Download A Guide To Health Care Careers In Northwestern Ontario(2009)

Check Up: A Guide to
Health Careers
in
Northwestern Ontario
is funded by
2009
North Superior Training Board/
Comité de formation du Nord Supérieur
Introduction
As the economy of Northwestern Ontario continues to evolve, the health care industry is
emerging as an increasingly important sector. Over the past several years, this sector has
undergone significant development, including the establishment of the Northern Ontario
School of Medicine (NOSM), expansion of research at the Northwestern Ontario Regional
Cancer Centre and the opening of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
(TBRHSC). More recently, in 2007, $14.7 million was invested in TBRHSC for the
establishment of a Molecular Medicine Research Centre, creating 200 direct jobs.
Another new initiative has been the introduction of the Physician Assistant role to the
Ontario health care system through a two-year demonstration project taking place in
selected hospitals, community health centres, community-based diabetes care clinics and
long-term care homes. Thunder Bay is a hospital demonstration project site for this initiative.
The health care sector in Northwestern Ontario employs more than 10,000 people. In 2007
alone, more than 54 new full time nurses graduating from Lakehead University were hired
at TBRHSC. As well, more than 400 physicians across Northern Ontario are supporting
clinical education through the new NOSM.
In light of this rapid and significant growth, the health care sector in Northwestern Ontario
is facing labour shortages. Moreover, future skill shortages are expected in health care
occupations as a result of an aging population. The health care occupations expected to
be affected the most include Physicians, Registered Nurses, Pharmacists,
Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Diagnostic Imaging Technologists, Registered
Practical Nurses and Medical Laboratory Technicians.
In order to more effectively promote health care careers in Northwestern Ontario, the
North Superior Training Board (NSTB) has developed this resource tool, Check Up: A
Guide to Health Care Careers in Northwestern Ontario.
Information contained in this guidebook was collected through the following resources:
• The National Occupational Classification Index 2006
• Service Canada
• Ontario Job Futures
• Numerous universities, colleges and other training institutions
• Health care professionals In Northwestern Ontario
We hope your journey through Check Up: A Guide to Health Care Careers in Northwestern
Ontario is helpful in pointing you in the right direction to reaching your career goals. We look
forward to seeing you employed in Northwestern Ontario’s health care sector in the future.
Why Choose a Career in Health Care?
Business is booming – and the “Boomers” will keep it that way! It’s expected that one in
nine of today’s Baby Boomers (people who are aged 45-60) will live to age 90 and one in
26 will reach the age of 100. That means that, while the demand for health care
professionals is huge right now, it will only get bigger. But that’s just one reason to
choose a health care career.
A health care career is never boring. It offers daily challenges and opportunities to make a
difference in the lives of others. Plus, it’s a career that is respected all over the world.
Many health care careers today provide a great deal of flexibility in working hours and the
ability to work blocks of shifts and then in return have a series of days off prior to
returning to work again. In addition, a growth in telemedicine and other mobile
technologies increasingly allows care closer to home and gives providers greater mobility.
Are you ready for the rewards and excitement of a health care career in Northwestern Ontario?
North Superior Training Board
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Why in Northwestern Ontario?
When it comes to quality of life, Northwestern Ontario has a lot to offer, including one of
the most affordable housing markets in Canada, unsurpassed natural beauty and superb
four-season recreational opportunities. Northwestern Ontario is a great place for singles
and families alike. It’s not just about the great outdoors either. The region boasts a
thriving cultural life as well, with a multitude of festivals, museums, galleries and theatres.
“Hot” Health Careers in Northwestern Ontario
So what are the “hottest of the hot” health careers in Northwestern Ontario? The North
Superior Training Board’s Mission Employability III forum on careers in health care in the
region pointed to some of the best health career options in this part of the province including:
• Physicians
• Nurse Practitioners
• Registered Nurses
• Registered Practical Nurse
• Physician’s Assistants
• Pharmacists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Radiation Technologists
• Researchers – Cancer, Bio-Medical
• Medical Lab Technicians • Diagnostic Imaging
• Health Informatics – • Foot Care Specialists
information & data management (chiropodists)
• Speech Language Pathologists
• Recreationists
• Sports Medicine
• Kinesiologists
• Dieticians • Audiologists
• Information Technology –
• Alternative, Preventative and
complementary support to Medicine (massage therapy; homeopathy;
maintain new equipment naturopath; acupuncture; yoga, etc.)
• Personal Care and
Personal Support Workers
What You Will Find in this Guidebook:
The objective of this Guidebook is to raise awareness of and promote career opportunities
in Northwestern Ontario’s growing health and health research sector. This resource tool
will provide anyone considering a career in either of these sectors the information they
require including:
• A job description
• A listing of job duties
• A description of the work environment
• Training requirements
• Any related occupations
• Average earnings for Northwestern Ontario (if not available, general wage rate for
Ontario is provided)
• Employment prospects
• The associated professional and regulatory organizations
• Educational institutions that offer the relevant training
Also provided are testimonials from some health care professionals working in the region.
This report can also be downloaded from the NSTB site at www.nstb.on.ca.
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North Superior Training Board
North Superior Training Board:
“Connecting Community Partners to Improve the Quality of Life in Our
Communities through Workforce Development”
The North Superior Training Board (NSTB), formed in 1996, is 1 of 21 Local Training
Boards established in Ontario and is a non-government, not-for profit, community-based
organization. Volunteers from business, labour, education, and equity groups work at a
local level to develop solutions to labour market needs. The mandate of the NSTB is to:
• Engage communities in a locally-driven process to identify and respond to key labour
market trends, opportunities and priorities (TOP);
• Facilitate a local TOP planning process that results in specific actions to address high
priority labour market needs;
• Develop collaborative partnerships to address employment, economic and social
challenges;
• Organize activities that promote the importance of education, training and skills
upgrading to youth, parents, employers, employed and unemployed workers and the
public in general.
The NSTB/CFNS Board area is known as Local Area #24 and is made up of the entire
Thunder Bay district as well as the area west of White River, east of the Ojibway Nation of
Saugeen, and south of Webequie. The area includes Nibinamik (Summer Beaver),
Neskantaga (Landsdowne House) and Eabametoong (Fort Hope).
Acknowledgements:
The North Superior Training Board would like to extend thanks to the North West Local
Health Integration Network for both its financial support and its expert advice as well as
to the Conseil scolaire de district catholique des aurores boréales and Passport to
Prosperity for providing funding.
We also acknowledge the assistance of the Niagara Workforce Development Board and the
Waterloo-Wellington Training & Adjustment Board (WWTAB) for sharing their Catalogues of
Health Care Careers resource tools (released 2003 and 2004 respectively).
The Board would also like to extend its appreciation to Anna Maria Soviero, now a second
year medical student at NOSM, for conducting the research and for participating in the
writing of the first draft of this report.
Reproduction Policy:
An online version of this report is available at www.nstb.on.ca.
Reproduction of this document, in whole, or in part, is permitted and encouraged.
Note: The North Superior Training Board acknowledges that the information contained
within this document is subject to change and will continue to seek out information in
areas that require further analysis and action.
The views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect those of the Ministry of
Training, Colleges and Universities or the North West LHIN.
North Superior Training Board
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Traditional Health Care Careers
NOC Index #
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NOC Index Title
Page
NOC 3111
Specialist Physicians
(Clinical Medicine, Laboratory Medicine, Surgery)
6
NOC 3112
General Practitioners and Family Physicians
10
NOC 3113
Dentists
13
NOC 3114
Veterinarians
15
NOC 3121
Optometrists
17
NOC 3122
Chiropractors
19
NOC 3123
Other Professional Occupations in Health Diagnosing
and Treating
21
NOC 3131
Pharmacists
25
NOC 3132
Dietitians and Nutritionists
28
NOC 3141
Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
30
NOC 3142
Physiotherapists
33
NOC 3143
Occupational Therapists
36
NOC 3152
Registered Nurses
38
NOC 3211
Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists’ Assistants
42
NOC 3212
Medical Laboratory Technicians
45
NOC 3214
Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists and
Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists
47
NOC 3215
Medical Radiation Technologists
50
NOC 3216
Medical Sonographers
53
NOC 3217
Cardiology Technoligists
55
NOC 3218
Electroencephalographic and Other Diagnostic Technologists,
n.e.c.
57
NOC 3219
Other Medical Technologists and Technicians (except Dental Health)
59
NOC 3221
Denturists
61
NOC 3222
Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists
63
NOC 3223
Dental Technologists, Technicians, and Laboratory
Bench Workers
65
NOC 3231
Opticians
67
NOC 3232
Midwives and Practitioners of Natural Healing
69
NOC 3233
Registered Practical Nurses
71
NOC 3234
Paramedics
74
NOC 3235
Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment
78
NOC 3411
Dental Assistants
81
NOC 3413
Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates
83
NOC 3414
Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services
86
North Superior Training Board
Non-Traditional Health Care Careers
NOC Index #
NOC Index Title
Page
NOC 1243
Medical Secretaries
89
NOC 2263
Inspectors in Public and Environmental Health and
Occupational Health and Safety
91
NOC 4151
Psychologists
93
NOC 4152
Social Workers
96
NOC 4153
Family, Marriage and Other Related Counsellors
99
NOC 4167
Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program Supervisors and
Consultants
102
NOC 4212
Community and Social Service Workers
104
Biotechnology Careers
NOC Index #
NOC Index Title
Page
NOC 2112
Chemists
107
NOC 2121
Biologists and Other Related Scientists
110
NOC 2148
Other Professional Engineers, n.e.c.
Additional Biotechnology Resources
113
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NOC 3111
Specialist Physicians
(Clinical Medicine, Laboratory Medicine, Surgery)
Job Description
Specialists in clinical medicine diagnose and treat diseases, physiological or psychiatric
disorders and act as consultants to other physicians. Residents in training to become
specialist physicians are included in this unit group.
Specialists in laboratory medicine study the nature, cause and development of diseases in
humans. Residents in training to become specialist physicians are included in this unit
group. Progression to a management position such as director of laboratory medicine is
possible with experience.
Specialists in surgery perform and supervise surgical procedures. Residents in training
to become specialist physicians are included in this unit group. Progression to a
management position such as chief of surgery is possible with experience.
Duties
Specialists in clinical medicine perform some or all of the following duties:
• Diagnose and treat diseases and physiological or psychiatric disorders
• Order laboratory tests, X-rays and other diagnostic procedures
• Prescribe medication and treatment and refer patients for surgery
• Act as consultants to other physicians
• May conduct medical research
Specialists in laboratory medicine perform some or all of the following duties:
• Study the nature, cause and development of diseases in humans and the structural
and functional changes caused by diseases
• Conduct microscopic and chemical analyses of laboratory samples and specimens
• Supervise laboratory activities
• Act as consultants to other physicians
Specialists in surgery perform some or all of the following duties:
• Assess patients’ diseases or disorders to determine appropriate surgical procedures
• Perform and supervise surgical procedures to correct physical abnormalities and
deficiencies and repair injuries
• Act as consultants to other physicians
Example Titles
Clinical Medicine:
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• Anesthetist
• Pneumologist
• Geriatrician
• Clinical Immunologist-allergist
• Physiatrist
• Nephrologist
• Diagnostic Radiologist
• Radiation Oncologist
• Oncologist
• Endocrinologist
• Rheumatologist
North Superior Training Board
• Gastroenterologist
• Cardiologist
• Pediatrician
• Hematologist
• Dermatologist
• Psychiatrist
• Neurologist
• Emergency Physician
• Respirologist
• Orthopedist
Laboratory Medicine:
• Anatomical Pathologist
• Hematopathologist
• Medical Microbiologist
• General Pathologist
• Medical Biochemist
• Neuropathologist
Surgery:
• General surgeon
• Obstetrician/gynecologist
• Orthopedic surgeon
• Pediatric surgeon
• Thoracic surgeon
• Vascular surgeon
Work Environment
• Hospitals
• Private Practice
Requirements
• Bachelor of Science degree.
• Graduation from an approved medical school and specific specialty training.
• Completion of the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Canada.
• Licensing by the provincial licensing authority.
• Four to five years of specialty residency training (specialist physicians and specialists
in clinical medicine).
• Five to six years of specialty residency training (specialists in clinical medicine and
surgery).
• Two years of subspecialty training may also be required.
Classified Elsewhere
• Chiropractors (3122)
• General Practitioners and Family Physicians (3112)
• Managers in Health Care (0311)
• Naturopathic physicians and osteopathic physicians (in 3123 Other Professional
Occupations in Health Diagnosing and Treating)
Average Annual Gross Fee-for-Service Payments
Ontario - examples1
• Anesthetist - $300,116
• Opthalmologist - $521,587
• Plastic surgeon - $294,027
• Dermatologist - $322,655
• Pediatrician - $252,278
• Obstetrician/gynecologist - $367,975
• Urologist - $395,740
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Physicians in Canada: Average Gross Fee-for-Service Payments, Canadian Institute of Health Information, Average Gross
Fee-for-Service for Physicians Who Received at Least $60,000 in Payments by Type of Practice, 2005-2006
North Superior Training Board
There will be a 33% decrease in physicians per 1000 people in Canada by 2021.
• Cardiac surgeon
• Neurosurgeon
• Ophthamologist
• Otolaryngologist
• Plastic surgeon
• Urologist
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Employment Prospects
Thunder Bay & Region - Very Good
“I saw medicine as a positive contribution to society.”
Dr. Blair Schoales, M.D., FRCS(C)
There is currently a large demand for physicians in Ontario. This demand is expected to
grow, due largely to a rapidly aging population. As well, a substantial number of job
openings will be created each year from the need to replace physicians who retire.
According to the 2007 National Physician Survey, 14.4% of physicians in Ontario saw
non-urgent cases within one to two weeks and 12.1% required two to four weeks to see
non-urgent patients. The survey also found that 6.5% of physicians in Ontario planned to
retire in the next two years. Specialists in some fields and geographic locations are
currently in short supply. In November 2004, the province of Ontario announced it would
spend $1.7 million over three years to help foreign-trained medical graduates living in
Ontario to develop their skills and find jobs in the health sector, which should start to
improve the availability of physicians.
Technical progress in telecommunications may mean that specialists can provide services
at a distance, perhaps in collaboration with general practitioners. Job opportunities will
be better for individuals with training in anesthesiology, obstetrics/gynaecology,
pathology, psychiatry and oncology.
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine website shows a significant number of
vacancies for specialist physicians in Thunder Bay and the region including five for
cardiologists and psychiatrists and two for oncologists.
For the complete listing of specialist physician vacancies in Thunder Bay District go to:
www.normed.ca
Affiliations and Training
Regulatory Body:
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario - www.cpso.on.ca
• Professional Association: Ontario Medical Association - www.oma.org
Ontario Universities that Offer Training in Medicine:
In Northern Ontario:
• The Northern Ontario School of Medicine - www.normed.ca
In the Rest of Ontario:
• University of Ottawa - http://www.uottawa.ca/academic/med/
• Queen’s University - http://meds.queensu.ca/medicine/
• University of Toronto - http://www.facmed.utoronto.ca/site4.aspx
• McMaster University - http://65.39.131.180/ContentPage.aspx?name=MD%20
Program%20Home
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.fmd.uwo.ca/
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North Superior Training Board
Dr. Blair Schoales
Occupational Title: Ophthalmologist, Former Chief of Staff, Thunder Bay Regional Health
Sciences Centre; Current Vice-Dean of Admissions, Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Years in Career: 26
Training: BSc in Chemistry, M.D., FRCS(C) - Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in
Canada
A combination of factors prompted Dr. Schoales to enter the field of Medicine and
Surgery. “I saw medicine as a positive contribution to society. However, I was not being
totally altruistic. I felt that medicine had positive viewpoints in that it was, and is, a
profession that is looked on favourably. Academically, I felt it was appropriate in relation
to my strengths. I saw medicine as being a career that would be sufficient economically
for raising a family. Medicine is interesting and offers an individual variety, not assembly
line type work. As well, there was a relative shortage in the community, so becoming a
doctor and surgeon was meeting a need.”
Dr. Schoales says that “medicine in Northwestern Ontario is changing as we go. I think
there are very significant opportunities for an individual to be a physician who has an
important impact and influence on health care even within the community as a whole.
Physicians have numerous opportunities to reach their maximal potential. In some places,
having the right pedigree made a person a ‘good’ physician which initiated a hierarchy
that doctors had to work through. This hierarchy does not exist here. Relatively new
doctors, in a short time, can bring in new policy modalities. If a physician wanted to be a
part of a Northwestern Ontario Board, that physician would not need to wait generations
to get onto that Board. Physicians are well-appreciated by their patients and the
community as a whole. One of the greatest things is that with the brand-new medical
school, the research and clinical roles are expanding. From a clinical standpoint, most
clinicians in Northwestern Ontario would be more generalists or within a specialty be
more comprehensive”.
As for the skills, abilities and personality traits he believes a successful doctor/surgeon
should have, Dr. Schoales says, “Academic competency is important. One needs to be
able to acquire, store and use information but this not an overwhelming factor. An
individual must also have empathy. The best doctors are doctors that care about their
patients. Some people say the more you care, the harder it is on you emotionally and
physically but I would want that from a physician. Honesty and integrity are also very
important. There are checks and balances but quality and control lies with the physician.
Communication skills are huge as well. Also, I think that what people have undervalued is
one’s ability to work in a team or as part of a team. Sure, there is a hierarchy but all health
care professionals have to contribute. The wise doctor is the one that listens to the team.
A certain amount of emotional stability and resiliency are required because of the ups and
downs in medicine. You cannot be totally destroyed by one bad experience. There are
both good days and bad days. “
Words of Wisdom
“All indicators at the moment are that the future for all health disciplines is bright. The
demographics of our population and the current health care providers is that there is a
high demand and a high number of health care providers ready to retire, resulting in
excellent prospects for those wanting to enter into a health care career. I would suggest
that an individual who wants a career in health care should try to get the most realistic
experience of the day-to-day life of professionals in the individual’s intended field and
compare how the reality matches with one’s own goals and ambitions.”
North Superior Training Board
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NOC 3112
General Practitioners and Family Physicians
Job Description
General practitioners and family physicians diagnose and treat the diseases, physiological
disorders and injuries of patients. They provide primary contact and continuous care
toward the management of patients’ health. Residents in training to be general
practitioners and family physicians are included in this group. General practitioners and
family physicians may become specialist physicians with additional training.
Duties
There is a significant shortage of family physicians in Northwestern Ontario.
General practitioners and family physicians perform some or all of the following duties:
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• Examine patients and take their histories, order laboratory tests, X-rays and other
diagnostic procedures and consult with other medical practitioners to evaluate
patients’ physical and mental health
• Prescribe and administer medications and treatments
• Perform and assist in routine surgery
• Provide emergency care
• Provide acute care management
• Inoculate and vaccinate patients
• Deliver babies and provide pre-natal and post-natal care
• Advise patients and their families on health care including health promotion, disease,
illness and accident prevention
• Provide counselling and support to patients and their families on a wide range of
health and lifestyle issues
• Perform patient advocacy role
• Co-ordinate or manage primary patient care
• Provide continuous care to patients
• Supervise home care services
• Report births, deaths, and contagious and other diseases to governmental authorities
Example Titles
• Family Physician • Resident, General Practice
• Medical Doctor
• General Practitioner (GP)
Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Private Practice -
individual, group, or team
• Clinics
• Treatment Rooms
Requirements
• A Bachelor’s degree.
• Graduation from approved medical school.
• Two to three years of family medicine residency training.
• Completion of qualifying examinations of the Medical Council of Canada.
• Licensing by provincial or territorial licensing authority required
(College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario).
North Superior Training Board
Classified Elsewhere
• Chiropractors (3122)
• Specialist Physicians (3111)
• Naturopathic physicians and osteopathic physicians
(in 3123 Other Professional Occupations in Health Diagnosing and Treating)
Average Gross Fee-For-Service Payments
Ontario - $230,3582
Employment Prospects
Thunder Bay & Region - Very Good
There is a significant shortage of family physicians in Northwestern Ontario. In Thunder
Bay, thousands of people have no family doctor while many communities have no doctors
at all. Most communities have some form of recruitment program in place, all with limited
success.
