. One of an RMT’s most valuable assets is their time, so choosing a career in Massage Therapy is for those who can manage their time effectively and ensure client interactions are pro fessional and kept on schedule.
Pharmacy Technician and Assistant
Statistics Canada data from 2021 shows two thirds of Canadians took or were prescribed medication in the previous twelve months. Filling all those prescriptions, ensuring patients get the guidance they need, controlling the pharmacy’s inventory, and completing the billing is all part of being a Pharmacy Technician (also sometimes called a Pharmacy Assistant).
These Technicians are usually found in both community and veterinary pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care or hospice facilities, jails, and sometimes in pharmaceutical manufacturing plants. This means whether you prefer to work for a small business or in a larger institutional setting you can find work as a Pharmacy Technician, and you can find these positions even in smaller population centres.
Pharmacy Technicians tend to work alongside pharmacists or doctors, fellow technicians, care providers, and clients to ensure the right medication is provided to a patient in need alongside proper instructions. Technicians
Two thirds of Canadians took or were prescribed medication in 2020/2021, according to Statistics Canada.
may also be involved in helping to prepare the medication through compounding some products like ointments, creams, or oral solutions, and administering vaccines.
Is this job right for me?
Becoming a Pharmacy Technician or Assistant involves completing a program that is typically a year in length, followed by an exam and a registration process with a provincial (except for Quebec) or territorial body. These positions tend to be best suited to those who are strong communicators, have good interpersonal skills, can remain organized and work independent-
ly, have a strong attention to detail, are good at problem solving and basic numeracy, and can manage their time well. Technicians tend to be on their feet and moving for most of their shift.
With an aging population requiring more medical support, the job market forecast for Pharmacy Technicians is generally good, particularly in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. A starting salary in the mid twenties per hour is fairly typical, and these positions tend to involve several benefits such as flexible schedules with paid time off, health benefits, store discounts, free parking, and wellness programs. In high demand areas, a signing bonus may be offered.
As a Pharmacy Technician’s career progresses, some will choose to specialize in specific types of medication to take on roles in specific care settings like a cancer clinic. Others may move into sales roles with pharmaceutical companies or advance into purchasing, supervisory, and management roles.
How to Get a job in healthcare
There
are
opportunities
posted daily right across the country
You’ve read about the exciting opportunities in Canada’s healthcare industry available now and in the years to come. And you’ve wondered where you or someone you care about could begin your newfound career in healthcare –and which career to pick, with so many options to choose from.
Whether you’re drawn to the field by a passion for helping others, an interest in medical science, or the desire for stable and rewarding work, choosing and starting a career in healthcare requires careful consideration and planning. Here are a few steps to help guide your journey.
Self-Assessment and Exploration
The first step in selecting a healthcare career is to conduct a thorough self-assessment. Reflect on your interests, strengths, and values. Do you enjoy working closely with people and providing direct care? Consider careers such as practical nursing, cardiologist
technician, or massage therapist. Would you prefer to work behind the scenes? Hospitals and clinics need people working as medical office assistants and other support roles too! If you prefer to be mobile while at work, roles like personal support worker or pharmacy technician are options to consider.
Some career colleges offer personal assessment quizzes which will help you evaluate different career options to determine the best fit for your preferences, skills, and career needs. Visit their websites or contact an admissions officer for more information.
You can also contact a local workplace you’re considering and ask about conducting some job shadowing, informational interviews, or reviewing any other resources they might have about the job you’re interested in. If the job is provincially or nationally licensed, you may be able to find more information on an association website, such as the website of the Canadian Dental Assistants Association.
Educational Requirements and Training
Once you’ve identified a potential career path, research the educational and training requirements associated with that work. Healthcare professions vary significantly – while some highly specialized roles may take many years of study and significant financial investment, other careers can be started in as little as one year.
Ensure you understand the length of the programs, the cost of education, and any license or certification requirements. Look into accredited schools and programs to ensure they meet the industry standards and will adequately prepare you for your chosen career, as well as relevant licensing. Make sure to consider ongoing professional development requirements of your new line of work.
