Short answer: Healthcare jobs fall into two groups. Regulated roles such as nurse, pharmacist and physiotherapist require registration with a provincial regulatory body. Support roles such as care aide, unit clerk and medical office assistant need a certificate or on-the-job training and are the quickest way into the field.
Which roles need a licence?
| Role | Typical education | Regulated? |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | Bachelor’s degree in nursing | Yes |
| Licensed or registered practical nurse | College diploma | Yes |
| Medical laboratory technologist | College diploma | Yes, in most provinces |
| Pharmacy technician | College diploma | Yes |
| Care aide or personal support worker | Certificate of several months | Varies by province |
| Medical office assistant, unit clerk | Certificate or experience | No |
Why do job titles change between provinces?
The same support role is called a health care aide in some provinces, a personal support worker in Ontario and a continuing care assistant in others. Practical nurses are “licensed” in most provinces and “registered” in Ontario. When you search, try each version of the title.
What is the fastest way in?
A care aide or personal support worker certificate takes months rather than years, and graduates are hired quickly by long-term care homes, home care agencies and hospitals. Some provinces subsidize the training. Many people work in these roles while studying to become nurses.
What is the work like?
- Shifts cover days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
- New staff often start on casual or part-time lines and pick up extra shifts.
- Many positions are unionized, with set pay scales and benefits.
- Rural and northern communities often offer incentives to relocate.
What if you trained outside Canada?
Contact the regulatory body for your profession in the province where you want to live, before you move if you can. It will explain how your education is assessed, which exams you need and what language proof is required. Meanwhile, a support role can give you Canadian experience and income. See how credential recognition works.
Where are the jobs?
Everywhere. Browse healthcare jobs by province, or compare Nova Scotia, Alberta and Ontario.
Leave a Reply