The new Northern Ontario School of Medicine, which welcomed its first class in the fall of
2005, will, over time, improve the situation.
The announcement by the provincial government of an increase in the number of
residency positions could assist in bringing in foreign-trained doctors who could locate in
under-serviced areas such as Northwestern Ontario. However, because there is a
shortage throughout the province, the area must compete with many other communities
for doctors’ services.
In Ontario, employment for this occupation was expected to grow about as fast as the
average for all occupations through the year 2007, due to the growing and aging
population. As well, a substantial number of job openings will be created each year from
the need to replace family physicians who retire. There is a shortage of general
practitioners and family physicians in rural-remote communities.
New general practitioners may be more likely to work in group medical practices and
clinics than in individual practices. The rapid development of new diagnosing and treating
technologies means that people in these occupations must continually update their skills.
As of July 2008, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine identified the need for 35
General Practitioners in Thunder Bay District.
Thunder Bay and Marathon have been announced as two locations for the province’s
Family Health Teams.
Affiliations and Training
Regulatory Body:
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario - www.cpso.on.ca
• Professional Association: Ontario Medical Association - www.oma.org
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Physicians in Canada: Average Gross Fee-for-Service Payments, Canadian Institute of Health Information, Average Gross
Fee-for-Service for Physicians Who Received at Least $60,000 in Payments by Type of Practice, 2005-2006
North Superior Training Board
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Ontario Universities Offering Medical Programs:
In Northern Ontario:
• The Northern Ontario School of Medicine - www.normed.ca
In the Rest of Ontario:
1500 more doctors are currently needed in Ontario.
• University of Ottawa - http://www.uottawa.ca/academic/med/
• Queen’s University - http://meds.queensu.ca/
• University of Toronto - http://www.facmed.utoronto.ca/site4.aspx
• McMaster University - http://65.39.131.180/ContentPage.aspx?name=MD%20
Program%20Home
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.fmd.uwo.ca/
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3113
Dentists
Job Description
Dentists diagnose, treat, prevent and control disorders of the teeth and mouth. Dentists
may specialize in such areas as oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric
dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral pathology, oral radiology or
public health dentistry. Certification by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada
entitles dentists or graduates of approved dental programs to practise dentistry in any
province in Canada provided requirements set out by the provincial and territorial
licensing authorities are met. Dentists in general practice can move into a specialized
practice through advanced training.
Duties
Dentists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Examine patients’ teeth, gums and surrounding tissue to diagnose disease, injury and
decay and plan appropriate treatment
• Restore and extract diseased and decayed teeth
• Perform oral surgery, periodontal surgery and other treatments
• Clean teeth and instruct patients on oral hygiene
• Design bridgework, fit dentures and provide appliances to correct abnormal
positioning of the teeth and jaws, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for
use by denturists and dental technicians
• Supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants and other staff
Example Title
• Dentist
Specializations
• Endodontist
• Oral Pathologist
• Orthodontist
• Periodontist
• Public Health Dentist
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
• Oral Radiologist
• Pediatric Dentist
• Prosthodontist
Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Public Health Facilities
• Dental Clinics
• Universities
Training/Licencing
• One to four years of pre-dentistry university studies.
• A university degree from a recognized dental program.
• Licensing by a provincial or territorial regulatory body.
• Licensing for specializations is required.
• Certification by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada entitles dentists or
graduates of approved dental programs to practice dentistry in any province in
Canada provided requirements set out by the provincial and territorial licensing
authorities are met.
North Superior Training Board
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Classified Elsewhere
• Dental Assistants (3411)
• Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists (3222)
• Dental Technologists, Technicians and Laboratory Bench Workers (3223)
• Denturists (3221)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay & Region - $89.75/hour
Average Annual Earnings
• Dentists (Ontario): $90,000
• Specialists (Ontario): Up to $200,000
Employment Prospect
Ontario - Good
Employment for this occupation is expected to grow more rapidly than the average for all
occupations through the year 2009. Many more job openings will be created each year
from the need to replace practitioners who retire. The demand for dental services is
influenced by population growth, improvements in oral hygiene that allow elderly people
to keep their teeth longer and public awareness of the importance of dental health. In
addition, as the baby boom ages, a large number of the population will need maintenance
on complicated dental work, such as bridges.
Cosmetic and aesthetic procedures are the growing areas in today’s market. The aging
population is likely to increase demand for restorative dental work.
Training/Licencing
Regulatory Body:
• Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario - http://www.rcdso.org/
Professional Association:
• Ontario Dental Association - http://www.oda.on.ca
Universities in Ontario that Offer Dentistry Programs:
• University of Toronto - http://www.utoronto.ca/dentistry/
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.schulich.uwo.ca/Dentistry
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3114
Veterinarians
Job Description
Veterinarians prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and disorders in animals and advise
clients on the feeding, hygiene, housing and general care of animals. The duties of
veterinarians performing research may be similar to those of some biologists.
Duties
Veterinarians perform some or all of the following duties:
• Diagnose diseases or abnormal conditions in animals through physical examinations
or laboratory tests
• Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing
wounds or performing surgery
• Perform routine, emergency and post-mortem examinations
• Inoculate animals to prevent diseases
• Provide obstetrical and dental services for animals
• Advise clients on feeding, housing, breeding, hygiene and general care of animals
• Provide euthanasia services
• May supervise animal health technologists and animal care workers
• May be responsible for overall operation of animal hospital, clinic or mobile service to
farms
• May conduct veterinary research
• May enforce government regulations in disease control and food production including
animal or animal-based food inspection
Example Titles
• Small Animal Veterinary Specialist
• Veterinary Inspector
• Veterinary Physiologist
• Veterinarian
• Veterinary Pathologist
• Zoo Veterinarian
Workplaces
• Private practice
• Animal laboratories
• Mobile Clinics
• Animal hospitals and clinics
• Government
Training/licencing
• Two to four years of pre-veterinary university studies.
• A four-year university degree in Veterinary Medicine.
• Completion of national certification examinations.
• Provincial licensing.
• Entry into research positions may require post-graduate study.
Classified Elsewhere
• Veterinary and Animal Health Technologists and Technicians (3213)
North Superior Training Board
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Average Earnings
Ontario - $35,000-$100,000/year
Employment Prospect
Ontario - Good
Employment for this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all
occupations through the year 2009. Many job openings will result from the need to
replace veterinarians who retire.
The practice of veterinary science is becoming increasingly complex as a result of
biotechnology, advancements in medical treatment and animal health care, and, in the
case of livestock animals, advances in animal reproductive science, pharmaceuticals and
health care. Changes in agriculture due to the evolving requirements of world and
domestic markets and trends in ownership of companion animals or pets will affect the
work of veterinarians.
Training/Licencing
Regulatory Body:
• College of Veterinarians of Ontario - http://www.cvo.org/
Professional Association:
• Ontario Veterinary Medical Association - http://www.ovma.org/
Ontario Universities Offering Veterinary Medicine:
• Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph - http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3121
Optometrists
Job Description
Optometrists examine eyes, prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and
recommend treatments such as exercises to correct vision problems or ocular disorders.
Duties
• Examine patients’ eyes, conduct tests and use ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and
other specialized instruments to determine visual efficiency
• Prescribe treatment (excluding surgery) to conserve, improve and correct vision and
other ocular disorders
• Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, educate and counsel patients on
contact lens use and care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, working distances
and safety factors
• Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons for treatment of
ocular or other diseases or conditions
• May specialize in fitting visual aids for people who are partially blind, fitting contact
lenses or correcting special vision problems
Example Titles
• Doctor of Optometry
• Optometrist
Workplaces
• Private Practice
• Community Health Centres
• Clinics
Requirements
• One to three years of college or university, with a concentration in mathematics and
science courses such as molecular biology.
• A four-year university program in optometry.
• Licensing by the provincial regulatory body.
• Optometrists are governed by the College of Optometrists of Ontario. Applicants for
registration must meet a number of criteria, including the successful completion of
the four year optometry program at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry
or a course of study outside Ontario which the Registration Committee of the College
deems to be equivalent.
Classified Elsewhere
• Ophthalmologists (in 3111 Specialist Physicians)
FACT: The rate of retirement and employee turnover for optometrisits will
likely be more than twice the average.
Optometrists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Opticians (3231)
• Orthopedists (in 3123 Other Professional Occupations in Health Diagnosing
and Treating)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay & Region - $42.60/hour
Ontario - $50,000-$100,000/year
North Superior Training Board
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Employment Prospect
Ontario - Good
Employment for this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all
occupations through the year 2009. As Baby Boomers age, the percentage of the
population needing the services of optometrists will increase. As well, more Canadians
are expected to have insurance coverage that includes an eyewear allowance. The impact
of Ontario government legislation in 2004 to discontinue payment for selected services
not mandated under the Canada Health Act, including optometry for ages 20 to 64, may
adversely affect the job market for optometrists in the short-term. However, in the long
run, the demand for optometrists should continue to rise in response to the vision care
needs of a growing and aging population.
“...more Canadians are expected to have insurance coverage that includes
an eyewear allowance.”
The rapid development of new diagnosing and treating technologies means that people in
these occupations must continually update their skills.
Licencing/Training
Regulatory Body:
• College of Optometrists of Ontario - www.collegeoptom.on.ca
Ontario Universities Offering an Optometry Program:
University of Waterloo:
• Pre-optometry Program - http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/programs/biomedical.html
• Optometry Program - http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/programs/optometry.html
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3122
Chiropractors
Job Description
Chiropractors diagnose and treat patients’ neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the
spine and other body joints by adjusting the spinal column or through other corrective
manipulation.
Duties
Chiropractors perform some or all of the following duties:
• Take patient’s case history, conduct examination, observe patient and perform
X-rays and other tests to diagnose patient’s condition
• Diagnose neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the spinal column, pelvis, extremities
and associated tissues
• Treat health disorders in a natural manner through adjustments or articular
manipulations and complementary treatments such as electrotherapy, nutrition,
light and massage with special attention given to the spine
• Advise patients on corrective exercises, posture, lifestyle and nutrition
• Refer patients for medical care when appropriate
Example Titles
• Chiropractic Doctor
• Doctor of Chiropractic
• Chiropractor
Workplaces
• Private Practice
• Clinics with other Health Practitioners
Requirements
• A minimum of two years of university undergraduate studies in sciences.
• Completion of a four or five-year program at an institution accredited by the
Accreditation Commission of the Council on Chiropractic Education.
• Completion of the examinations of the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board and
of the provincial licensing body.
Classified Elsewhere
• Chiropractic aides (in 3414 Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay & Region - $50.35/hour
Ontario - $60,000-$75,000/year
Employment Prospect
Ontario - Average to Good
Employment for this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all
occupations through the year 2009, due to the increasing demand for alternative forms
of medical treatment. The growing older population, with its increased likelihood of
mechanical and structural problems, will also increase demand. The impact of Ontario
government legislation in 2004 to discontinue payment for selected services not
mandated under the Canada Health Act, including chiropractic services, may adversely
North Superior Training Board
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affect the job market for chiropractors in the short-term. However, in the long run, the
demand for chiropractors should continue to rise in response to the needs for alternative
forms of treatment of a growing and aging population.
The rapid development of new diagnosing and treating technologies means that people in
this occupation must continually update their skills.
Affiliations and Training
Regulatory Body:
• College of Chiropractors of Ontario - www.cco.on.ca
Professional Association:
• Ontario Chiropractic Association - http://www.chiropractic.on.ca/
Ontario Universities Offering Chiropractic Programs:
• Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) - http://www.cmcc.ca/
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3123
Other Professional Occupations in Health Diagnosing and Treating
Job Description
This unit group includes health professionals who diagnose and treat the diseases and
injuries of patients and who are not classified elsewhere. This includes doctors of
podiatric medicine, chiropodists and podiatrists, naturopaths, orthoptists and osteopaths.
Chiropodists and diploma podiatrists diagnose diseases, deformities and injuries of the
human foot and treat patients using braces, casts, shields, orthotic devices, physical
therapy and subcutaneous soft-tissue foot surgery.
Doctors of podiatric medicine are primary care practitioners who diagnose diseases,
deformities and injuries of the human foot and communicate diagnoses to patients.
Podiatrists treat patients using braces, casts, shields, orthotic devices, physical therapy, or
prescribed medications, as well as perform surgery on the bones of the forefoot and soft
tissues of the foot.
Naturopaths diagnose patients’ diseases and disorders and employ natural methods of
healing such as acupuncture and acupressure, spinal manipulation, reflexology,
hydrotherapy, herbal medicines, biochemical therapy, clinical nutrition, homeopathy and
counselling in their treatment.
Orthoptists assist ophthalmologists in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders by
performing specialized eye tests to measure and assess defective binocular vision or
abnormal eye movement in patients and prescribing treatment such as eye exercises or
patching regimens.
Osteopathic physicians diagnose disorders and injuries of the musculo-skeletal,
circulatory and nervous systems and treat patients with manipulative therapy,
medications or surgery. Osteopaths, however, can only treat patients using manipulative
therapy.
Example Titles
• Doctor of Osteopathy
• Food specialist
• Naturopathic doctor (ND)
• Osteopath
• Podiatrist
• Doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM)
• Naturopath
• Orthoptist
• Osteopathic physician
Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Private Practice
Requirements
Chiropodist/Podiatrist
• A three-year diploma program in chiropody (D.Ch.) obtained in Canada.
• A first-degree program in podiatric medicine (D.Pod.M.) obtained abroad
(United Kingdom) is usually required.
• Provincial licensure.
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Osteopathic Physicians/Doctor of Osteopathy
• The training needed to become an osteopathic physician is not available in Canada.
• A Bachelor’s degree is required for admission to a doctor of osteopathy program.
• A four-year program in osteopathic medicine leading to a doctor of osteopathy degree
and one-year of medical residency are required. The qualifications are usually
obtained in the United States.
Osteopaths
• The training needed to become an osteopath is available in Canada. The programs are
generally five years of classroom study with a sixth year that consists of thesis work
with or without classroom study.
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
• A four-year doctoral degree program in podiatric medicine available in the United
States, normally following completion of a Bachelor’s degree program.
Naturopathic Doctor
• A university degree in pre-medical science.
• A four-year program in naturopathic medicine from a private institute.
• A licence.
Orthoptist
• A minimum of two years of university education with a specialization in science plus a
two-year accredited hospital-based training program in orthoptics offered in Halifax,
Toronto, Saskatoon and Vancouver, and practical training under the supervision of an
ophthalmologist.
• Certification with the Canadian Orthoptic Council is available but is not required in
Ontario.
• Continuing education is required for recertification with the Canadian Orthoptic
Council.
Classified Elsewhere
• Chiropractors (3122)
• General Practitioners and Family Physicians (3112)
• Midwives and Practitioners of Natural Healing (3232)
• Specialist Physicians (3111)
Average Earnings
Chiropodists (Northern Ontario) - $40,000-$70,000/year
Naturopaths (Ontario) - $50,000-$60,000/year
Podiatrists (Ontario) - $76,000-$130,000/year
Employment Prospects
Podiatrists- Good
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Canada’s aging population requires an ever-increasing supply of medical services.
Becoming a recognized expert in specific types of foot problems or treatments will most
likely increase opportunities for advancement.
North Superior Training Board
Naturopaths – Good
Canada’s aging population requires an ever-increasing supply of medical services and
more and more people are turning to preventative medicine and holistic treatments.
Affiliations and Training
Chiropodist/Podiatrist:
Regulatory Body:
• College of Chiropodists of Ontario - www.cocoo.on.ca
Professional Association:
• Ontario Chiropodist Association - http://www.ontariochiropodist.com/
Universities/Colleges in Ontario Offering Chiropody:
• Michener Institute - http://www.michener.ca/ft/chiropody.php
Doctor of Osteopathy:
Regulatory Body:
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario - www.cpso.on.ca
Professional Association:
• Ontario Association of Osteopaths - http://www.osteopathyontario.com/
Universities in Ontario/Canada Offering Osteopathic Medicine: NONE
Colleges in the USA Offering Osteopathic Medicine
• American Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine - http://www.aacom.org/Pages/default.
aspx
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine:
Regulatory Body:
• College of Chiropodists of Ontario - Board of Regents - www.cocoo.on.ca
Professional Association:
• Ontario Podiatrical Association - http://www.opma.ca/
Universities/Colleges in Ontario/Canada Offering Podiatry: NONE
Universities in the USA Offering Podiatry:
• American Podiatric Medical Association - http://www.apma.org/s_apma/index.asp
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Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine:
Regulatory Body:
• Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy - Naturopathy
- http://www.boardofnaturopathicmedicine.on.ca/
Professional Association:
• Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) - http://www.oand.org/
• Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) - www.cnme.org
FACT: Osteopaths have limited scope of practice (to practice osteopathic manipulative
medicine) in Ontario.
Universities in Ontario Offering Naturopathic Medicine:
• Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) - http://www.oand.org/
• Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) - www.cnme.org
Orthoptist:
Regulatory Body:
• Canadian Orthoptic Council - http://www.orthopticscanada.org/index_e.htm
• Canadian Orthoptics Society - http://tcoswebsite.wordpress.com/
Universities in Ontario Offering Orthoptics Programs:
• University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children - http://www.sickkids.on.ca/
hscDirectory/deptProfile_more.asp?s=Departments&sID=162&ss=Ophthalmology+and
+Vision+Sciences&ssID=29&x=edu
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3131
Pharmacists
Job Description
Community pharmacists and hospital pharmacists compound and dispense prescribed
pharmaceuticals and provide consultative services to both clients and health care
providers. Industrial pharmacists participate in the research, development, promotion and
manufacture of pharmaceutical products.
Duties
Community pharmacists and hospital pharmacists perform some or all of the following
duties:
• Check prescriptions for proper dosage
• Compound and dispense prescribed pharmaceutical products by calculating,
measuring and mixing the quantities of drugs and other ingredients required; filling
appropriate containers with correct quantity; dispensing prescriptions to customers or
to other health care professionals; and advising them of indications, contraindications, adverse effects, drug interactions and dosage
• Maintain medication profiles of customers including registry of poisons and narcotic
and controlled drugs
• Ensure proper preparation, packaging, distribution and storage of vaccines, serums,
biologicals and other drugs and pharmaceuticals, as well as order and maintain stock
of pharmaceutical supplies
• Advise customers on selection and use of non-prescription medication
• May supervise and co-ordinate the activities of other pharmacists, pharmacy
assistants, pharmacy technicians and other staff
Industrial pharmacists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Participate in basic research for the development of new drugs
• Formulate new drug products developed by medical researchers
• Test new drug products for stability and to determine their absorption and elimination
patterns
• Co-ordinate clinical investigations of new drugs
• Control the quality of drug products during production to ensure that they meet
standards of potency, purity, uniformity, stability and safety
• Develop information materials concerning the uses, properties and risks of particular
drugs
• Evaluate labelling, packaging and advertising of drug products
• Promote pharmaceutical products to health professionals
Example Titles
• Clinical Pharmacist
• Community Pharmacist
• Druggist
• Hospital Pharmacist
• Industrial Pharmacist
• Pharmacist
• Retail Pharmacist
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Workplaces
• Community and hospital pharmacies
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Government departments and agencies
Requirements
• Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.
• One year internship under the supervision of a pharmacist.
• Licensure is required in Ontario for community and hospital pharmacists.
• Must pass the Pharmacy Board of Canada exam.
Classified Elsewhere
• Chemists (2112)
• Chief of Pharmacy (in 0311 Managers in Health Care)
• Pharmacologists (in 2121 Biologists and Related Scientists)
• Pharmacy Assistants (in 3414 Other Assisting Occupations in
Support of Health Services)
• Pharmacy ddirector (in 0311 Managers in Health Care)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay & Region - $35.85/hour
Ontario - $50,000-$90,000/year
Employment Prospects
Thunder Bay & Region - Good
Currently pharmacists are experiencing good employment opportunities and these
should remain good in the short to medium term. Employment of pharmacists will be
greatly influenced by an aging population that will increase the demand for prescription
drugs. Mail order pharmacies, discount chains and substitution of pharmacy technicians
for pharmacists should, over the longer term, moderate the current strong demand for
pharmacists.