While your skills are transferrable, your licensing may not be. If you want to work in a particular province or territory, it may be in your best interest to consider a
program of study in that region to ensure you can practice without additional fees, paperwork, or study time.
Lastly, you should confirm if your program has a placement or practicum, which will help you gain hands-on experience and valuable connections before graduation.
Evaluating Work Environments and Specializations
Healthcare careers can vary widely in terms of work environment and specialization. Consider whether you prefer working in a hospital, a clinic, an office, a retirement or long-term care setting, or a community health setting. Each environment offers different experiences and challenges. Larger and public sector healthcare workplaces may offer different benefits and more room for career advancement, but it may also take longer to obtain those prime daytime shifts.
You will also want to consider the type of hours you want to work. While in some professions it is typical that new hires will start with evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts, other environments offer more stable ‘business hours’ that may better align with family needs or personal preferences.
Building a Professional Network
Networking is an essential part of advancing in any career, including healthcare. Consider attending industry conferences, joining professional associations, and connecting with fellow professionals on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Doing so might provide
Healthcare is a dynamic field with constant advancements.
a connection to a possible mentor or future job opportunities.
Don’t wait until you’re out in industry – start building your network during your studies. Your instructors often bring a wealth of knowledge and contacts, and they are often delighted to help their trainees find meaningful work.
Securing Employment
As you near the completion of your education and training, start preparing for the job search. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills, experience, and certifications. Practice for interviews by preparing answers to common questions and scenarios you might encounter in healthcare settings. Be prepared to discuss your experience, your understanding of the role, and how you would handle various patient care situations as applicable.
Your training provider should have some career services offerings available to you both as a student and as a graduate. Speak with them for valuable industry connections as well as solid advice to help format your resume, prepare for your interview, and understand the current labour market situation.
“The needs and expectations of healthcare employers have grown,” said Inoka De Silva, Director of Career Services for three of Academy of Learning’s Toronto-area campuses. “However, our
students are geared to meet those expectations because they get the technical skills while in school and we do a lot of coaching on the soft skills. We are really gearing our students for success no matter what the expectation of the employer is.”
De Silva noted the majority of her school’s learners get hired out of their internships and the vast majority are employed within three months.
Continuing Education and Career Development
Healthcare is a dynamic field with constant advancements. Staying current with the latest developments in your area of expertise is important – and in certain fields, it may be a requirement. Many healthcare professionals engage in continuing education to maintain their license and stay competitive.
As you gain more experience and advance in your career, you may also consider seeking opportunities for professional development, such as certifications, specializations, or advanced degrees to help you secure promotions, pay increases, or other workplace advancements. In some cases, you may be required to do so.
Your Journey Awaits
Selecting and beginning a career in healthcare requires careful consideration but can be a rewarding and meaningful choice for your working years. By assessing your interests, understanding educational and licensing requirements, gaining relevant experience, and building a professional network, you can enjoy a dynamic career with strong job prospects.
440,363
That’s how many Canadian healthcare jobs were posted to Indeed’s Canadian site in 2023!
$50,400
Within two years of graduation, that’s how much the average 2017 graduate of a Canadian healthcare diploma was making.
87%
Percentage of career college graduates participating in the workforce within six months of graduation
Meet five career college graduates on the front-lines
Whether in big hospitals, community clinics, or even on the road, you can find healthcare workers in a wide variety of settings. And each worker has a story as unique and varied as their workplaces – from young recent graduates to experienced newcomers.
Meet a few recent graduates from healthcare programs and see how their journeys led them to rewarding careers in healthcare.
Graduate Profile: Dana Hauck Medical Office Administration
Dana Hauck knew healthcare was the field for her, even from a young age. When she graduated high school and found that a career in nursing wouldn’t be a possibility, she looked at other options which would help her realize her dream.
As it turns out, some friends of hers had attended Saskatoon Business College and completed a 10-month program in Medical Office Administration. She found out the program was online during the days, which meant Dana was able to keep working at nights and could still spend time with her partner while completing her virtual learning.