The rapid development of new drugs for treatment and diagnosis means that pharmacists
must update their knowledge continuously. Use of computerized customer and
pharmaceutical databases will require pharmacists to develop appropriate skills. As well,
employers seek individuals with strong interpersonal (client-focused) skills because of the
time spent providing information and advice to consumers.
In Ontario, pharmacist job openings currently exceed the number of people that are
available to fill them.
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s website indicates that there were two
vacancies in the Thunder Bay region as of July 2008 for pharmacists.
For more information on allied health care opportunities in the Thunder Bay region go to:
http://www.normed.ca/
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North Superior Training Board
Affiliations and Training:
Regulatory Body:
• Council of the Ontario College of Pharmacists - http://www.ocpinfo.com/
Professional Association:
• Ontario Pharmacists’ Association - http://www.ontpharmacists.on.ca/
Universities in Ontario Offering Pharmacy Programs:
FACT: Pharmacists currently earn 65% more than the national average income.
• University of Toronto - http://www.pharmacy.utoronto.ca/
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www.nstb.on.ca
NOC 3132
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Job Description
Registered Dietitians (RD’s) work in a variety of clinical and community settings where
they are responsible for working with clients to meet disease-specific nutrition needs and
for prevention of chronic diseases. RD’s work in food production management,
government, business and industry settings where they are responsible for quantity food
production, nutrition programs, public policies, marketing and sales.
The Dietetics Act describes the scope of practice of Registered Dietitians as “the
assessment of nutrition and nutritional conditions and the prevention and treatment of
nutritional disorders by nutritional means.”
Registered Dietitians are highly educated in the sciences related to foods and human
nutrition. They are trained to apply their knowledge in a variety of settings and help
people of all ages meet their nutritional needs.
Only those individuals who are registered with the College of Dietitians of Ontario can use
the titles Dietitian, Registered Dietitian, a variation or abbreviation or an equivalent in
another language. The term “Nutritionist” is not protected by law. Public Health
Nutritionists, however, are an exception - they are required to have a Masters Degree and
are registered with the College of Dietitians of Ontario.
Duties
Registered Dietitians perform some or all of the following duties:
• Provide patient care as a member of a multidisciplinary health care team.
• Assess individual and community nutrition needs
• Provide individual counselling and group education classes
• Promote healthy eating in schools, workplaces, and communities
• Share nutrition expertise through coalitions and networks
• Design and manage foodservice systems to deliver safe, nutritious food
• Conduct research to help determine best practices in nutrition and dietetics
Example Titles
• Registered Dietitian (RD)
• Community Dietitian
• Administrative Dietitian
• Public Health Nutritionist • Clinical Dietitian
• Consultant Dietitian
• Nutrition and Dietetics Researcher
• Private Practice Dietitian
Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Public Health Units
• Educational Institutions
• Private Practice
• Home Care
• Long Term Care Homes
• Family Health Teams
• Sports Organizations
• Food and Beverage Industry
Requirements
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• Completion of a 4 year accredited undergraduate university program in foods and
nutrition (or equivalent) as well as an accredited internship minimum of 35 weeks (or
equivalent practical training).
North Superior Training Board
• In Ontario, there are three accredited undergraduate programs in Dietetic Education:
- Brescia University College (affiliated with the
University of Western Ontario in London)
- University of Guelph
–Ryerson University in Toronto
• In Ontario there are also four combined Masters Practicum Programs:
- Master of Health Sciences (MHSc) – Community Nutrition – Department of
Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto
- Combined Master of Science (MSc) Dietetic Internship Program – St. Michael’s
Hospital, Toronto
- Combined Master of Science (MSc) Dietetic Internship Program – Hospital for Sick
Children, Toronto
- Masters of Applied Nutrition (MAN) – University of Guelph
• Following university education, a dietitian must also pass the Canadian Dietetic
Registration Examination, demonstrating competence to practice in Canada.
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay & Region - $28.76-36.65/hour (2007 OPSEU wage grid)*
*wage grid may not be reflective of all facilities in the region or of Administrative Dietitian earnings.
Employment Prospects
Very Good
Nutrition interventions are vitally important for prevention, management, and treatment
of health conditions that particularly affect Northern Ontarians such as high blood
pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Socio-demographics and health practices
put a significant percentage of the population at increased risk for poor nutrition. There is
a chronic shortage of Registered Dietitians in Northern Ontario and this problem will
worsen within the next two to five years. 15-20% of positions for Registered Dietitians in
Northern Ontario are vacant, and many have not been filled for over a year. The Northern
Ontario School of Medicine’s website indicates that there were three vacancies in the
Thunder Bay Region for Registered Dietitians as of July 2008.
For more information on allied health care opportunities in the Thunder Bay region go to:
http://www.normed.ca/
Affiliations and Training
• College of Dietitians of Ontario - The body that regulates and supports the profession
of dietetics - www.cdo.on.ca
• Dietitians of Canada - Leads and supports members to promote health and well being
through expertise in food and nutrition - http://www.dietitians.ca/index.asp
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www.nstb.on.ca
NOC 3141
Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
Job Description
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists diagnose, evaluate and treat human
communication disorders including hearing, speech, language and voice disorders.
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are employed in hospitals, community
and public health centres, extended care facilities, day clinics, rehabilitation centres and
educational institutions, or may work in private practice.
Duties
Fact: Speech language pathologists tend to be self-employed, working on a
contact basis with hospitals and school boards.
Audiologists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Administer audiometric tests and examinations to diagnose and evaluate the degree
and type of patients’ hearing impairment
• Plan and implement habilitation/rehabilitation programs for patients, including
selection, fitting and adjustment of hearing aid devices, teaching speech (lip) reading
and providing counseling
• Establish personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
• Conduct research related to hearing
• May instruct students and other health care personnel
Speech-language pathologists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Administer tests and examinations and observe patients to diagnose and evaluate
speech, voice, resonance, language, cognitive-linguistic and swallowing disorders
• Plan and implement remedial programs to correct speech, language and voice
disorders
• Establish group and personalized care plans working as a member of an
interdisciplinary team
• Conduct research on speech and other communication disorders and on the
development and design of diagnostic procedures and devices
• May instruct students and other health care personnel
Example Titles
• Audiologist
• Certified Audiologist
• Clinical Audiologist
• Educational Audiologist
• Research Audiologist
• Speech Therapist
• Speech-language Clinician
• Speech-language Pathologist
Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Universities
• Industry
• Independent/Private Practices
• Audiology Clinics
• Speech-Language Pathology Clinics
• Health Units
• Long-term Care Centres
• Rehabilitation Centres • Preschool/School Programs
• Children’s Treatment Centres
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North Superior Training Board
Betty DeKraker
Occupational Title: Audiologist • Years in Career: 16
Training: BA, BSc
An availability of jobs and the highly technical and challenging nature of health care were
both factors that inspired Betty to become an Audiologist.
In terms of the skills, abilities and personality traits Betty feels are essential for an individual
to be a successful Audiologist, good interpersonal skills, being comfortable with computers
and technical devices, problem-solving, decision-making and counselling skills are all highly
important.
Betty prefers Northwestern Ontario to other parts of the country in which she worked due to
lifestyle opportunities. She enjoys the smaller city lifestyle with access to outdoor activities,
no issues with traffic and accessibility to larger centres when necessary.
Words of Wisdom
“Health care, I think, is a constantly changing area and becoming more and more advanced
in terms of technology. One must be willing to constantly upgrade to stay current in a chosen
field. Audiology is no exception. As our population ages, the need for Audiologists will
continue to grow so work opportunities will always be present.”
Requirements
• Audiology requires a Master’s degree in audiology available at the University of
Western Ontario and University of Ottawa (French Program).
• Speech-language pathology requires a Master’s degree in speech-language pathology
available at the University of Western Ontario, University of Toronto, and University of
Ottawa (French Program).
• In Ontario, audiologists and speech language pathologists are regulated by the
College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario.
• Voluntary membership to the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists
and Audiologists gives access to the certification program.
• Progression into management positions such as chief audiologist or director of
speech-language pathology is possible with experience.
Classified Elsewhere
• Audiology and Speech-Language Technical and Assisting Occupations
(in 3235 Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment)
• Managers in Health Care (0311)
• Phoniatricians (in 3111 Specialist Physicians)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay & Region - $21.20/hour
Ontario - $37,000-$60,000/year
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Employment Prospects
Ontario - Good
Employment for this occupation is expected to increase more rapidly than the average for
all occupations through the year 2009. Demographic shifts towards an aging population
as well as early intervention initiatives will continue to lead to increased demands for
audiologists and speech-language pathologists.
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s website indicates that there was one vacancy
for an audiologist in the Thunder Bay region as of July 2008.
FACT: OHIP funding rules require audiologists to become associated with an Ear, Nose and
Throat (ENT) Specialist or a physician. Otherwise, except for standard hearing tests,
audiologists charge their clients directly for any procedures or intervention.
For more information on allied health care opportunities in the Thunder Bay region go to:
http://www.normed.ca/
Training and Affiliations:
Regulatory Body:
• College of Audiologists & Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
- www.caslpo.com
Professional Association:
• Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
- http://www.osla.on.ca/
• Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
- http://www.caslpa.ca/
Universities in Ontario Offering Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology:
• University of Ottawa (French Program) - Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
- http://www.grad.uottawa.ca/programs/masters/audiologie_orthophonie/introduction.
html
• University of Western Ontario - Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
- http://www.uwo.ca/fhs/
• University of Toronto - only Speech-Language Pathology - http://www.slp.utoronto.ca/
site4.aspx
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3142
Physiotherapists
Job Description
Physiotherapists assess patients and plan and carry out individually designed treatment
programs to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent
physical dysfunctioning in patients.
Duties
Example Titles
• Physical Therapist
• Registered Physiotherapist
• Physiotherapist
• Research Physiotherapist
Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Industry/sports organizations
• Extended care facilities
• College and University
athletic departments
• Clinics
• Rehabilitation centres
• Private practice
Requirements
• A university degree in physiotherapy and a period of supervised practical training.
• Entrance requirements vary from university to university.
• Successful completion of the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE).
• In Ontario, individuals must be registered with the College of Physiotherapists of
Ontario in order to use the title “Registered Physiotherapist” and to practice as a
physiotherapist.
Classified Elsewhere
• Directors of physiotherapy (in 0311 Managers in Health Care)
• Physical rehabilitation technicians (in 3235 Other Technical Occupations in Therapy
and Assessment)
North Superior Training Board
Betty DeKraker , BA, BSc
• Assess patients’ physical abilities through evaluative procedures such as functional
ability tests
• Establish treatment goals with the patient based on physical diagnoses
• Plan and implement programs of physiotherapy including therapeutic exercise,
manipulations, massage, education, the use of electro-therapeutic and other
mechanical equipment and hydro-therapy
• Evaluate effectiveness of treatment plans and modify accordingly
• Communicate with referring physician and other healthcare professionals regarding
patients’ problems, needs and progress
• Maintain clinical and statistical records and confer with other health care
professionals
• Develop and implement health promotion programs for patients, staff and the
community
• May conduct research in physiotherapy
• May provide consulting or education services
“...for an individual to be a successful Audiologist, good interpersonal skills, being
comfortable with computers and technical devices, good problem-solving skills, and
good decision-making and counselling skills are all highly important. “
Physiotherapists perform some or all of the following duties:
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Paolo Sanzo
Occupational Title: Physiotherapist • Years in Career: 17
Training: Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Masters of Science, Fellow, Academy of
Manipulative Therapists
Paolo Sanzo
“...communication skills, comfort in working as part of a team and a commitment to life-long
learning are essential for an individual to be successful in Physiotherapy.”
Paolo entered the field of Physiotherapy because of his keen interest in health care. He
says that communication skills, comfort in working as part of a team and a commitment to
life-long learning are essential for an individual to be successful in Physiotherapy.
As with other professions, there are unique aspects to practicing in Northwestern Ontario.
Paolo appreciates the opportunity of gaining knowledge of a variety of different diseases
and injuries and a different socioeconomic and multicultural patient population. Practicing
in Northwestern Ontario, he says, can be more challenging when trying to stay up-to-date
on the latest information because of the distance from larger centres where post-graduate
courses are offered.
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $31.95/ hour
Ontario - $40,000 - $100,000/year
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Good
Employment for this occupation is expected to grow more rapidly than the average for all
occupations through the year 2009.The demand for physiotherapists is related to the aging
population and increased attention to the needs of disabled persons and accident victims.
The impact of Ontario government legislation in 2004 to discontinue payment for
physiotherapy services, with the exception of seniors serviced through home care and
long-term care facilities, may adversely affect the job market for physiotherapists in the
short-term. However, over the long term, the demand for physiotherapists should continue
to rise in response to the needs for physiotherapy treatment of a growing and aging
population.
Employment opportunities will be better in private practices outside of the institutional
health care setting.
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s website indicates that was one vacancy for
physiotherapists in the Thunder Bay region as of July, 2008.
For more information on allied health care opportunities in the Thunder Bay region go to:
http://www.normed.ca/
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North Superior Training Board
Training and Affiliations:
Regulatory Body:
• College of Physiotherapists of Ontario - www.collegept.org
Professional Association:
• Ontario Physiotherapy Association - www.opa.on.ca
Universities in Ontario Offering Physiotherapy Programs:
• McMaster University - http://www.srs-mcmaster.ca/
• Queen’s University - http://www.rehab.queensu.ca/
• University of Toronto - http://www.physicaltherapy.utoronto.ca/site3.aspx
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.uwo.ca/fhs/
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NOC 3143
Occupational Therapist
Job Description
Occupational therapists develop individual and group programs with people affected by
illness, injury, developmental disorders, emotional or psychological problems and aging
to maintain, restore or increase their ability to care for themselves and to engage in work,
school or leisure. They also develop and implement health promotion programs with
individuals, community groups and employers.
Duties
Occupational therapists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Analyze clients’ capabilities and expectations related to life activities through
observation, interview and formal assessments
• Develop intervention programs to address clients’ needs related to self-care, work and
leisure activities
• Maintain client records
• Establish personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
• Consult and advise on health promotion programs to prevent disabilities and to
maximize independent function in all activities of life
• May supervise support personnel and students and provide training
Example Titles
• Clinical Occupational Therapist
• Community Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapist (O.T.)
• Occupational Therapist, Case Manager
• Occupational Therapist, • Occupational Therapist,
Research and Development Rehabilitation Consultant
Workplaces
• Health care facilities
• Private and Social services agencies
• Schools
• Self-employed
Requirements
• Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy, including a minimum of 1000 hours of
supervised field work experience.
• Effective 2010, a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy will be required.
• Completion of the national certification examination.
• Occupational rehabilitation requires a Master’s degree in rehabilitation for those who
already have the Entry to Practice credential.
• The accreditation standards set by the Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists (CAOT) accepts the baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy as the
minimal educational requirement for entry-level education in Canada.
• Licensure or registration by the Province of Ontario and the College of Occupational
Therapists of Ontario.
• Occupational therapists may progress to management or administrative positions
through further training and experience.
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Classified Elsewhere
• Directors of Occupational Therapy (in 0311 Managers in Health Care)
North Superior Training Board
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $22.05/hour
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Good
Over the next two years some opportunities for occupational therapists are expected in
the Thunder Bay area.
Employment opportunities will be better in private practices outside of the institutional
health care setting.
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s website indicates that there were three
vacancies in the Thunder Bay region as of July 2008 for occupational therapists.
For more information on allied health care opportunities in the Thunder Bay region go to:
http://www.normed.ca/
Training and Affiliations:
Regulatory Body:
• College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario - www.coto.org
Professional Association:
• Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists - http://www.osot.on.ca
Universities in Ontario Offering Occupational Therapy:
• McMaster University - http://www.srs-mcmaster.ca/
• Queen’s University - http://www.rehab.queensu.ca/
• University of Toronto - http://www.ot.utoronto.ca/
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.uwo.ca/fhs/
FACT: Communications and interpersonal skills are important attributes in this profession.
Employment for this occupation is expected to increase more rapidly than the average for
all occupations through the year 2009. An aging population and increased attention to the
needs of disabled persons and accident victims will be contributing factors to
employment growth. As well, job growth has been influenced by increasing acceptance of
rehabilitation as a practical alternative to long-term care in institutions.
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NOC 3152
Registered Nurses
Job Description
This unit group includes registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses and graduates of
a nursing program who are awaiting registration (graduate nurses). They provide direct
nursing care to patients, deliver health education programs and provide consultative
services regarding issues relevant to the practice of nursing.
Duties
General duty registered nurses, as well as other nurses listed below, perform some or all
of the following duties:
• Assess patients to identify appropriate nursing intervention
• Collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary health team to plan, implement,
co-ordinate and evaluate patient care in consultation with patients and their families
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician or according to
established policies and protocols
• Monitor, assess, address, document and report symptoms and changes in patients’
conditions
• Operate or monitor medical apparatus/equipment, as well as assist in surgery and
other medical procedures
• May supervise licensed practical nurses and other nursing staff
• May develop and implement discharge planning process on admission of patients
• May teach/counsel patients and families on health-related issues in collaboration with
other health care providers
• Occupational health nurses develop and implement employee health education
programs and provide registered nursing care in private businesses and industry
• Community health nurses provide health education and registered nursing care in
public health units and through home visits, manage complex home care cases,
participate in community needs assessment and program development, conduct
disease screening and deliver immunization programs
• Psychiatric nurses provide nursing care, supportive counselling and life skills
programming to patients in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, long-term care
and community-based settings
• Nursing consultants provide consultative services to institutes, associations and
health care organizations regarding issues and concerns relevant to the nursing
profession and nursing practice
• Nursing researchers engage in research activities related to nursing are self-employed
or are employed by hospitals, public and private organizations and governments
• Clinical nurses provide leadership, advice and counsel on the provision of researchbased care for specific patient groups within the care of particular health care
organizations
Example Titles
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• Clinical Nurse
• Graduate Nurse
• Intensive Care Nurse
• Occupational Health Nurse • Registered Nurse (R.N.)
North Superior Training Board
• Community Health Nurse
• Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Researcher/Nurse Consultant
• Private Duty Nurse
• Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)
Sally Ten Hoeve
Occupational Title: Telehealth Co-ordinator/Staff Educator
Years in Career: 5 (Previously a Registered Nurse for 22 years)
Training: BScN, Registered Nurse
Sally assumed her Telehealth Coordinator and Staff Educator position at the request of a
supervisor.
In her position, Sally believes that an individual needs to like change, have the ability to
facilitate growth, be open to new ideas and enjoy teaching to be successful.
Practicing her occupation in Northwestern Ontario, Sally enjoys advocating for her clients.
She says, “In my job, there is the opportunity to participate in patient consults and I always look
out for what is best for my clients.”
Words of Wisdom
“Go into a Nursing career only if you like the job; don’t go in for the pay cheque. The rewards of
a Nursing job lie in the satisfaction of helping people.”
Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Extended-Care Facilities
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Clinics
• Companies
• Self-Employed
• Nursing Homes
• Critical Care Nurse
• Doctors’ Offices
• Community Agencies
• Private Homes
Requirements
Registered nurses:
• Completion of a university, college or other approved registered nursing program.
• Additional academic training or experience is required to specialize in a specific area
of nursing.
• A Master’s or Doctoral degree in nursing is usually required for clinical nurse
specialists, clinical nurses, nursing consultants and nursing researchers.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces and territories.
Registered psychiatric nurses:
• Completion of a college or other registered psychiatric nursing program.
• Registration with a regulatory body is not required in Ontario.
• As of January 1, 2005, all new Ontario registered nurses must have a four-year
bachelor degree in nursing (BScN) which can be obtained either at a university alone
or though a collaborative program delivered jointly by a college and a university.
(The BScN will not be a requirement for nurses who are already practicing.)
Nurse practitioners require a Master’s degree and experience.
• Licensure to practice requires passing the Canadian Nursing Examination and
registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario. Nurses must renew their
membership on an annual basis.
• Employers are more likely to want a potential employee to have some related
experience before hiring.
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Additional Information:
• Nurses trained exclusively as registered psychiatric nurses (RPN) are recognized only
in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. In all other provinces and
territories, registered nurses (RNs) may work as psychiatric nurses without separate
registration.
• Registered nurses may progress to supervisory and managerial positions with
experience.
Classified Elsewhere
• Registered Practical Nurses (3233)
• Nursing Service Managers (in 0311 Managers in Health Care)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $23.80/hour
Employment Prospects
Fact: 9,500 to 10,000 nurses are currently needed in Ontario.
Thunder Bay - Good to Very Good
Opportunities for registered nurses are expected to be good to very good in the Thunder
Bay area for the foreseeable future.
Employment for this occupation is expected to grow more rapidly than the average for all
occupations through the year 2009. Because of the large size of this occupational group,
many more job openings will be created over the medium term from the need to replace
workers who retire or leave the workforce. On the other hand, recent changes requiring all
new registered nurses to have a four-year Bachelor degree in nursing (BScN) may
diminish the number of new graduates. The Canadian Nurses Association has predicted a
shortage of 59,000-113,000 nurses nationally (excluding Quebec) by 2011. To meet the
longer term needs, the Government of Ontario committed $10 million for PhD nursing
programs over four years starting in 2004-05 which was intended to increase the supply
of nurses with PhDs and help to educate the next generation of nurses.
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s website indicates that there were fourteen
vacancies in the Thunder Bay region as of July 2008 for RNs.
For more information on allied health care opportunities in the Thunder Bay region go to:
http://www.normed.ca/
Training and Affiliations:
Regulatory Body:
• College of Nurses of Ontario - www.cno.org
Professional Association:
• Registered Nurses Association of Ontario - www.rnao.org
Universities Offering Nursing:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Lakehead University - http://nursing.lakeheadu.ca/index.php
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North Superior Training Board
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Laurentian University - http://laurentian.ca/Laurentian/Home/Departments/Nursing/
Homepage.htm?Laurentian_Lang=en-CA
• McMaster University - http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/nursing/
• Nipissing University - http://www.nipissingu.ca/nursing/
• Queen’s University - http://nursing.queensu.ca/
• Ryerson University - http://www.ryerson.ca/nursing/
• Trent University - http://www.trentu.ca/calendar/uc29.html
• University of Ottawa - http://www.health.uottawa.ca/sn/index.htm
• University of Toronto - http://bloomberg.nursing.utoronto.ca/site3.aspx
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.uwo.ca/fhs/
• University of Windsor - http://www.uwindsor.ca/nursing
• York University - http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/NURS/
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NOC 3211
Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists’ Assistants
Job Description
Medical laboratory technologists conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and
analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Pathologists’
assistants assist at autopsies and examinations of surgical specimens or perform
autopsies under a pathologist’s supervision. Medical laboratory technologists who are
also supervisors are included in this unit group.
Duties
Medical laboratory technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Conduct chemical analyses of blood, urine, cerebro-spinal and other body fluids
• Study blood cells and other tissue to determine their relation to various physiological
and pathological conditions
• Prepare tissue sections for microscopic examinations using techniques to
demonstrate special cellular tissue elements or other characteristics
• Establish procedures for the analysis of specimens and for medical laboratory
experiments
• Perform blood group, type and compatibility tests for transfusion purposes
• May supervise and train other medical laboratory technologists and other medical
laboratory workers
• May perform the duties of a pathologist’s assistant in some hospitals
Pathologists’ assistants perform some or all of the following duties:
• Prepare for autopsies by obtaining patients’ medical records and arranging for
radiographic examinations
• Assist with or perform autopsies and surgical specimen examinations under
pathologist’s supervision
• Dissect, examine, weigh and photograph organs and specimens, collect tissue
specimens for chemical analysis and record findings
• May prepare bodies for release to funeral homes following completion of autopsies
• May train junior resident pathologists and train and supervise morgue attendants
• May perform the duties of a medical laboratory technologist in some hospitals
Example Titles
• Clinical Immunology Technologist
• Cytotechnologist
• Immunohematology Technologist
• Pathologist’s Assistant
• Cytology Technologist
• Histology Technologist
• Medical Laboratory Technologist
Workplaces
• Medical Laboratories
• Universities
• Research Institutions
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North Superior Training Board
• Hospitals
• Private Clinics
Requirements
Medical laboratory technologists:
• Require a Bachelor of science or medical laboratory science degree or a two or
three-year college program in medical laboratory technology and a period of
supervised practical training.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required in Ontario.
• Certification by the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science is available for
medical laboratory technologists and is usually required by employers.
Pathologists’ assistants:
• Require a Bachelor of science degree or training and experience as a registered nurse,
licensed practical nurse or medical laboratory technologist and specialized on-the-job
training.
• Certification by the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science may be required
for pathologists’ assistants.
Classified Elsewhere
• Medical Laboratory Technicians (3212)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $27.70/hour
Ontario - $28-$40/hour
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Average to Good
Employment for this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all
occupations through the year 2009 as the volume of laboratory tests increases with
population growth and aging and the development of new types of tests. In addition,
many job openings will result from the need to replace workers who retire. According to
the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science, approximately half of Canada’s
medical laboratory technologists are expected to retire within the next decade. As well,
more powerful new diagnostic techniques, such as DNA testing, will increase the demand
for medical technologists. On the other hand, automation of diagnostic and treatment
procedures may have an offsetting effect. In addition, the preparation of specimens in
high technology laboratories is increasingly being done with computerized systems and
robotics, which may moderate the demand for laboratory technologists.
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s website indicates that there were three
vacancies in the Thunder Bay region as of July 2008 for medical laboratory technologists.
For more information on allied health care opportunities in the Thunder Bay region go to:
http://www.normed.ca/
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Training and Affiliations
Regulatory Body:
• College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario - http://www.cmlto.com
Professional Association:
• Ontario Society of Medical Technologists - http://www.osmt.org
Universities in Ontario Offering Medical Laboratory Technology Programs:
• Cambrian College - http://www.cambriancollege.ca/_Our_Programs/Full-time_
programs/showpage.cfm?cboPrograms=/fulltime/html/termprograms/200909mlty.htm
• The Michener Institute of Applied Health Sciences - http://www.michener.ca/ft/medlab.
php
• St. Clair College of Applied Arts & Sciences in Conjunction with University of Windsor
- http://www.stclaircollege.ca/programs/postsec/medlab/
• St. Lawrence College - http://www.sl.on.ca/
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology - http://www.healthsciences.uoit.ca/
medlabprogram.html
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3212
Medical Laboratory Technicians
Job Description
Medical laboratory technicians conduct routine medical laboratory tests and set up, clean
and maintain medical laboratory equipment. They are employed in medical laboratories
in hospitals, clinics, research institutes and universities and in government research
laboratories.
Duties
Medical laboratory technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
• Collect blood or other samples from patients
• Receive tissues samples from patients
• Log patient samples and prepare them for testing
• Set up medical laboratory equipment
• Conduct routine laboratory tests and sample analyses
• Clean and maintain medical laboratory and medical laboratory equipment
Example Titles
• Medical Laboratory Aide
• Medical Laboratory Assistant
• Phlebotomist
• Phlebotomy Aide
• Medical Laboratory Technician
Workplaces
Medical laboratories in:
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Research Institutes
• Government Research Laboratories
Requirements
• Completion of secondary school and on-the-job training.
plus
• Completion of a 6- to 14-month program for medical laboratory technicians/assistants
is required.
• Combined laboratory and X-ray technicians require completion of a combined
laboratory X-ray technology program.
• Training as a licensed practical nurse, medical technician or in a related occupation is
usually required for phlebotomist or phlebotomy aides.
Classified Elsewhere
• Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists’ Assistants (3211)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and region - $16.75/hour
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Employment Prospects
Ontario - Average
Employment for this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all
occupations through the year 2009. While there have been major breakthroughs in
diagnostic techniques over the past several decades, the increased use of portable
laboratory instruments and testing kits, combined with the growth of shared laboratory
services among health care providers, will moderate future employment growth.
Workers in this occupation will need to keep up with the latest medical technologies.
Private clinics/laboratories will provide the best employment prospects.
Training and Affiliations:
Regulatory Body:
• College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario - www.cmlto.com
Professional Body:
• Ontario Society of Medical Technologists - http://www.osmt.org/
Universities Offering Medical Laboratory Technician Programs:
• St. Clair College in conjunction with University of Windsor - http://www.stclaircollege.
ca/programs/postsec/medlab/
• St. Lawrence College - http://www.sl.on.ca/index.aspx?iPageID=110&iMenuID=6&iCurrI
D=13
Colleges Offering Medical Laboratory Technician Programs:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Confederation
College - http://www.confederationc.on.ca/mla/
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3214
Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists and
Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists
Job Description
Respiratory therapists assist physicians in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients
with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. Clinical perfusionists provide technical
support to patients undergoing cardiac surgery and patients requiring cardio-respiratory
support. Cardiopulmonary technologists assist physicians in the technical aspects of
diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Supervisors and
instructors of respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary
technologists are included in this unit group.
Duties
Respiratory therapists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Perform diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas analysis and cardiopulmonary
functions tests
• Operate and monitor respiratory equipment to administer treatments, such as oxygen,
oxygen-air mixtures, humidified air or medications, as well as a variety of diagnostic
and therapeutic equipment
• Assess patients and perform or assist with interventions such as airway maintenance,
line insertions, inductions and intubations
• Perform artificial respiration and external cardiac massage and assist with transport
of high-risk patients
• Supervise and train students and other respiratory therapists
• Participate in home care programs for chronic respiratory patients and provide patient
and family education
• Participate in research related to cardiac and pulmonary disorders
Clinical perfusionists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Assemble, maintain and operate extracorporeal circulation equipment, intra-aortic
balloon pumps and other heart assist devices to support or temporarily replace
patients’ cardiopulmonary functions during open-heart surgery
• Administer blood products, drugs and other substances through heart-lung machines
and other devices as directed by cardiac surgeons and anaesthetists
• Monitor vital signs to maintain patients’ physiological functions during
cardiopulmonary surgery
• Supervise and train student clinical perfusionists and other clinical perfusionists
Cardiopulmonary technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Perform diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function and asthma stress, or assist
physicians with cardiac and cardiopulmonary stress tests and bronchoscopies
• Determine patients’ blood characteristics such as activated clotting time and oxygen
saturation
• Operate, monitor, maintain, calibrate and test diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
• Monitor patient and advise physician of any changes in patient condition
• Prepare medications and administer inhaler and other treatments under supervision
of cardiologist
• Provide information and care for patients during tests
• Assist with the preparation of cardiac catheterization room, prepare specialized
catheters and assist cardiologists during catheterization
North Superior Training Board
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• Perform analysis, programming and monitoring of implanted devices such as
pacemakers and defibrillators during surgery
• Supervise and train students and other cardiopulmonary technologists, as well as
provide technical support for research
Example Titles
• Cardiopulmonary Technologist
• Cardiovascular Perfusionist
• Chief Respiratory Technologist
• Respiratory Therapist
• Clinical Perfusionist
• Cardiovascular Perfusion Supervisor
• Certified Clinical Perfusionist (Ccp)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (Rrt)
• Respiratory Therapy Clinical Instructor
• Perfusionist
Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Health Units
• Public Health Centres
• Medical Clinics
• Extended-Care Facilities
• Respiratory Home Care Companies
Requirements
• Respiratory therapists require the completion of a two- to three-year college, hospital
or university degree program in respiratory therapy, including clinical training.
• Clinical perfusionists require the completion of a respiratory therapy or registered
nursing program with a minimum of one year of work experience as a respiratory
therapist or registered nurse and completion of a college or university program in
clinical perfusion, including clinical training.
• Cardiopulmonary technologists require a minimum of a diploma in an allied health
discipline such as respiratory therapy, nursing diploma or degree, or a degree in a
related science and training through a post-diploma program or supervised on-the-job
clinical training.
• Licensing is required for respiratory therapists in Ontario.
• Registration with the Canadian Association of Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists
(C.A.C.P.T.) may be required.
• Supervisory and instructor positions in this unit group require experience in their
respective fields as a respiratory therapist, clinical perfusionist or cardiopulmonary
technologist.
Classified Elsewhere
• Other Medical Technologists and Technicians (Except Dental Health) (3219)
• Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment (3235)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $24-$36/hour
Ontario - $35,000-$50,000/year
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Good
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Employment for this occupation is expected to grow more rapidly than the average for all
occupations through the year 2009. The potential increase in cardiopulmonary diseases
due to an aging population and technological advances in treatment will increase the
demand for respiratory therapists. Changes to licensing requirements in Ontario that
North Superior Training Board
require all new graduates to write special exams and existing workers to be randomly
re-tested may constrain the supply of new professionals in the future even as demand for
these services increases.
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s website indicates that there were two
vacancies in the Thunder Bay region as of July 2008 for respiratory therapists.
For more information on allied health care opportunities in the Thunder Bay region go to:
http://www.normed.ca/
Training and Affiliations
Regulatory Body:
• College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario - www.crto.on.ca
Professional Association:
• Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario - www.rtso.org
Universities in Ontario Offering Respiratory Therapy Programs:
• Algonquin College - http://www.algonquincollege.com/prospective/fulltime.html
• Canadore College - http://www.canadorec.on.ca/ProgramInfo/FullTime/
HealthSciences/Index.cfm
• Fanshawe College - http://www.fanshawec.ca/en/RST2/
• La Cité Collégiale - http://www3.lacitec.on.ca/programmes/61080.html
• The Michener Institute of Applied Health Sciences - http://www.michener.ca/ft/
respiratorytherapy.php
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NOC 3215
Medical Radiation Technologists
Job Description
This unit group includes technologists who operate nuclear medicine, radiographic and
radiation therapy equipment to administer radiation treatment and produce images of
body structures for the diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease. Medical radiation
technologists who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group.
Duties
Radiological technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Operate X-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, computerized tomography
(CT) scanners and mammography units to produce radiographs or anatomic images
of the human body for the diagnosis by radiologists of disease or injury
• Record and process patient data
• Perform basic verification and quality control checks on radiographic and film
processing equipment
• Provide appropriate care for the patient during radiographic exams and apply
radiation protection measures
• May train and supervise student radiographers or supervise other radiological
technologists
Nuclear medicine technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Prepare radiopharmaceuticals, such as radionuclides and other materials and
administer them to patients or to biological samples
• Operate radiation detection equipment, such as gamma cameras, scanners,
scintillation counters, tomodensitomiters and ionization chambers, to acquire data for
use by nuclear medicine physicians in the diagnosis of disease
• Perform diagnostic procedures using radioactive materials on biological specimens,
such as blood, urine and faeces
• Record and process results of procedures, as well as check equipment to ensure
proper operation
• Provide appropriate care for the patient during the examination
• May train and supervise student nuclear medicine technologists or supervise other
nuclear medicine technologists
Radiation therapists perform some or all of the following duties:
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• Operate linear accelerators, cobalt 60, X-ray and other radiation therapy equipment to
administer radiation treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists
• Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation
• Assist radiation oncologists and clinical physicists with preparation of radiation
treatment plan
• Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials such as cobalt, radium,
cesium and isotopes and the construction of devices such as plaster casts and acrylic
moulds to assist with administration of radiation treatment
• Monitor the patient’s physical and psychological well-being during the entire course
of treatment
• Advise the patient regarding side effects of radiation
• May train and supervise student radiotherapy technologists or supervise other
radiotherapy technologists
North Superior Training Board
Example Titles
• Clinical Instructor, Radiation Therapy
• Nuclear Medicine Technologist
• Radiation Therapy Technologist (Rtt)
• Radiotherapy Technologist
• Supervisor,
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• Mammography Technologist
• Radiation Oncology Technologist
• Radiological Technologist
• X-Ray Technologist
• Magnetic Resonance Technologists
Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Clinics or Independent Health Facilities
• Research Centres
• Cancer Treatment Centres
• Radiological Laboratories
• Completion of a two- to three-year college, hospital school or other approved program
in diagnostic radiography (for radiological technologists), nuclear medicine
technology (for nuclear medicine technologists) or radiation therapy (for radiation
therapists).
OR
• A Bachelor of health sciences in radiography, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy
and a period of supervised practical training are required.
• Licensure with a regulatory body is required in Ontario and some other provinces.
• Certification by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists is
required in all provinces except Quebec.
• Experience as a medical radiation technologist is required for supervisors and
instructors.
• There is no mobility between the three types of medical radiation technologists
without further training.
Classified Elsewhere
N/A
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $22.75/hour
Ontario - $45,000/year
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Good to Very Good
Employment for this occupation is expected to grow more rapidly than the average for all
occupations through the year 2009. Increases in illnesses associated with an aging
population should increase the demand for workers in this occupation. As well,
innovations in the use of nuclear medicine to diagnose illnesses, such as cancer, may
increase demand for these professionals. However, overall demand for these
technologists depends on the extent of government funding for new technologies and
cancer centres.
Technological change, in particular the introduction of sophisticated imaging
technologies, will create new skill requirements in the field.
North Superior Training Board
“...the introduction of sophisticated imaging technologies will create new skill
requirements in the field.”
Requirements
51
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Training and Affiliations:
Regulatory Body:
• College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario - www.cmrto.org
Professional Association:
• Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Technologists - www.oamrt.on.ca
Colleges in Ontario Offering Medical Radiation Technologist Programs:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Confederation
College - http://www.confederationc.on.ca/medicalradiation/
In Ontario:
• Mohawk College in conjunction with McMaster Universit y
- http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/calendar/healthSciences/medradsci.html
• Cambrian College - http://www.cambriancollege.ca/_Our_Programs/Full-time_
programs/showpage.cfm?cboPrograms=/fulltime/html/termprograms/200909mrty.htm
• Collège Boréal - French - http://www.borealc.on.ca/index.asp?ref=255&prog=29
• Eastern School of X-Ray Technology in conjunction with Queen’s Universit y
- http://www.kgh.on.ca/education/education_xray.asp
• Fanshawe College - http://www.fanshawec.ca/en/MRT1/
• The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences in conjunction with the University
of Toronto - http://www.michener.ca/ft/rad_tech.php
• The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences in conjunction with the Laurentian
University (radiation therapy only) - http://www.michener.ca/ft/rad_therapy.php
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3216
Medical Sonographers
Job Description
Medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of
various parts of the body to aid physicians in monitoring pregnancies and in diagnosing
cardiac, ophthalmic, vascular and other medical disorders. Medical sonographers who are
supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group.
Duties
Medical sonographers perform some or all of the following duties:
• Operate ultrasound imaging equipment that transmits high frequency sound pulses
through the body to produce images of those parts of the body requiring examination
• Monitor examination by viewing images on video screen, to evaluate quality and
consistency of diagnostic images, and make adjustments to equipment, as required
• Record, store and process scanned images by using camera unit connected to
ultrasound equipment
• Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure patient safety and
comfort
• Prepare examination reports for physicians to aid in the monitoring of pregnancies
and the diagnosis of cardiac, abdominal, ophthalmic, vascular and other disorders
• Perform quality control checks on ultrasound equipment to ensure proper operation
and perform minor repairs and adjustments as required
• May supervise and train student and other medical sonographers
Example Titles
• Medical Sonographer
• Ultrasound Technologist
• Registered Diagnostic Medical
Sonographer (RDMS)
• Medical Sonographers Supervisor
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography Instructor
Workplaces
• Clinics
• Hospitals
Requirements
• Completion of a training program in a related field such as diagnostic radiography,
nuclear medicine or nursing and completion of a one-year college or hospital-based
program in diagnostic medical sonography and supervised practical training are
required.
• Certification examinations by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical
Sonographers are usually required by employers.
• Registration with the Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or a
provincial counterpart is available and may be required by employers.
• The Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers recognizes the certifying
examinations of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
Classified Elsewhere
• Other technologists and technicians who operate diagnostic medical equipment
(in 3218 Electroencephalographic and Other Diagnostic Technologists, n.e.c.)