Dana graduated the program in 2022 and, despite a local hiring freeze briefly interrupting her job search, she found work with her local hospital in North Battleford. She was first offered a position in the admissions department before moving to the home care department which had a more regular shift schedule. The department
assists patients with dietary, longterm care, therapies, and other home services.
Dana’s role involves working behind the scenes with different office and medical software and personnel to help keep the office organized and keep track of patients. In the front-facing part of her job, she regularly interacts with staff and other medical professionals, playing a key role in ensuring everyone involved in a patient’s care is on the same page and the ever-important medical paperwork keeps moving to
ensure patients get the care they need. She enjoys her job and felt well prepared for work at Battlefords Union Hospital by her college program.
“Saskatoon Business College gives you all the basics whether you want to work in a clinic, in a hospital, or anywhere in the medical field where there are administrative jobs,” she said. “They equipped me for whatever job I was going to pursue.”
Dana said she recommends the program for the flexible and diverse skills it offers regardless of what industry an administrative professional might find themselves in down the road.
“You can use these skills in so many avenues – we learned office skills, we learned about medical terminology, and we learned bookkeeping skills,” she said. “Education is never a waste. Saskatoon Business College really prepared me for what was going to come in the future and the roles that I was going to take in my line of work.”
Graduate Profile: Ani Aleksanyan Cardiologist Technician
Ani Aleksanyan had already completed several years of medical training before immigrating to Canada. In her home country of Armenia, she worked as a pediatric neurologist and came from a line of doctors.
She arrived in Canada in 2017 and realized her credentials would not be recognized, so she began to think about other career options which would allow her to use her medical knowledge and her desire to help others.
During this time, Ani found the Cardiologist Technician program at Anderson College. She enrolled in 2018 and graduated within two years.
After a short time in industry, Ani returned to Anderson - but this time as an instructor, putting
her years of medical experience and knowledge, as well as past teaching experience, to work helping a new group of eager learners.
These aspiring cardiology technicians learn about anatomy, physiology, and administering intravenous (IV) medications through classes and lab practicums. These techs have an important job in hospitals and cardiology clinics where they are responsible
for reading and administering different medical equipment, tests, and scans to understand how well a patient’s heart is functioning and the likelihood of a heart attack.
“It is an amazing program and, with many cardiology technicians retiring and an aging patient population, there are many jobs available,” Ani said.
The most rewarding part, according to Ani, is helping her students go through the process, beginning with no knowledge and becoming a professional at the end. The program is geared towards a national licensing exam for cardiologist technicians.
“I have no regrets,” she says. “I have gained so much knowledge and the learners I’m teaching are now doing the same work as some doctors back home.”
“I have gained so much knowledge and the learners I’m teaching are now doing the same work as some doctors back home.”
Graduate Profile: Edel Marie Urmaza Pharmacy Assistant
Edel Marie Urmaza was seeking a way to reunite her family and continue her healthcare career. Following her father’s advice, she trained as a nurse in her native Philippines, working in both her home country and the Middle East.
“If you consider a healthcare career, you will never be unemployed,” she said. “There will always be hospitals.”
The challenge, however, was that her husband was working in Canada and her daughter was back home.
After immigrating to Canada through a family reunification program, she sought to leverage her existing education into a new career and found the Pharmacy Assistant program at Sundance College.
“This course helped equip me regarding the pharmacy regulations in Canada and to see the
difference between the three countries I’ve been working in,” she said. “The college got back to me immediately and guided me through the process from A to Z.”
Sundance College’s 43-week Pharmacy Assistant diploma program is intended to help train learners to work in pharmacies, where they will be helping to fill prescriptions, interact with patients, manage inventory, and be familiar with compounding and other essential job skills. Since graduating in April 2024,
Edel has used these newfound skills and her existing training to find work in the homecare sector in Calgary under Alberta Health Services.