North Superior Training Board
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Linda Carlson
Occupational Title: Radiographer, Sonographer • Years in Career: 19
Training: MRT (R), RDMS
For Linda, being a Radiographer and Sonographer has provided “the perfect blend of art and
science,” while allowing her to have the “satisfaction of helping others.”
“...Being in a small hospital, we have a close-knit group of co-workers and a good
working relationship with physicians. We know most patients well and really feel like
we are contributing to their better health.”
Linda Carlson, MRT (R), RDMS
In Linda’s view, the successful professional in her area would be independent, adaptable,
accountable, respectful and committed to lifelong learning.
With respect to working in the North, Linda says, “In a small hospital, we have a close-knit
group of co-workers and a good working relationship with physicians. We know most
patients well and really feel like we are contributing to their better health. Having two
professions such as x-ray and ultrasound is more prevalent in small Northwestern Ontario
hospitals; each enhances the knowledge of the other and, therefore, benefits the patients.”
Words of Wisdom
“Find a job you love and you will never ‘work’ a day in your life. Go out and spend time in
different health care areas and find your passion. Diagnostic Imaging offers new challenges
and rewards every day”.
Average Earnings
Ontario - $60,000-$72,800/year
Average Starting Salary
Canada - $35,000-$45,000
Employment Prospects
Not known
Training and Affiliations
Professional Association:
• The Ontario Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers - http://www.osdms.org/
Universities in Ontario that Offer Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs:
• Mohawk College in conjunction with McMaster Universit y http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/calendar/healthSciences/medTech/DCS.html
• The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences - http://www.michener.ca/lrc/
lrcultra.php
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3217
Cardiology Technologists
Job Description
Cardiology technologists operate electrocardiogram and other electronic equipment to
record cardiac activity of patients to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
Cardiology technologists who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit
group.
Duties
Cardiology technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Operate electrocardiogram and other electronic equipment to record cardiac activity
of patients
• Perform cardiovascular procedures and tests, such as electrocardiograms, exercise
tolerance tests, ambulatory monitoring and scanning of tapes, pacemaker analysis
and follow-up, and echocardiogram
• Record and assess cardiac activity and provide preliminary reports of tests
• Provide patients with care during procedures and tests
• Prepare reports for interpretation by cardiologists
• Reprogram pacemakers according to required standards
• Check cardiology equipment to ensure proper operation
• May analyze test and notify physician or other health care professionals
• May administer certain drugs under direct supervision of physician
• May document and record pacemaker implant threshold measurements under direct
supervision of cardiac surgeon
• May supervise and train students, other cardiology technologists and nurses
Example Titles
• Cardiac Stress Technologist
• Cardiology Technologist
• Electrocardiography Technologist
• Cardiology Supervisor
• Electrocardiographic (Ecg) Technologist
Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Clinics
Requirements
• Completion of a two-year college diploma in cardiology technology and supervised
practical training.
• Registration with the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists is required in
Ontario.
Classified Elsewhere
• Cardiovascular perfusionists (in 3214 Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists
and Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists)
• Other technologists and technicians who operate diagnostic medical equipment (in
3218 Electroencephalographic and Other Diagnostic Technologists, n.e.c.)
55
North Superior Training Board
www.nstb.on.ca
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and region - $20.90/hour
Ontario - $20,000-$50,000/year
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Good
Ontario’s growing and aging population will require more cardiovascular tests in the
coming years. With technology producing more tests for disease, demand for these types
of services will grow.
Training and Affiliations
Professional Association:
• Ontario Society of Cardiologists - http://www.osct.ca
Universities in Ontario Offering a Cardiology Technologist Program:
• Mohawk College - http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/calendar/cardioTechni.html
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3218
Electroencephalographic and Other Diagnostic Technologists, n.e.c.
Job Description
This unit group includes other diagnostic technologists not elsewhere classified who
operate electroencephalographic and other diagnostic equipment to assist physicians in
diagnosing diseases, injuries and abnormalities. Electroencephalographic and other
diagnostic technologists who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit
group.
Duties
Electroencephalographic (EEG) technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Review patient’s case history and assess nature of problem to determine processes
and tests required
• Attach diagnostic equipment to patients and ensure patient’s comfort and safety
• Operate diagnostic equipment such as electroencephalographs and evoked potential
equipment to record the electrical activity of the brain, cranial and central nervous
system
• Take notes on the recorded graph to identify interference such as poor electrode
contact or patient movement
• Prepare recordings and reports for interpretation by neurologists
• Check, calibrate and perform routine maintenance to diagnostic equipment
• Train and supervise students, technicians or other electroencephalographic
technologists
Electromyography (EMG) technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Review patient’s case history and assess nature of problem to determine processes
and tests required
• Attach electromyographic equipment to patients and ensure patient’s comfort and
safety
• Operate electromyographic equipment to conduct electrophysiological nerve
conduction velocity tests and to assist physicians in conducting electrophysiological
tests such as muscle strength and repetitive stimulation
• Prepare recordings and reports of findings for physicians to aid in the diagnosis of
neuromuscular disorders
• Check, calibrate and perform routine maintenance of equipment
• Train and supervise students, technicians or other electromyography technologists
Example Titles
• Electroencephalographic (Eeg) Technologist
• Electromyography (Emg) Technologist
• Electroneurodiagnostic (End) Technologist
• Electroneurophysiology (Enp) Technologist
• Evoked Potential (Ep) Technologist
• Neuroelectrophysiology Technologist
Workplaces
• Clinics
• Medical Laboratories
North Superior Training Board
• Hospitals
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Requirements
• Completion of secondary school and additional specialized training is required for
electroencephalographic and other diagnostic technologists in this unit group.
• Electroencephalographic technologists require completion of a two-year college or
hospital-based program in electrophysiology technology and supervised practical
training.
• Registration with the Canadian Board of Electroencephalograph Technologists is
available for electroencephalographic technologists and is usually required by
employers.
• Electromyography technologists require two years of supervised practical training.
• Registration with the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists/EMG Section is
available for electromyography technologists and is usually required by employers.
• Electroencephalographic technologists who operate evoked potential equipment
may require registration with the American Board of Registration of
Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists.
Classified Elsewhere
• Cardiology Technologists (3217)
• Medical Radiation Technologists (3215)
• Medical Sonographers (3216)
• Other medical technologists (in 3219 Other Medical Technologists and Technicians
(Except Dental Health))
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $22.60/hour
Employment Prospects
Not known
Training and Affiliations
Regulatory Body:
• The Canadian Board of Registration of Electroencephalograph Technologists http://www.cbret.org/
Professional Association:
• Canadian Association of Electroneurophysiology Technologists - http://www.caet.org/
• Association of Electromyography Technologists of Canada - http://www.aetc.ca/
Institutions in Ontario Offering EEG, EMG, ENP Programs:
• La Cité Collégiale - http://www3.lacitec.on.ca/programmes/51606.html
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3219
Other Medical Technologists and Technicians (Except Dental Health)
Job Description
This unit group includes medical technologists and technicians not elsewhere classified,
such as dietary technicians, ocularists, prosthetists, orthotists, prosthetic technicians and
orthotic technicians.
Duties
The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
• Dietary technicians assist dietitians or nutritionists to plan and supervise food service
operations; plan menus and diet for individuals or groups under the direction of a
dietitian or nutritionist; assist in the supervision of personnel who prepare and serve
food; help patients select menu items; and assist dietitians with research in food,
nutrition and food service systems.
• Ocularists design, fabricate and fit ocular prostheses and conformers, and may design
and fabricate implants; paint the iris and pupil of artificial eyes; clean and restore
ocular prostheses; advise patients concerning the loss of depth perception and the
care and use of ocular prostheses; repair and maintain fabrication and laboratory
equipment; and consult with ophthalmologists concerning insertion of ocular
prostheses.
• Prosthetists and orthotists design, fabricate and fit prosthetic and orthotic appliances
such as artificial limbs, braces or supports; interpret physicians’ specifications and
examine and measure patients to develop working sketches of appliances; make and
modify plaster casts of areas to receive prostheses or orthoses; fit, adjust and repair
appliances; advise patients in the use and care of prostheses and orthoses; and
supervise and direct the activities of prosthetic and orthotic technicians.
• Prosthetic and orthotic technicians assemble or build prosthetic and orthotic
appliances according to drawings, measurements and plaster casts using a variety of
materials such as metals, plastics and leathers; repair, rebuild and modify prosthetic
and orthotic appliances or orthopaedic footwear; and may take the body or limb
measurements of patients.
Example Titles
• Dietary Technician
• Ocularist
• Orthotic Technician
• Prosthetic Technician
• Food and Nutrition Technician
• Ocularist Technician
• Orthotist
• Prosthetist
Work Environment
Health care and commercial food service establishments:
• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Cafeterias
• Custom Ocular Prosthetic Laboratories
• Prosthetic Device Manufacturing
Companies
• Extended-Care Facilities
• Schools
• Fast-Food Outlets
• Prosthetics And Orthotics Laboratories
• Self-Employed
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North Superior Training Board
www.nstb.on.ca
Requirements
• Dietary technicians require completion of a two- to three-year college program in
dietary technology and supervised practical training.
• Ocularists require completion of the ocularist training program of the American
Society of Ocularists and supervised practical training or a five-year supervised
practical training program under a certified ocularist.
• Certification by the National Examining Board of Ocularists is usually required.
• Prosthetists and orthotists require a two-year college program in prosthetics and
orthotics technology and three years of supervised practical training.
• Certification by the Canadian Board of Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists
(CBCPO) may be required.
• Prosthetic and orthotic technicians usually require a two- to three- year college
program in prosthetics and orthotics and one to two years of supervised practical
training or completion of secondary school and up to four years of supervised
practical training under a certified prosthetist or orthotist.
• Registration with the Canadian Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CAPO) may
be required.
• Prosthetic and orthotic technicians may become certified prosthetists or orthotists
with an additional two years of experience as a registered prosthetic or orthotic
technician and completion of certification examinations by the Canadian Board of
Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists.
Classified Elsewhere
• Other health care technologists and technicians (in 321 Medical Technologists and
Technicians (except Dental Health))
• Technologists or technicians in therapy and assessment (in 3235 Other Technical
Occupations in Therapy and Assessment)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $19.65/hour
Employment Prospects
Not known
Training and Affiliations
Regulatory Body:
• Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists - http://www.cbcpo.ca/
index.html
Professional Body:
• Canadian Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists - http://www.pando.ca/index.php
Institutions in Ontario Offering Programs for Orthotic Technician:
George Brown College
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• Post-secondar y - http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/hsci/S102.aspx
• Post-graduate - http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/hsci/S407.aspx
North Superior Training Board
NOC 3221
Denturists
Job Description
Denturists examine patients and design, construct and repair removable dentures.
Most denturists work in private practice.
Duties
Denturists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Measure patients’ jaws to determine size and shape of dentures required
• Make impressions of patients’ teeth, gums and jaws
• Construct dentures or direct other workers to construct dentures
• Fit and modify new dentures
• Repair dentures
• Reline and rebase dentures
• Fabricate mouth protectors, anti-snoring prostheses and removable
prostheses on implants
• May prepare partial dentures
Example Titles
• Dental Mechanic • Denturologist
• Denturist
Workplaces
Most denturists work in their own denture clinics or laboratories
Requirements
• Completion of a two- or three-year college program in denturism/denturology.
• An internship in a registered denture clinic may be required.
• Licensing by a provincial or territorial regulatory body is required in Ontario.
Classified Elsewhere
• Dental Assistants (3411)
• Dental Technologists, Technicians and Laboratory Bench Workers (3223)
• Dental Therapists and Dental Hygienists (3222)
• Dentists (3113)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $26.25/hour
Ontario - $30,000-$60,000/year
Employment Prospects
Good to Very Good
The employment growth rate for denturtists is expected to be well above average.
The aging population needs more health services and governments are providing more
funding for health care. In addition, more Canadians have dental insurance coverage.
North Superior Training Board
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Training and Affiliations
Regulatory Body:
• College of Denturists of Ontario - http://www.denturists-cdo.com/
Professional Association:
• Denturist Association of Ontario - http://www.dao.on.ca/index.cgi?page=denture.
shtml&sid=1107365872Rr
Institutions in Ontario Offering Denturist Programs:
• George Brown College - http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/hsci/S101.aspx
62
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3222
Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists
Job Description
Dental hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment and information related to the
prevention of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. Dental therapists carry out
limited dental services related to the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders
of the teeth and mouth.
Duties
Dental hygienists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Conduct an initial dental assessment and consult with dentists on patient care
• Take dental impressions
• Instruct patients regarding oral hygiene procedures
• Clean and stimulate the gums to prevent gum disease
• Remove stains and deposits from teeth to prevent tooth and root decay
• Apply fluoride treatment
• Take and develop X-rays
• May perform restorative and orthodontic procedures under the direction of a dentist
• May supervise dental assistants in their health care functions
Dental therapists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Conduct dental assessments and consult with dentist on patient care
• Take dental impressions
• Take and develop X-rays
• Remove stains and deposits from teeth to prevent tooth and root decay
• Apply fluoride treatment
• Instruct patients regarding oral hygiene procedures
• Supervise dental assistants in their health care functions
• May drill and fill cavities, extract teeth and replace portions of tooth crown
Example Titles
• Dental Hygienist
• Dental Therapist
• Dental Nurse
Work Environment
• Clinics
• Dentists’ Offices
• Hospitals
• Educational Institutions
• Rural and remote communities • Government Agencies
(employed by government) and Private Industry
Requirements
• Dental hygienists are required to complete a college program ranging from one to
three years, or other approved program in dental hygiene recognized by the governing
board within the province.
• Dental therapists are required to complete the two-year dental therapy diploma
program at the National School of Dental Therapy in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan,
offered by Health Canada.
North Superior Training Board
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• Licensing by the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory body is required for
dental hygienists.
• Licensure is not required for dental therapists in Ontario.
• Employers are more likely to want a potential employee to have some related
experience before hiring.
Classified Elsewhere
FACT: The work schedule for this occupation is not generally the traditional “9 to 5” arrangement.
There is also a great deal of part-time work as well as temporary work for this occupation. New
graduates can expect to only receive part-time work until they have accumulated some experience.
• Dental Assistants (3411)
• Dental Technologists, Technicians and Laboratory Bench Workers (3223)
• Dentists (3113)
• Denturists (3221)
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Average Earnings
Ontario - $33.98/hour
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Very Good
In Ontario, there are more job openings for dental hygienists than there are qualified
people to fill them.
Training and Affiliations
Regulatory Body:
• College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario - www.cdho.org
Institutions in Ontario Offering Dental Hygienist Programs:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Confederation College - http://www.confederationc.on.ca/dentalhygiene/
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Algonquin College - http://extraweb.algonquincollege.com/fulltime_programs/
programOverview.aspx?id=0927X01FWO&
• Canadian Academy of Dental Hygiene - http://www.canadianacademyofdentalhygiene.ca/
• George Brown College - http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/hsci/S112.aspx
• Cambrian College - http://www.cambriancollege.ca/_Our_Programs/Full-time_
programs/showpage.cfm?cboPrograms=/fulltime/html/termprograms/200909denh.htm
• Niagara College - http://www.niagaracollege.ca/programs/dh_0204/
• Georgian College - http://www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/programs/program_info.
php?major=DNHY
• Fanshawe College - http://www.fanshawec.ca/en/DHY2/
• Canadore College - http://www.canadorec.on.ca/ProgramInfo/FullTime/HealthSciences/
Index.cfm
• La Cité Collégiale - http://www3.lacitec.on.ca/programmes/51464.html
• Durham College - https://myplace.durhamcollege.ca/durham/program.
do?from=subject&programID=76
• St. Clair College - http://www.stclaircollege.ca/programs/postsec/dental_hygiene/
• Canadian Institute of Dental Hygiene - http://www.cidh.on.ca/
North Superior Training Board
NOC 3223
Dental Technologists, Technicians, and Laboratory Bench Workers
Job Description
Dental technologists and technicians design, prepare and fabricate dentures and dental
devices as prescribed by dentists and other specialists. Dental laboratory bench workers
assist dental technologists and technicians in preparing and fabricating dentures and
other dental devices. Supervisors of dental technologists and technicians are also
included in this unit group.
Duties
Dental technologists and technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
• Design, fabricate or repair dental devices including full or partial dentures, crowns,
bridges, inlays, onlays, clasps and bands, and implants
• May consult with dentists or other specialists on problematic dental cases
• May train and supervise other dental technicians or dental laboratory bench workers
in fabricating dentures and other dental devices
• May perform supervisory and administrative functions for the dental laboratory
Dental laboratory bench workers perform some or all of the following duties:
• Prepare plaster models and moulds from dental impressions
• Prepare wax bite-blocks and impression trays
• Cast gold or metal alloys for bridges and denture bases
• Pack plastic material in moulds to form full or partial dentures
• Mould wax over denture set-up to form full contours of artificial gums
• Make orthodontic bands from gold, silver, stainless steel or other metals
• Finish metal framework of dentures and polish and buff dentures to obtain natural
finish
Work Titles
• Ceramic Denture Moulder
• Dental Laboratory Bench Worker
• Dental Technician Supervisor
• Denture Finisher
• Orthodontic Band Maker
• Registered Dental Technologist
• Dental Laboratories
• Dental Technician
• Dental Technologist
• Denture Wax Pattern Former
• Registered Dental Technician
Workplace
• Dental Laboratories
Requirements:
• Dental technologists and technicians are required to complete a college program in
dental technology or four or more years of on-the-job training under the supervision
of a registered dental technologist or technician.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required for dental technologists and
technicians in Ontario.
• Dental laboratory bench workers usually require secondary school and up to two
years of on-the-job training.
North Superior Training Board
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Classified Elsewhere
• Dental Assistants (3411)
• Dental Therapists and Dental Hygienists (3222)
• Denturists (3221)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $18.05/hour
Employment Prospects
Not known
Training and Affiliations
Regulatory Body:
• College of Dental Technologists of Ontario - www.cdto.ca
Professional Body:
• Association of Dental Technologists of Ontario - http://www.adto.org/
Institutions in Ontario Offering Dental Technologist Programs:
• George Brown College - http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/hsci/S100.
aspx#maincontent
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3231
Opticians
Job Description
Opticians fit clients with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist clients in the
selection of eyeglass frames, arrange for the production of eyeglasses or contact lenses
and mount lenses in eyeglass frames. Student opticians and opticians who are managers
of optical retail outlets are included in this group.
Duties
Opticians perform some or all of the following duties:
• Obtain specifications for eyeglasses or contact lenses from a prescription prepared by
an ophthalmologist or optometrist or by analyzing the client’s eyeglasses or contact
lenses and by measuring client’s eye curvature, pupillary distance and bridge width,
using optical measuring devices
• Assist clients in selecting eyeglasses by advising on lens materials, frames, tints and
anti-reflection coating
• Advise on use and care of contact lenses
• Arrange for grinding and polishing of lenses or grind and polish lenses
• Cut and edge lenses and fit lenses into frames
• Adjust finished eyeglasses to fit client
• May supervise or manage the activities of other opticians or student opticians
Example Titles
• Contact Lens Fitter
• Dispensing Optician
• Optician
• Contact Lens Technician
• Ophthalmic Dispenser
Workplaces
• Optical Retail Outlets
• Other establishments with
optical dispensing departments
• Medical Laboratories
• Self-employed
Requirements
• Completion of a two- or three-year college program in ophthalmic dispensing, which
includes an apprenticeship or completion of an Optician’s Guild two-year ophthalmic
dispensing correspondence course including practical experience.
• Completion of an Optician’s Guild two-year contact lens technician correspondence
course may also be required for contact lens technicians.
• Licensing by a regulatory body.
Classified Elsewhere
• Ophthalmologists (in 3111 Specialist Physicians)
• Optical lab technicians (in 3414 Other Aides and Assistants in Support
of Health Services)
• Optometrists (3121)
North Superior Training Board
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Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $21.15/hour
Ontario - $39,000-$60,000/year
Employment Prospects
Not known
Training and Affiliations
Regulatory Body:
• College of Opticians of Ontario - www.coptont.org
Professional Association:
• Ontario Opticians Association - http://www.ontario-opticians.com/
Institutions in Ontario Offering Opticianry Programs:
• Georgian College - http://www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/programs/program_info.
php?major=OPTI
• Seneca College - http://www.senecac.ca/fulltime/OPTD.html
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3232
Midwives and Practitioners of Natural Healing
Job Description
Midwives provide full-course care to women and their babies during pregnancy, labour,
birth and the post-natal period. They are employed in hospitals, birthing centres and
private practice. Practitioners of natural healing provide alternative forms of health care to
patients.
Duties
The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
• Midwives provide full-course care to women and their babies during pregnancy,
labour, birth and the post-natal period including monitoring the health of mother and
baby, counselling and providing advice on diet, conducting routine deliveries and
assisting in complicated deliveries
• Acupuncturists diagnose the diseases, physiological disorders and injuries of patients
and treat them by the insertion of acupuncture needles or through the use of heat,
pressure, electric current or rays of light
• Chinese medical practitioners diagnose the diseases, physiological disorders and
injuries of patients and treat them using raw herbs and other medicines, dietary
supplements or acupuncture
• Herbalists advise patients on the use of herbs for the treatment of conditions such as
arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, skin disorders and stomach ailments and may sell
these herbs
• Homeopaths diagnose illnesses and treat them by administering, in chemical or
herbal form, a small dosage of the illness itself or by suggesting lifestyle changes.
• Reflexologists apply gentle finger pressure to specific spots on the clients’ hands or
feet to promote relaxation and better health and well-being
• Rolfers systematically manipulate various parts of the body such as the legs and
shoulders in order to realign the structure of the body and reduce chronic pain and
stress
Example Titles
• Acupuncturist
• Herborist
• Homeopathist
• Reflexologist
• Chinese Medical Practitioner
• Herbalist
• Homeopath
• Midwife
• Rolfer
Workplaces
Midwives are employed in:
• Hospitals
• Private Practice
• Birthing Centres
Natural healing practitioners are employed in:
• Clinics
• Private Practice
North Superior Training Board
• Health Clubs
• Spas or Health Food Stores
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Requirements
• Bachelor of Health Sciences - Midwifery.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required for midwives in Ontario.
• Acupuncturists require completion of a training program in acupuncture, may require
some university undergraduate studies in science or training in a related health care
discipline and may also require work experience under the supervision of a registered
acupuncturist.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required for acupuncturists in Quebec, Alberta
and British Columbia.
• Chinese medical practitioners usually require completion of a program in traditional
Chinese medicine which is available from certain medical schools abroad or some
post-secondary education and a diploma in traditional Chinese medicine from a
private institute.
• All other occupations in this unit group usually require completion of courses or
training programs specific to their occupations and some supervised practical
training.
• Chinese medical practitioners may practise as acupuncturists.
Classified Elsewhere
• Massage therapists (in 3235 Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment)
• Naturopathic and osteopathic physicians (in 3123 Other Professional Occupations in
Health Diagnosing and Treating)
Average Earnings (Midwives)
Thunder Bay and Region - $ 16.55/hour
Ontario - $40,000-$70,000/year
Employment Prospects
Good
The Province of Ontario recently passed legislation integrating midwives into the public
health care system, which has boosted demand for midwives.
Training and Affiliations
Regulatory Body:
• College of Midwives of Ontario - http://www.cmo.on.ca/
Professional Association:
• Association of Ontario Midwives - www.aom.on.ca
Institutions in Ontario Offering Midwifery Programs:
• Laurentian Universit y - http://midwifery.laurentian.ca/
• McMaster Universit y - http://www-fhs.mcmaster.ca/midwifery/
• Ryerson Universit y - http://ryerson.ca/ualca/programs/midwifery.html
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NOC 3233
Licensed Practical Nurses
Job Description
Licensed practical nurses provide nursing care usually under the direction of medical
practitioners, registered nurses, or other health team members. Operating room
technicians are included in this unit group.
Duties
Licensed practical nurses perform some or all of the following duties:
• Provide nursing services, within defined scope of practice, to patients based on
patient assessment and care planning procedures
• Perform nursing interventions such as taking vital signs, applying aseptic techniques
including sterile dressing, ensuring infection control, monitoring nutritional intake and
conducting specimen collection
• Administer medication and observe and document therapeutic effects
• Provide pre-operative and post-operative personal and comfort care
• Monitor established respiratory therapy and intravenous therapy
• Monitor patients’ progress, evaluate effectiveness of nursing interventions and
consult with appropriate members of healthcare team
• Provide safety and health education to individuals and their families
Operating room technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
• Prepare patients for surgery by washing, shaving and sterilizing the patients’
operative areas
• Assist in surgery by laying out instruments, setting up equipment, assisting surgical
teams with gowns and gloves and passing instruments to surgeons
• Clean and sterilize the operating room and instruments
Example Titles
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Licensed Nursing Assistant
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Operating Room Technician
• Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)
• Registered Nursing Assistant (RNA)
Workplaces
• Private Homes
• Companies
• Extended-Care Facilities
• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Doctors’ Offices
• Clinics
• Community Health Centres
Requirements
• Completion of a vocational, college or other approved program for licensed practical
nurses.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required in Ontario.
• Completion of the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination is required in
Ontario.
• Operating room technicians require either additional academic training in operating
room techniques or on-the-job training.
North Superior Training Board
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• Working under the direction of a medical practitioner or registered nurse is not
required for licensed practical nurses in all jurisdictions.
Classified Elsewhere
• Home Health Aide (in 6471 Visiting Homemakers, Housekeepers
and Related Occupations)
• Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates (3413)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $18.50/hour
Average Annual Earnings
“The role of registered practical nurses will change as more technology
is introduced at the bedside.”
Ontario - $25,000-$40,000
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Good
In Ontario, employment will increase as the health care system shifts from institutional to
home care for people with chronic illnesses and disabling conditions. As well, a
substantial number of job openings will arise each year from the need to replace workers
who retire.
The role of registered practical nurses will change as more technology is introduced at the
bedside. The growing complexity of nursing care and limiting of hospitalization to
critically ill patients will place additional educational demands on the workers employed
in acute care.
Training and Affiliations
The College of Nurses determined that as of January 1, 2005, all practical nursing
graduates entering the profession in Ontario must have a two-year diploma in nursing.
To work in the occupation, they must also pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration
Exam (CPNRE) and be registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
Regulatory Body:
• College of Nurses of Ontario - http://www.cno.org/for/students.html
Professional Association:
• Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario - www.rpnao.org
Colleges/Universities Offering Practical Nursing Programs:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Confederation College - http://www.confederationc.on.ca/practicalnursing/
In the Rest of Ontario:
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• Algonquin College - http://extraweb.algonquincollege.com/fulltime_programs/
programOverview.aspx?id=1704X1FWO&
• Cambrian College - http://www.cambrianc.on.ca/_Our_Programs/Full-time_programs/
showpage.cfm?cboPrograms=/fulltime/html/termprograms/200509PNDP.HTM
North Superior Training Board
FACT: Experience is not a factor in terms of potential employment for this occupation.
• Canadore College - http://www.canadorec.on.ca/Programs/FullTime/
HealthSciences/040108.cfm
• Centennial College - http://db2.centennialcollege.ca/ft/FMPro?-db=ftcourses.fp5&format=record_detail.htm&-error=search_error.htm&-lay=detail&-max=10&-find=&op=eq&Program+Code=9350
• La Cité Collégiale - http://www.lacitec.on.ca/prog_cours/pdf/guide/gp0607/1538.pdf
• Collège Boréal - http://www.borealc.on.ca/index.asp?ref=255&prog=26
• Conestoga College - Don Valley Campus - http://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/
programoverview.jsp?SchoolID=3&ProgramCode=1185&v=0901
• Durham College - https://myplace.durhamcollege.ca/durham/program.
do?from=subject&programID=142
• Fanshawe College - http://www.fanshawec.ca/en/PNG4/
• George Brown College - St. James Campus - http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/
FTCal/nursing/S121.aspx#top
• Georgian College - Orillia Campus - http://www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/programs/
program_info.php?major=PNRS
• Humber College - http://postsecondary.humber.ca/07041.htm
• Lambton College - http://www.lambton.on.ca/Programs/program_html?PROGCODE=H
043&LASTRECORDID=1879
• Loyalist College - http://www.lambton.on.ca/Programs/program_html?PROGCODE=H0
43&LASTRECORDID=1879
• Mohawk College - http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/calendar/practicalNursing.html
• Northern College - South Porcupine Campus - http://www.northernc.on.ca/programs/
hsci/nursing.html
• Sault College - http://www.saultc.on.ca/Programs/Programs.asp?progcode=3024&cat=
overview&groupc=HEA
• Seneca College - http://www.senecac.on.ca/fulltime/PND.html
• Sheridan College - http://nursing.sheridaninstitute.ca/
• Sir Sanford Fleming College - Sutherland Campus - http://www.flemingc.on.ca/index.
cfm/go/programs/sub/display/code/PN.cfm
• St. Clair College - Thames Campus - http://www.stclaircollege.ca/programs/postsec/
pract_nursing/
• St. Lawrence College - Brockville, Cornwall, & Kingston Campuses - http://www.sl.on.
ca/fulltime/F0491.HTM
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NOC 3234
Paramedics
Job Description
This unit group includes workers who administer pre-hospital emergency medical care to
patients and transport them to hospitals or other medical facilities for further medical
care.
Duties
Katie Dymond
“Try it out by volunteering for a day or two, so that you know what you are getting into.“
Workers in this unit group perform some or all of the following duties:
• Assess extent of injuries or illness of trauma victims, patients with respiratory disease
and stress, overdose and poisoning victims, industrial accident victims and other ill or
injured individuals to determine emergency medical treatment
• Administer pre-hospital emergency care, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR), oxygen, bandaging and splinting, to patients
• Establish and maintain intravenous treatment (IV), apply adjunctive equipment for
ventilation and circulation complications, administer medications and provide other
advanced emergency treatment to patients
• Triage of emergency patients
• Transport patients by air or land to hospital or other medical facility for further
medical care
• Document and record nature of injuries and treatment provided
• Assist hospital personnel with provision of medical treatment, if necessary
• Maintain ambulances and emergency care equipment and supplies
• Train and supervise other workers in this unit group
Example Titles
• Advanced Care Paramedic
• Primary Care Paramedic
• Paramedic
• Supervisory/Management Position Titles
Workplaces (Ontario)
• Municipal or Provincial government
Requirements
• Completion of a college-based Paramedic program 24 months in length.
• Licencing done by Ministry of Health.
• Those operating emergency vehicles require a Class F licence.
Classified Elsewhere
• Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services (3414)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $32/hour (Municipal)
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North Superior Training Board
Katie Dymond
Occupational Title: Paramedic • Years in Career: 5
Training: Ministry of Health- EFR course, BLS test, and base hospital certification
For some people, the inspiration to enter a particular field begins at a young age.
However, for Katie, her inspiration came when she was offered the opportunity to train
as a Paramedic and she discovered that she “loved it instantly”.
A Paramedic in Northwestern Ontario needs both patience and ambition in Katie’s
opinion.
When thinking about what she likes best about being a paramedic in Northwestern
Ontario, Katie says that the ability to be close to family here is a benefit.
Words of Wisdom
“Try it out by volunteering for a day or two, so that you know what you are getting
into.“
Employment Prospects:
Thunder Bay & Region - Good to Very Good
In Ontario, employment for this occupation is expected to grow more rapidly than the
average for all occupations through the year 2009. The growing and aging population will
increase the demand for paramedics.
As a general rule in Thunder Bay, workers are initially hired on a temporary basis and
from there are moved to regular part time and then to full time positions, as vacancies
become available. In the district, more are hired into full time positions initially.
Contact
(Provincial): www.ornge.ca (Career Opportunities)
(Municipal): www.superiornorthems.com (Recruitment)
Training and Affiliations
Regulatory Body:
• Ontario Ministry of Health - www.health.gov.on.ca
Colleges in Ontario Offering Primary Paramedics Courses:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Confederation College - http://www.confederationc.on.ca/paramedic/
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Algonquin College - http://extraweb.algonquincollege.com/fulltime_programs/
programOverview.aspx?id=0620X1FWO&
• Collège Boréal - http://www.borealc.on.ca/index.asp?ref=255&prog=24
• Cambrian College - http://www.cambrianc.on.ca/_Our_Programs/Full-Time_Programs/
showpage.cfm?cboPrograms=/fulltime/html/termprograms/200509para.htm
North Superior Training Board
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• Conestoga College - http://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/programoverview.jsp?Scho
olID=3&ProgramCode=0052&v=0901
• Durham College - https://myplace.durhamcollege.ca/durham/program.
do?from=subject&programID=1312
• Fleming College - http://www.flemingc.on.ca/index.cfm/go/programs/sub/display/code/
PMD/strm/1099/cstrm/1099.cfm
• Fanshawe College - http://www.fanshawec.ca/en/PAR2/
• Georgian College - http://www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/programs/program_info.
php?moremajor=PARA
• Humber College - http://postsecondary.humber.ca/07651.htm
• La Cité Collégiale - http://www3.lacitec.on.ca/programmes/51491.html
• Loyalist College - http://www.loyalistcollege.com/campus/bancroft-campus/programsand-courses#4
• Niagara College - http://www.niagaracollege.ca/programs/paramed_0814/
• Northern College - http://www.northernc.on.ca/programs/hsci/paramedic.html
• St. Clair College - http://www.stclaircollege.ca/programs/postsec/paramedic/
• St. Lawrence College - http://www.sl.on.ca/index.aspx?iPageID=139&iMenuID=6&progI
d=463
Private Institution:
• Canadian Career College - http://www.canadiancareercollege.com/campus/ppcp.htm
Colleges in Ontario Offering Advanced Care Paramedics Courses:
• Algonquin College - http://extraweb.algonquincollege.com/fulltime_programs/
programOverview.aspx?id=3005X01FWO&
• Conestoga College - http://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/programoverview.jsp?Scho
olID=3&ProgramCode=0052&v=0901
• Durham College - https://myplace.durhamcollege.ca/durham/program.
do?from=subject&programID=134
• Fanshawe College - http://www.fanshawec.ca/en/ADP1/
• Humber College - http://healthsciences.humber.ca/advanced_care_paramedic.php
• Niagara College - http://www.niagaracollege.ca/programs/acp_0854/
Chris Millington
Occupational Title: Paramedic • Years in Career: 5
Training: Diploma in Paramedicine; courses in BLS, ALS, and CPR
Chris has always been interested in helping people so he chose a career that has an
immediate impact on people’s lives.
Someone who has integrity, is a leader, is self-confident, is self-motivated, has ‘thick skin,’ is a
helper and has a sense of humour is a person that Chris believes would be highly successful
as a Paramedic.
The thing Chris likes best about working in Northwestern Ontario is that “you get to know your
patients better and get feedback more often.”
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Words of Wisdom
“Study hard. Be committed.“
North Superior Training Board
Eric Todd
Occupational Title: Platoon Supervisor, Paramedic ACP • Years in Career: 27
Training: 2-year college program, other post-graduate courses
Eric pursued a career in Paramedics because of the opportunity “to make a positive impact
on others’ lives.” He believes that a Paramedic’s job is one “that few others can or would
do.” His career requires him to be resourceful because of an ever-changing environment,
while allowing him to use state-of-the-art equipment and procedures.
Eric acknowledges that working in Northwestern Ontario is quite different from working in
more Southerly regions of the province. He describes increased patient contact as what he
likes best about being a Paramedic in the North, as “long distances and remote locations
produce longer contact with patients.” There are also stresses involved in working in the
region including a greater need to maintain one’s skill level due to a lesser volume of calls
and a high-degree of complexity of situations (i.e. Northwestern Ontario weather, especially
in winter, can be more severe and the regional community diversities).
Words of Wisdom
“Be fit and maintain the level. There is a good future ahead for pre-hospital care as a
cost savings.“
Experience is not a factor in potential employment on this occupation.
When asked about the skills and abilities he believes a good Paramedic requires, Eric
indicated that physical fitness, fine motor skills, open mindedness, tolerance of shift work
and the outdoor environment and excelling in stressful environments, as well as problemsolving with limited time and resources would top his list.
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North Superior Training Board
www.nstb.on.ca
NOC 3235
Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment
Job Description
This unit group includes workers, not elsewhere classified, who perform various technical
therapy and assessment functions.
Duties
The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
• Audio prosthetists examine clients to determine appropriate type of hearing aid; may
test patient’s hearing; take ear impressions for use in the manufacture of the devices;
fit and adjust hearing aids; and perform follow-up examinations and readjustments
• Audiometric assistants administer, under the supervision of audiologists, tests such as
speech reception and speech discrimination to determine the hearing thresholds of
patients; and record these test results
• Communication assistants carry out remedial programs, under the supervision of
speech language pathologists, to rehabilitate patients with communicative disorders
• Massage therapists assess clients by conducting range of motion and muscle testing
and propose treatment plans; treat soft tissues and joints of the body through soft
tissue manipulation, hydrotherapy, remedial exercise programs and client self-help
programs; provide courses of treatment for medical conditions and injuries or wellness
maintenance; maintain records of treatments given; and may work with other health
care professionals when appropriate
• Ophthalmic medical assistants operate ophthalmic testing and measuring instruments
to aid ophthalmologists to assess patients’ vision; record test results; assist
ophthalmologists in office surgery; and administer eye drops, ointments and
medications as directed by ophthalmologists
• Physical rehabilitation technicians carry out, under physiotherapists’ direction,
treatment programs such as massage, thermotherapy, traction and hydrotherapy to
rehabilitate injured or disabled individuals
Example Titles
• Audiology Technician
• Audiometric Technician
• Hearing Aid Consultant
• Massage Therapy
• Ophthalmic Technician
• Physical Rehabilitation Technician
• Speech Technician
• Speech Therapy Aide
• Audiometric Assistant
• Audio Prosthetist
• Massage Therapist (MT)
• Ophthalmic Assistant
• Ophthalmic Technologist
• Physiotherapy Technician
• Speech Therapist Aide
Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Private Practices
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North Superior Training Board
• Extended-Care Facilities
• Educational Institutions
• Clinics
Requirements
• Audio prosthetists require completion of a two- or three-year college program in
audio prosthetics, including a period of supervised training.
• Audiometric and communication assistants require completion of a 12- to 18-month
college program in communicative disorders or some post-secondary education and
on-the-job training.
• Massage therapists usually require completion of an 18- to 24-month program in
massage therapy from an accredited school and supervised practical training.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required for massage therapists in Ontario.
• Ophthalmic medical assistants require completion of a nine-month college program
or a 24- to 30-month hospital-based training program in ophthalmic techniques and
procedures or a minimum of one year of supervised practical training under an
ophthalmologist and completion of an approved ophthalmic assistant home study
program.
• Physical rehabilitation technicians require completion of a three-year college program
in physical rehabilitation therapy and supervised practical training.
• Currently, the qualifications of physical rehabilitation technicians are not recognized in
Ontario.