“I'm working with people with disabilities, assisting with personal care, medications, and colostomy bags,” she said. “Thanks to this program, I am more knowledgeable about the medications I am giving and the pharmacology side of my job.”
As Edel continues to build her Canadian work experience, she is pursuing a nursing license which would allow her to work as a travel nurse either in Canada or the US. A travel nurse takes on short-term temporary positions in different settings where additional help is needed.
“Do not stop learning – gain the knowledge and improve yourself,” she advised aspiring healthcare professionals.
“If you consider a healthcare career, you will never be unemployed. There will always be hospitals.”
Being a veterinary technician is like being “a nurse for animals”.
Graduate Profile: Bianca Babineau Veterinary Technician
Bianca Babineau grew up on a farm and it contributed to her love of animals. As she reached her teens, she wanted to turn that love of animals into meaningful work and landed on studying to become a veterinary technician.
She describes the role as “like a nurse for animals”, a hands-on type of job that involves administering IVs and medication, preparing the animals for surgery, conducting lab work, and working directly with the vet and the pet owners.
“I love the job because it’s never the same day to day,” she said. “You never know what will walk through the door. It’s a rewarding and exciting career.”
When Bianca looked up veterinary technician programs in her home province in New Brunswick, she found the only offering was at Moncton-based Oulton College. She enrolled, graduating in 2009, and valued the connections
with her classmates as well as the hands-on learning including field trips to local farms, a zoo, and an Atlantic wildlife institution.
“Enrolling was a very easy decision,” she said.
Following graduation, she quickly found work with Mountain Road Animal Hospital, a local animal care facility, and became one of the main Registered Veterinary Technicians on the floor. Within four years, she was pro-
moted to become the hospital manager which meant taking on additional paperwork. For those considering a similar career, Bianca cautions that the work goes beyond playing with pets.
“There are sad days but good days too,” she says. “The good days outweigh the bad.”
After working in the field for nine years, a job opportunity came up at Oulton College to teach in the same program she had applied to. She got the job in 2018.
“I love teaching because it’s exciting and different every day,” Bianca said. “It’s rewarding to see students put theory into practice, to be successful in those new skills, and to see the excitement in their eyes as they get to the career they want.”
She says the transition to teaching has been as rewarding as her time as a veterinary technician, and is glad she can still affect animal health through her training of these new vet techs.
Graduate Profile: Thomson Lee Massage Therapy
After finishing a kinesiology degree in 2014, Thomson Lee knew he wanted to become a massage therapist.
However, at that stage in his life, more full-time schooling wasn’t an option. So, he found other work and later started his own business harnessing both his experience as a personal trainer and the shiatsu massage techniques he had learned.
When COVID hit, Thomson reflected on his career to date and where he wanted to go next. He continued his business while looking up schools that offered massage therapist programs.
“Helping clients stretch and see them relieved of pain or tension gives me a lot of satisfaction,” he said.
Fortunately for Thomson, Protege School in Scarborough was nearby and accepted his application. He began hybrid studies in the winter of 2022 while continu-
ing to work.
“I did not want to go back to school full-time without being able to make an income,” he said. “Protege was very accommodating with my schedule. It’s a very comprehensive theoretical learning environment with a great practical environment in the form of their student clinic and community outreach.”
Thomson credits his professors for providing real experience,
which prepared him for the real world where, as he says, “Nothing from the textbook applies. There are always exceptions and varying factors in client interactions.”
He graduated from the program in the fall of 2023 and his clients graduated with him from his shiatsu massage business to take advantage of Thomson’s expanded range of services. He continues to work on his own while also practicing as part of a clinic in nearby Aurora. His career goal remains to be self-employed, though he enjoys the community exposure that working as part of a clinic provides.
“I was so well prepared by the school that adapting to a clinical environment was easy,” he said.
Thomson says those who are considering a career in massage therapy should expect to work hard, and encourages prospective learners to ask a lot of questions to ensure they are well prepared for industry.
“Protege was very accommodating with my schedule. It’s a very comprehensive theoretical learning environment with a great practical environment in the form of their student clinic and community outreach.”