Classified Elsewhere
• Medical Technologists and Technicians (Except Dental Health) (3219)
• Other Technical Occupations in Health Care (Except Dental) (3235)
• Physical Therapy Aides or Chiropractic Aides (in 3414 Other Assisting Occupations in
Support of Health Services)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $11.50/hour
Employment Prospects
Not known
Training and Affiliations
Professional Association:
• Ontario Massage Therapists Association - http://www.omta.com/
Regulatory Body:
• College of Massage Therapists of Ontario - www.cmto.com
Colleges in Ontario Offering Massage Therapy Programs:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Everest College - http://www.everest.ca/campus/thunder_bay/program/massagetherapy
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Algonquin College - http://extraweb.algonquincollege.com/fulltime_programs/
programOverview.aspx?id=0915X01FWO&
• Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy - http://www.collegeofmassage.com/
• Canadian College of Health Science and Technology - http://www.cchst.net/massage.htm
North Superior Training Board
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• Canadian Therapeutic College - http://www.canadiantherapeuticcollege.com/our_
programs/massage_therapy/massage_ther_index.htm
• Centennial College - http://www.centennialcollege.ca/massagetherapy
• Collège Boréal - http://www.borealc.on.ca/index.asp?ref=300&prog=21
• D’Arcy Lane Institute - http://www.darcylane.com/massage.html
• Elegance School of Esthetics - http://www.elegance.on.ca/Massage_therapy.htm
• Elmcrest College - http://www.elmcrestcollege.com/massage_therapy/index.asp
• Everest College - http://www.everest.ca/campus/thunder_bay/program/massagetherapy
• Georgian College - http://www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/programs/program_info.
php?major=MASG
• International Academy of Massage - http://www.intlacademy.com/massage-therapyschools-ottawa.html
• ICT Kikkawa College - http://www.ictschools.com/p9_massage_therapy_schools_
toronto.html
• Kiné Concept Institute Ontario - http://www.kineconcept.com/decouverte/index.php
• Lambton College - http://www.lambton.on.ca/Programs/program_html?LASTRECORDI
D=1876&PROGCODE=MSTP&RECORDID=1876
• Medix School - http://www.flemingc.on.ca/Full-time/ProgramDisplay.
cfm?ProgramCode=MST
• Sir Sanford Fleming College - http://www.flemingc.on.ca/Full-time/ProgramDisplay.
cfm?ProgramCode=MST
• Sutherland-Chan School - http://www.sutherland-chan.com/school/school.htm
• Trillium College - http://www.trilliumcollege.ca/health/massage.html
• Wellsprings College of Massage Therapy and Esthetics
- http://www.wellspringscollege.com/cy3/programs_overview.html
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3411
Dental Assistants
Job Description
Dental assistants help dentists during the examination and treatment of patients and
perform clerical functions.
Duties
Dental assistants perform some or all of the following duties:
• Prepare patients for dental examination and assist the dentist during the examination
• Sterilize and maintain instruments and equipment
• Prepare dental instruments and filling materials
• Educate patients concerning oral hygiene
• Schedule patient appointments and record dental procedures performed
• Invoice patients for dental services
• Order dental and office supplies
• Take and develop X-rays
• Polish teeth and clinical crowns and apply fluoride and sealant
• Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts
• Fabricate temporary crowns and restorations
Example Titles
• Certified Dental Assistant
• Registered Dental Assistant
• Dental Assistant
• Certified Intra-oral Dental Assistant
Workplaces
• Government and Educational
Institutions
• Dentists’ Offices
Requirements
• Completion of a three-month to one-year college or other program in dental
assistance or completion of secondary school with on-the-job training is required.
• Licensing is not mandatory, but is required to perform intra-oral duties in all provinces
except in Quebec.
• In most provinces, there are two levels of dental assistants: Level I - chair-side
assistant and Level II - intra-oral assistant. Progression from Level I to Level II is
possible with appropriate training and licensure.
Related Occupations
• Dental Technologists, Technicians and Laboratory Bench Workers (3223)
• Dental Therapists and Dental Hygienists (3222)
Average Earnings
Ontario - $12-$28/hour
Average Annual Earnings
Ontario - $33,500 (more for certified dental assistants)
North Superior Training Board
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Employment Prospects
Thunder Bay and Region - Average to Good
Employment for this occupation was expected to grow about as fast as the average for all
occupations through the year 2007. The demand for dental assistants depends on the
number of people seeking dental care and the frequency of their visits. Population growth
and greater retention of natural teeth by older people will increase demand for dental
services.
An increased use of computers for recording and accessing patient information will lead
to new computer training needs for dental assistants. The need for continuous learning
will remain strong as new procedures, techniques and materials are introduced. Many
opportunities are for entry-level positions offering on-the-job training. Dental assistants
often upgrade to hygienists, who usually earn substantially more than dental assistants.
Training and Affiliations
Professional Association:
• Ontario Dental Nurses and Assistants Association - http://www.odnaa.org/duties.htm
Colleges in Ontario Offering Dental Assistant Programs:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Confederation College - http://www.confederationc.on.ca/dentalassist/
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Cambrian College - http://www.cambriancollege.ca/_Our_Programs/Full-time_
programs/showpage.cfm?cboPrograms=/fulltime/html/termprograms/200909dena.htm
• Canadore College - http://www.canadorec.on.ca/ProgramInfo/FullTime/
HealthSciences/040206.cfm
• Durham College- School of Health - https://myplace.durhamcollege.ca/durham/
program.do?from=subject&programID=75
• Fanshawe College - http://www.fanshawec.ca/en/DAS3/
• George Brown College - http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal-Jan/hsci/S113.
aspx#maincontent
• Georgian College - http://www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/programs/program_info.
php?major=DNAS
• Niagara College - http://www.niagaracollege.ca/programs/da_0101/
• St. Clair College - http://www.stclaircollege.ca/programs/postsec/dental_assist/
For More Information:
• Ontario Dental Association - http://www.oda.on.ca
• Canadian Dental Assistants’ Association - http://www.cdaa.ca
• Canadian Dental Association - www.cda-adc.ca
• National Dental Assisting Examination Board - http://www.ndaeb.ca
• Ontario Dental Nurses and Assistants’ Association - http://www.odnaa.org
• Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services - http://www.jobfutures.ca/
noc/3411.shtml
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 3413
Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates
Job Description
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates assist nurses, hospital staff and
physicians in the basic care of patients.
Duties
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates perform some or all of the
following duties:
• Answer call signals; supply and empty bed pans; bathe, dress and groom patients;
serve meal trays, feed or assist in feeding of patients and assist patients with menu
selection; lift, turn or massage patients; shave patients prior to operations; supervise
patients’ exercise routines, set up and provide leisure activities for patients, and
accompany patients on outside recreational activities; and perform other duties
related to patient care
• Take patients’ blood pressure, temperature and pulse; report or record fluid intake and
output; observe or monitor patients’ status and document patient care on charts;
collect specimens such as urine, faeces or sputum; administer suppositories, colonic
irrigations and enemas and perform other procedures as directed by nursing and
hospital staff
• Transport patients in wheelchair or stretcher for treatment or surgery
• Carry messages, reports, requisitions and specimens from one department to another
• Make beds and maintain patients’ rooms
• Maintain inventory of supplies
• May perform maintenance tasks such as assist with the set-up and maintenance of
traction equipment, clean or sterilize equipment, maintain and repair equipment,
assemble, set-up and operate job-related equipment
Example Titles
• Health Care Aide
• Long-Term Care Aide
• Nursing Attendant
• Patient Care Aide
• Psychiatric Aide
• Hospital Attendant
• Nurse Aide
• Orderly
• Patient Service Associate
Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Other Health Care Facilities
• Nursing Homes
Requirements
• Some secondary school education and on-the-job training or a nursing aide or health
care aide college or private institutional program, or a college nursing orderly
program and supervised practical training are required. Most health care aide
programs have been incorporated into Personal Support Worker programs.
• Some health care facilities may also require completion of a specialized courses such
as C.P.R., first aid and food handling/sterile processing.
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Classified Elsewhere
• Licensed Practical Nurses (3233)
• Other Aides and Assistants in Support of Health Services (3414)
• Personal Care Attendants - Home Care (in 6471 Visiting Homemakers, Housekeepers
and Related Occupations)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $15.90/hour
Employment Prospects
Thunder Bay & Region - Average
In Ontario, employment for this occupation was expected to grow about as fast as the
average for all occupations through the year 2007. Because of the large size of this
occupational group, job growth will create a substantial number of openings each year.
Most people working in this occupation are currently employed in hospitals. As the
population ages, more jobs will be available in facilities providing services to the elderly.
Other trends that will affect work in these occupations include increasing computerization
of patient records and greater use of machinery to lift patients.
As the population ages over the coming decades, the demands on all occupations tied to
the health sector are likely to increase. Technological change is not likely to have an
impact on this occupation. The hours of work are variable due to the need to provide
services on a 24-hour basis. Both full-time work and part-time work are common. Stamina
and good physical conditioning are required. In general in Ontario, the focus of chronic
health care is within the community while the focus of acute health care is within the
hospital. Experience would likely not be a factor in terms of potential employment for this
occupation.
Training and Affiliations
Professional Association:
• Ontario Community Support Association - www.psno.ca
Colleges in Ontario Offering Health Care Aide Programs:
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• Algonquin College - http://extraweb.algonquincollege.com/fulltime_programs/
programOverview.aspx?id=6307X01FWO&
• Cambrian College - http://www.cambriancollege.ca/_our_programs/Full-time_
programs/showpage.cfm?cboPrograms=/fulltime/html/termprograms/200909pspg.htm
• Centennial College - http://db2.centennialcollege.ca/ft/FMPro?-db=ftcourses.fp5&format=record_detail.htm&-error=search_error.htm&-lay=detail&-max=10&-find=&op=eq&Program+Code=9111
• Confederation College - http://www.confederationc.on.ca/personalsupport/
• Fanshawe College - http://www.fanshawec.ca/en/PSW6/
• Fleming College - http://www.flemingc.on.ca/index.cfm/go/programs/sub/display/code/
PWS/strm/1099/cstrm/1099.cfm
• George Brown College - http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal-Jan/nursing/
C112.aspx#maincontent
• Georgian College - http://www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/programs/program_info.
php?moremajor=PSWR
• Humber College - http://postsecondary.humber.ca/07741.htm
• Lambton College - http://www.lambton.on.ca/Programs/program_html?LASTRECORDI
D=1876&PROGCODE=PSWK&RECORDID=1876
North Superior Training Board
• Loyalist College - http://www.loyalistcollege.com/programs-and-courses/full-timeprograms/personal-support-worker
• Mohawk College - http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/calendar/personalSupportWorker.
html
• Sault College - http://www.saultc.on.ca/programs/print/3027.htm
• Sheridan College - http://www1.sheridaninstitute.ca/programs/0506/ppswk/
• St. Clair College - http://www.stclaircollege.ca/programs/postsec/personalsupport/
• St. Lawrence College - http://www.sl.on.ca/index.aspx?iPageID=110&iMenuID=6&iCurrI
D=13
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NOC 3414
Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services
Job Description
This unit group includes workers who provide services and assistance to health care
professionals and other health care staff.
Duties
The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
• Orthopaedic technologists assist orthopaedic surgeons in the treatment of diseases
and injuries by applying and adjusting casts, splints, bandages and other devices;
assisting in the application, maintenance and adjustment of traction equipment;
cleaning and dressing wounds; and removing casts, sutures, staples and pins. They
also instruct patients and their families and other health care professionals with
respect to orthopedic matters
• Therapy assistants prepare and maintain equipment and supplies, assist patients as
directed by health care professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational
therapists and chiropractors and may perform routine office functions
• Optical/ophthalmic laboratory technicians and assistants operate laboratory
equipment to grind, cut, polish and edge lenses for eyeglasses according to
prescriptions received and fit lenses into frames; make minor repairs for customers
such as replacing frame screws or straightening frames; and maintain and repair
optical laboratory equipment or machinery
• Pharmacy assistants assist pharmacists by compounding, packaging and labelling
pharmaceutical products and by maintaining prescription records and inventories of
medications and pharmaceutical products
• Central supply aides collect and sort soiled supplies and instruments from hospital
departments; operate machines such as instrument washers, sonic sinks, cart
washers and steam autoclaves to clean, reprocess and sterilize these supplies for
re-use; and assemble packs of sterile supplies and instruments for delivery to hospital
departments
• Blood donor clinic assistants set up and dismantle equipment; prepare and maintain
cleanliness of collection areas; maintain supplies; record information on donors;
monitor donors throughout procedure and assist with post-donation care and donor
reaction care as assigned under supervision of a registered nurse; and label and
process donated blood
• Morgue attendants assist pathologists at autopsies by laying out surgical instruments;
preparing solutions for preservation of specimens; transferring bodies from morgue
to examining table; removing organs and tissue specimens, as instructed by attending
pathologist, and placing them in preservative solutions; and cleaning and sewing up
bodies for release to funeral home
Example Titles
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• Autopsy Assistant
• Cast Room Technician
• Chiropractic Assistant
• Lens Grinder, Ophthalmic
• Occupation Therapy Assistant
• Optical Laboratory Assistant
• Orthopaedic Technologist
• Physiotherapy Assistant
• Therapy Assistant
North Superior Training Board
• Blood Donor Clinic Assistant
• Central Supply Aide
• Clinical Laboratory Helper
• Morgue Attendant
• Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician-Retail
• Optometrist Assistant
• Pharmacy Assistant
• Rehabilitation Assistant
Workplaces
• Offices of Health Care Professionals
• Hospitals
• Medical Pathology Laboratories
• Nursing Homes
• Optical Retail Stores and Laboratories
• Pharmacies
• Clinics
Requirements
• Orthopaedic technologists usually require completion of secondary school and
several months of on-the-job training or a college orthopaedic technologist program.
• Registration with the Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists is available and
usually required by employers.
• Health care courses or short-term college programs related to the work of medical
assistants, such as occupational therapy assistant/physiotherapy assistant programs
or a program in central supply service techniques, are available and may be required
by employers.
• Pharmacy assistants require completion of secondary school and several months of
on-the-job training or a five- to nine-month college program in pharmaceutical
services.
• Completion of secondary school and several months of on-the-job training are usually
required for other assisting occupations in this unit group.
• Occupational therapy assistants (OTA) and physiotherapy assistants (PTA) receive
training through a single OTA/PTA program in some community colleges.
Classified Elsewhere
• Medical Technologists and Technicians (in 3219 Medical Technologists and
Technicians (except Dental Health)
• Operating Room Technicians (in 3233 Licensed Practical Nurses)
• Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment (3235)
• Pathologists’ Assistants (in 3211 Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists’
Assistants)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $16.30/hour
Employment Prospects
Thunder Bay and Region - Average
This is generally a full-time position, however, there is a significant number of part-time
employees in this occupation. Someone in this occupation can expect to work days,
evenings and weekends.
Experience would likely not be a factor in terms of potential employment for this
occupation.
Training and Affiliations
Professional Association:
Ontario Physiotherapy Association - http://www.opa.on.ca/
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Colleges in Ontario Offering Physiotherapy Assistant Programs:
• Collège Boréal - http://www.borealc.on.ca/index.asp?ref=300&prog=66
• Conestoga College - http://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/programoverview.jsp?Scho
olID=3&ProgramCode=1111&v=0901
• Humber College - http://healthsciences.humberc.on.ca/otpa.htm
• Mohawk College - http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/calendar/otapa.html
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 1243
Medical Secretaries
Job Description
Medical secretaries perform a variety of secretarial and administrative duties in doctors’
offices, hospitals, medical clinics and other medical settings.
Duties
Medical secretaries perform some or all of the following duties:
• Schedule and confirm medical appointments and receive and communicate messages
for medical staff and patients
• Prepare, key in, edit, and proofread medical records, reports, articles, case histories
and correspondence from machine dictation, shorthand and handwritten notes using
computers
• Interview patients in order to complete forms, documents and case histories
• Complete insurance and other claim forms
• Initiate and maintain confidential medical files and records
• Prepare financial statements and billing procedures
• Order supplies and maintain inventory
• Determine and establish office procedures and routines
• May supervise and train other staff in procedures and in use of current software
Example Titles
• Medical Secretary • Ward Secretary
Work Environment
• Doctors’ Offices
• Medical Clinics
• Hospitals
• Other Medical Settings
Requirements
• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• Completion of a one or two-year college program or other specialized courses for
secretaries or medical secretaries is usually required.
Classified Elsewhere
• Medical Transcriptionists (in 1244 Court Recorders and Medical Transcriptionists)
Average Earnings
Ontario - $33,000-$41,000/year (2005)
Employment Prospects
Thunder Bay and Region - Average
In contrast with most other secretarial occupations, employment for this occupation is
expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2009,
due to growth in the health service industry. In addition, many job openings will be
created each year from the need to replace workers who retire.
The increasing use of computerized medical records systems, billing systems and other
office equipment technology in medical offices and clinics means that medical secretaries
with strong computer skills will have better employment opportunities.
North Superior Training Board
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Training and Affiliations
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Everest College - http://www.everest.ca/campus/thunder_bay/program/medical-officeadministrator
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Centennial College - http://db2.centennialcollege.ca/ft/search/FMPro?-db=ftcourses.
fp5&-format=record_detail.htm&-error=search_error.htm&-lay=detail&-max=10&find=&-op=eq&Program+Code=2603
• Durham College - https://myplace.durhamcollege.ca/durham/program.
do?from=subject&programID=132
• Fanshawe College - http://www.fanshawec.ca/en/OAM3/
• George Brown College - http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/hsci/C115.
aspx#maincontent
• Georgian College - http://www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/programs/program_info.
php?major=OFAM
• Lambton College - http://www.lambton.on.ca/Programs/program_html?PROGCODE=O
AMD&LASTRECORDID=1879
• Mohawk College - http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/calendar/officeAdminMedical.html
• St. Clair College - http://www.stclaircollege.ca/programs/postsec/office_medical/
• St. Lawrence College - http://www.sl.on.ca/index.aspx?iPageID=110&iMenuID=6&iCurrI
D=13
• Seneca College - http://www.senecac.on.ca/fulltime/MES.html
• Sheridan College - http://www1.sheridaninstitute.ca/programs/0506/pofad/
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 2263
Inspectors in Public and Environmental Health and Occupational
Health and Safety
Job Description
Inspectors in this unit group evaluate and monitor health and safety hazards and develop
strategies to control risks in the workplace. They inspect restaurants, public facilities,
industrial establishments, municipal water systems and other workplaces to ensure
compliance with government regulations regarding sanitation, pollution control, the
handling and storage of hazardous substances and workplace safety.
Duties
Inspectors in this unit group perform some or all of the following duties:
• Inspect the sanitary conditions of restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals and other
public facilities or institutions
• Conduct surveys and monitoring programs of the natural environment to identify
sources of pollution
• Collect samples of water for analysis; measure physical, biological and chemical
workplace hazards; and conduct safety and environmental audits
• Investigate health and safety related complaints, spills of hazardous chemicals,
outbreaks of diseases or poisonings and workplace accidents
• Inspect workplaces to ensure that equipment, materials and production processes do
not present a safety or health hazard to employees or to the general public
• Develop, implement and evaluate health and safety programs and strategies
• Initiate enforcement procedures to fine or to close an establishment contravening
municipal, provincial or federal regulations
• Provide consultation and deliver training programs to employers, employees and the
general public on issues of public health, environmental protection or workplace safety
Example Titles
• Environmental Health Officer
• Health and Safety Officer
• Health Standards Inspector
• Occupational Health and Safety Officer
• Public Health Inspector
• Supervisor, Public Health Inspectors
Work Environment
• Employed throughout private and public sectors
Requirements
• A Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in a discipline such as food science,
environmental studies, chemistry or health and safety is usually required.
• In some establishments, several years of related work experience and the completion
of in-house training courses may substitute for formal education.
• Public health inspectors employed outside Quebec require certification with the
Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors.
• Occupational health and safety officers may require certification with the Board of
Canadian Registered Safety Professionals.
Classified Elsewhere
• Occupational Hygienists and Ergonomists (in 4161 - Natural and Applied Science
Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers)
North Superior Training Board
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Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region- $50,000 - $60,000/year
Employment Prospects
Not known
Training and Affiliations
Professional Association:
• Ontario Public Health Association - http://www.opha.on.ca/
• Ontario Safety Association for Community and Health Care - http://www.hchsa.on.ca/
• Canadian Institute for Public Health Inspectors - http://www.ciphi.ca/aboutus.htm
Regulatory Body:
• Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals - http://www.bcrsp.ca/
Universities in Ontario Offering Public Health Programs:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Lakehead Universit y - http://mph.lakeheadu.ca/
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Ryerson University - Bachelor - http://www.ryerson.ca/undergraduate/admission/
programs/occhealth.html
• University of Toronto - Graduate - http://www.phs.utoronto.ca/
• University of Western Ontario - Diploma - http://www.uwo.ca/cstudies/courses/
diploma/ohsm/information.html
Colleges in Ontario Offering Occupational Health and Safety Programs:
• Cambrian College - https://secure.cambrianc.on.ca/coned/showcert.cfm?strCert=ohct.
htm
• Conestoga College - http://www.conestogac.on.ca/ce/catlg/pgmdetails.
jsp?ProgramCode=0494&v=0809
• Fanshawe College - http://www.fanshawec.on.ca/programs/ohs2.asp
• Fleming College - http://www.flemingc.on.ca/Courses/CourseDescription.cfm?Course_
Code=MGMT015
• Mohawk College - http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/Discover/CE/engty/ohs.html
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 4151
Psychologists
Job Description
Psychologists assess and diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders,
counsel clients, provide therapy and research and apply theory relating to behaviour and
mental processes. Psychologists help clients work toward the maintenance and
enhancement of physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning.
Duties
Psychologists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Examine and assess behaviour, diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive
disorders, counsel clients and provide therapy
• Help clients manage physical illness and disorders
• Counsel individuals and groups to achieve more effective personal, social and
vocational development and adjustment and offer mediation services
• Use standard psychological tests for assessment
• Plan intervention programs and conduct program evaluation
• Apply psychological theory and principles regarding behaviour and mental processes
such as learning, memory, perception and language development
• Formulate hypotheses and experimental designs, review literature, conduct studies
and publish research papers, educational texts and articles
• Deliver presentations at conferences, workshops or symposia
• Provide consultation services to government and other organizations
Example Titles
• Clinical Psychologist • Experimental Psychologist • Research Psychologist
• Psychologist
• Psychological Associate
Work Environment
• Private Practice
• Correctional Facilities
• Hospitals
• Schools and Universities
• Government and private research agencies
• Clinics
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Mental Health Facilities
• Businesses
• Community Service Organizations
Requirements
• A Doctoral degree in psychology is required for the designation “Psychologist” in
Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
• A Master’s degree in psychology is required for the designation “Psychologist” in
Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the
Northwest Territories.
• A Master’s degree in psychology is required for the designation “Psychological
Associate” in Ontario and Manitoba.
• In Prince Edward Island, a Doctoral degree is required to work in private practice, or a
Master’s degree with practice limited to institutions and agencies.
• A period of supervised practical experience is required in most jurisdictions.
North Superior Training Board
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Hanusia Tkaczyk
“Health care is very satisfying, but it will be important to be aware of and handle your own
emotional responses to loss; to our inability to cure or change all conditions...”
• Successful completion of the written Examination for Professional Practice in
Psychology (EPPP) is required in most provinces.
• Oral examinations and board interviews are also required in some provinces.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces and the Northwest
Territories.
• Membership in the provincial professional association for psychologists is mandatory
in all provinces and the Northwest Territories.
• Psychologists become specialized in a particular area through training and
experience.
• Psychological associates may be granted permission by provincial regulatory
authorities to perform duties normally restricted to psychologists, specifically
diagnosing psychological disorders and communicating diagnoses to clients.
Classified Elsewhere
• Psychiatrists (in 3111 Specialist Physicians)
• Psychologists who teach at universities (in 4121 University Professors)
• Psychology research assistants, non-university (in 4164 Social Policy Researchers,
Consultants and Program Officers)
• Psychology research assistants, university (in 4122 Post-Secondary Teaching and
Research Assistants)
• Psychometrists (in 4169 Other Professional Occupations in Social Science, n.e.c.)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $28.60/hour
Ontario - $30,000 - $100,000/year
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Average
Employment for this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all
occupations through the year 2009. Many more job openings will be created each year
from the need to replace workers who retire.
Psychologists with clinical specialization and those willing to work in correctional centres
may have better job prospects. As well, employment opportunities are increasingly
available in private practices outside of the institutional health care setting.
Training and Affiliations
Regulatory Body:
• College of Psychologists of Ontario - www.cpo.on.ca
Professional Association:
• Canadian Psychological Association - www.cpa.ca
Universities in Ontario Offering Psychology Programs:
In Northwestern Ontario:
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• Lakehead Universit y - http://psychology.lakeheadu.ca/
North Superior Training Board
Hanusia Tkaczyk
Occupational Title: Counsellor/Psychotherapist • Years in Career: 27
Training: HBA in Psychology, Masters in Psychology
Hanusia’s career motivation came from a fascination with the way our minds work as well
as applying this knowledge to help people manage their lives better. Almost three decades
later, these are still her driving forces.
Hanusia feels that a successful professional in her field should be a person who is
open-minded, non-judgmental, compassionate, flexible, patient, curious, dedicated and a
good communicator.
Hanusia enjoys working in Northwestern Ontario. She says, “The pace is less hectic than in
big cities and there is a use of natural settings and the Aboriginal influence as healing
resources, along with a small community of fellow helpers, making it easier to reach out to
colleagues for information and support.”
Words of Wisdom
“Health care is very satisfying, but it will be important to be aware of and handle your own
emotional responses to loss and to our inability to cure or change all conditions. Don’t
worry because you’re ‘not into sciences.’ Health care has benefited from the influence of
more artistic and humanistic practitioners. It is a more flexible field than it was one to two
generations ago.”
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Brock Universit y - http://www.psyc.brocku.ca/
• Carleton Universit y - http://www.carleton.ca/psychology/
• University of Guelph - http://www.psychology.uoguelph.ca/
• Laurentian Universit y - http://www.laurentian.ca
• McMaster Universit y - http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/psychology/
• Nipissing Universit y - http://www.nipissingu.ca/psychology/
• University of Ottawa - http://www.socialsciences.uottawa.ca/psy/eng/index.asp
• Queen’s Universit y - http://www.queensu.ca/psychology/index.html
• Redeemer University College - http://www.redeemer.on.ca/academics/departments/
psychology
• Ryerson Universit y - http://www.ryerson.ca/psychology/
• University of Toronto - http://home.psych.utoronto.ca/site3.aspx
For more information:
• Ontario Psychological Association - http://www.psych.on.ca
• Canadian Mental Health Association - http://www.cmha.ca
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NOC 4152
Social Workers
Job Description
Social workers help individuals, couples, families, groups, communities and organizations
develop the skills and resources they need to enhance social functioning and provide
counselling, therapy and referral to other supportive social services. Social workers also
respond to other social needs such as unemployment, racism and poverty.
Duties
Social workers perform some or all of the following duties:
• Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, to assess their situation and
problems and determine the types of services required
• Provide counsel and therapy to assist clients in developing skills to deal with and
resolve their social and personal problems
• Plan programs of assistance for clients including referral to agencies that provide
financial assistance, legal aid, housing, medical treatment and other services
• Investigate cases of child abuse or neglect and take authorized protective action when
necessary
• Serve as members on interdisciplinary teams of professionals working with client
groups
• Act as advocates for client groups in the community, lobby for solutions to problems
directly affecting client groups and develop prevention and intervention programs to
meet community needs
• Develop or advise on social policy legislation, conduct social research and assist in
community development
• Provide mediation services and psychosocial assessments
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling and social programs
• May provide public education and consultation to professionals or groups regarding
counselling services, issues and methods
• May supervise other social workers
Example Titles
• Co-ordinator of Social Work • Psychiatric Social Worker
• Social Worker
• Medical Social Worker
• Social Work Supervisor
Workplaces
• Child Welfare Organizations
• Social Service Agencies
• Correctional Facilities
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Private Practice
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• Hospitals
• School Boards
• Community Agencies
• Aboriginal Band Councils
Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in social work.
• Supervised practical experience is usually required.
• Successful completion of provincial written and oral examinations may be required.
• Registration with a provincial governing body is mandatory to practise as a social
worker in Ontario.
• Use of the titles “Social Worker” and “Registered Social Worker” is regulated in all
provinces.
• Membership in a provincial association of social workers is usually required.
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $18.21/hour
Ontario - $42,792/year
Employment Prospects
Thunder Bay and Region - Good
Ontario - Good
In Ontario, employment for this occupation was expected to grow more rapidly than the
average for all occupations through the year 2007. Many social workers are employed in
the health and social service systems. Programs in these sectors are heavily dependent
on public funding. The elderly population is increasing rapidly, creating greater demand
for health and social services. In addition, because of the large size of this occupational
group, replacement needs are expected to create a large number of job openings yearly.
Employment prospects may be better for individuals with advanced degree in social work
and experience in fields such as geriatrics and substance abuse.
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s website indicates that there were three
vacancies in the Thunder Bay region as of July 2008 for social workers.
For more information on allied health care opportunities in the Thunder Bay region go to:
http://www.normed.ca/
Training and Affiliations
Regulatory Body:
• Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers - http://www.ocswssw.
org/index.asp
Professional Association:
• Ontario Association of Social Workers - http://www.oasw.org/
Universities in Ontario Offering Social Work:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Lakehead Universit y - http://socialwork.lakeheadu.ca/
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Carleton Universit y - http://www.carleton.ca/ssw/
• Laurentian Universit y - http://142.51.14.1/Laurentian/Home/Departments/
School+of+Social+Work/School_of_Social_Work.htm?Laurentian_Lang=en-CA
• McMaster Universit y - http://www.socsci.mcmaster.ca/socwork/
• University of Ottawa - http://www.socialsciences.uottawa.ca/svs/eng/index.asp
North Superior Training Board
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FACT: 80% of social workers in Ontario are female.
• Redeemer University College - http://www.redeemer.on.ca/academics/departments/
sociology
• Ryerson Universit y - http://www.ryerson.ca/ualca/programs/social.html
• University of Toronto - http://www.socialwork.utoronto.ca/site3.aspx
• University of Waterloo - http://www.renison.uwaterloo.ca/content/social_work/index.htm
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.kings.uwo.ca/socialwork/
• Wilfrid Laurier Universit y - http://www.wlu.ca/homepage.php?grp_id=30
• University of Windsor - http://web4.uwindsor.ca/socialwork
• York Universit y - http://bloodstone.atkinson.yorku.ca/projects/researchak/presentation.
nsf/disciplinesAKundergraduate?OpenForm&discipline=Bachelor+of+Social+Work+(BS
W)-Social+Work+(Direct+Entry)
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 4153
Family, Marriage and Other Related Counsellors
Job Description
Family, marriage and other related counsellors assist individuals and groups of clients to
identify, understand and overcome personal problems and achieve personal objectives.
Duties
Family, marriage and other related counsellors perform some or all of the following duties:
• Interview clients, prepare case histories and assess problems
• Conduct vocational testing and psychometric assessment
• Develop and implement counselling and intervention programs to assist clients in
determining goals and means of attaining them
• Counsel clients, and provide therapy and mediation services
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling programs and clients’ progress in resolving
identified problems and movement toward defined objectives
• Follow up results of counselling programs and clients’ adjustments
• Prepare assessment, progress, follow-up and court reports
• May supervise other counsellors, social service staff and assistants
• May provide public education and consultation to other professionals or groups
regarding counselling services, issues and methods
• May conduct research, publish research papers, educational texts and articles and
deliver presentations at conferences
Example Titles
• Addictions Counsellor • Bereavement Counsellor
• Child and Youth Counsellor • Family Counsellor
• Marriage Counsellor • Rehabilitation Counsellor
• Sex Therapist
• Registered Clinical Counsellor • Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor
Workplaces
• Counselling Centres
• Government Agencies
• Health Care And Rehabilitation Clinics
• Private Practice
• Schools
• Social Service Agencies
• Family Therapy Centres
• Hospitals
• Group Homes
Requirements
• Master’s degree in the field of counselling, mental health or a related social service
discipline is usually required.
• An undergraduate degree or college diploma in a social science is required for certain
areas of counselling.
• Membership with a provincial association for marriage and family therapists or
clinical counsellors is required to use the title “Registered Marriage and Family
Therapist” and “Registered Clinical Counsellor”.
• Registered marriage and family therapists and registered clinical counsellors must
meet strict criteria involving graduate education and a period of supervised clinical
work with clients.
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• Counsellors usually become specialized in a particular area through training and
experience.
• Progression to social service management positions is possible with additional
training and experience.
Classified Elsewhere
• Social Workers (4152)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $16.75/hour
Ontario - $35,000-$40,000/year
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Average
A reduction in government funding for health care over the past decade has reduced the
number of family therapists employed and openings for therapists created by retirements
from the field match the number of graduates looking for positions. For addictions
counsellors, the number of job seekers will also likely match the number of openings.
Training and Affiliations
Professional Association:
• Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counsellors - http://www.oacyc.org/
• Ontario School Counsellors’ Association - http://www.osca.ca/
Universities in Ontario Offering Counselling Programs:
• Brescia University College - http://www.brescia.uwo.ca
• University of Ottawa - Master’s - http://www.education.uottawa.ca/
• University of Toronto - Master’s - http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/depts/aecdcp/
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.uwo.ca/grad/prospective_students/
programs/education.htm
• Ryerson University - Certificate - http://ce-online.ryerson.ca/ce/calendar/default.asp?se
ction=program&sub=cert&cert=FAMSUP01&mode=program
Colleges in Ontario Offering Counselling Programs:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Confederation College - http://confederationc.on.ca/childyouthworker/
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Cambrian College - http://www.cambrianc.on.ca/%5Four%5Fprograms/Full-time_
programs/showpage.cfm?cboPrograms=/fulltime/html/termprograms/200609NCCA.HTM
• Durham College - http://www.durhamcollege.ca/assets/Section~specific/
Program~guides/documents/Addictions%20Counselling.pdf
• Fleming College - http://www.flemingc.on.ca/index.cfm/go/programs/sub/display/code/
DA.cfm
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North Superior Training Board
• George Brown College - http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/comsrv/C107.
aspx
• Northern College - http://www.northernc.on.ca/programs/humserv/ac.html
• Sault College - http://www.saultc.on.ca/Programs/Programs.asp?progcode=1055
For more information:
• Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse - http://www.ccsa.ca
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - http://www.camh.net
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NOC 4167
Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program Supervisors
and Consultants
Job Description
This unit group includes those who oversee and administer recreation, sports and fitness
programs and activities, provide consulting services, conduct research and develop
programs and policies related to recreation, sports and physical fitness.
Duties
The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
• Kinesiologists conduct fitness and human movement tests and assessments. They
design and implement programs to maintain, rehabilitate or enhance movement and
performance in the areas of sports, recreation, work and exercise
• Fitness consultants provide expert advice and consulting services to community
groups, corporations, schools and other organizations in the design and development
of fitness programs and activities
• Recreation consultants provide expert advice and consulting service to communities,
corporations, institutions and other organizations in the design and development of
recreation programs and activities
• Recreation, sports and fitness policy analysts conduct research and develop
government policies related to recreation, sports and fitness
• Recreation and sports program supervisors develop, plan and co-ordinate sports,
fitness and recreation programs
• Sports consultants provide expert advice and consulting service to sports
associations and other organizations in the design, development and administration
of sports programs and activities
• Fitness appraisers conduct fitness tests and assessments, and design, develop and
deliver fitness counselling
• Exercise therapists conduct fitness tests and assessments, and design, develop and
deliver rehabilitative exercise programs in occupational and related health settings
Example Titles
• Exercise Therapist • Kinesiologist
Work Environment
• Recreational Institutions
• Sports and Fitness Consulting Firms
• Health and Sports Organizations • Community Centres
• Federal, Provincial and
• Self-employed
Municipal Governments
Requirements
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• A university degree in recreation administration, sports administration, physical
education, kinesiology or related discipline combined with some work experience in a
related field or a college diploma in a recreation, sports or fitness program combined
with some experience in a related field is usually required.
• Kinesiologists usually require a Master’s degree in Kinesiology.
• Recreation and sports program supervisors require experience as program leaders or
instructors in recreation and sports. Certification in program specialization, such as
fitness or lifesaving, may also be required.
• A Certified Fitness Appraiser certificate may be required for fitness consultants and
appraisers.
North Superior Training Board
• Recreation and sports program supervisors may progress to recreation and sport
management positions with experience.
• Mobility among recreation, sports and fitness consultants may be restricted within
individual area of expertise.
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $18.25/hour
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Kinesiologists - Good
Training and Affiliations
Professional Association:
• Ontario Kinesiology Association - http://www.oka.on.ca/
Universities in Ontario Offering Programs in Kinesiology:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Lakehead Universit y - http://kinesiology.lakeheadu.ca
In the Rest of Ontario:
• University of Guelph - http://www.guelphhumber.ca/content_template.
aspx?LinkID=522619d2-fdf2-45a4-8a87-891f73239fd0&PageID=48&BranchArray=23&M
enuTitleHTML=%3ca+class%3d’menutitle’+href%3d’%2fabout%2facademic+programs’
%3eINFORMATION+ABOUT%3cbr%3eacademic+programs%3c%2fa%3e&CategoryTyp
e=about&breadcrumbs=%3ca+class%3d’breadcrumbs’+href%3d’%2f’%3ehome%3c%2f
a%3e+%3e+%3ca+class%3d’breadcrumbs’+href%3d’%2fabout%2facademic+programs’
%3eacademic+programs%3c%2fa%3e+%3e+kinesiology+program
• Laurentian Universit y - http://142.51.14.1/Laurentian/Home/Departments/
Placement+Centre/Misc+Folder/what+to+do+with+a+degree/Kinesiology.
htm?Laurentian_Lang=en-CA
• McMaster Universit y - http://www.mcmaster.ca/kinesiology/
• University of Ottawa - http://www.health.uottawa.ca/shk/index.htm
• Queen’s Universit y - http://www.queensu.ca/skhs
• Redeemer University College - http://www.redeemer.ca/academics/departments/
physed
• University of Toronto - http://www.ac-fpeh.com/leadership/jobs.php?id=120
• University of Waterloo - http://www.ahs.uwaterloo.ca/prospective/kin/index.html
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.uwo.ca/fhs/kin/index.htm
• University of Windsor - http://www.uwindsor.ca/kinesiology
• York Universit y - http://www.kinesiology.yorku.ca/
FACT: Opportunities for a kinesiology career will be better in private practices out of
the institutional health care setting.
The demand for kinesiologists is related to the aging population and increased attention
to the needs of those who are disabled as well as accident victims.
For more information:
• Canadian Kinesiology Alliance - http://www.cka.ca
• Kinesiology Net - http://www.akta.org
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NOC 4212
Community and Social Service Workers
Job Description
Community and social service workers administer and implement a variety of social
assistance programs and community services, and assist clients to deal with personal
and social problems.
Duties
Community and social service workers perform some or all of the following duties:
• Interview clients to obtain case history and background information
• Assess client’s relevant skill strengths and deficits
• Assist clients to sort out options and develop plans of action while providing
necessary support and assistance
• Assist clients in locating and utilizing community resources including legal, medical,
financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, assistance with moves,
day care and other referral services
• Prepare intake reports
• Counsel clients living in group homes and half-way houses, supervise their activities
and assist in pre-release and release planning
• Participate in the selection and admission of clients to appropriate programs
• Assess and investigate eligibility for social benefits
• Meet with clients to assess their progress, give support and discuss any difficulties or
problems
• Refer clients to other social services
• Advise and aid recipients of social assistance and pensions
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency shelter services
• Implement and organize the delivery of specific services within the community
• Implement life skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs, behaviour
management programs, youth services programs and other community and social
service programs under the supervision of social services or health care professionals
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment programs by tracking clients’
behavioural changes and responses to interventions
• Maintain contact with other social service agencies and health care providers involved
with clients to provide information and obtain feedback on clients’ overall progress
• Co-ordinate the volunteer activities of human service agencies, health care facilities
and arts and sports organizations
• Maintain program statistics for purposes of evaluation and research
Example Titles
• Addictions Worker • Crisis Intervention Worker
• Group Home Worker
• Rehabilitation Worker
• Youth Worker
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North Superior Training Board
• Child and Youth Worker
• Family Service Worker
• Mental Health Worker
• Social Services Worker
Workplaces
• Mental Health Agencies
• Group Homes
• Social Service • Correctional Facilities
and Government Agencies and Other Establishments
• Institutional Health and • School Boards
Social Services Firms
• Completion of a college or university program in social work, child and youth care,
counselling or other social science or health-related discipline is usually required.
• Previous work experience in a social service environment as a volunteer or in a
support capacity may replace formal education requirements for some occupations in
this unit group.
• Social service workers may be required to be a member of a provincial regulatory
body in some provinces.
• Progression to professional occupations in social services, such as family and
marriage counsellors, social workers, and probation and parole officers, is possible
with additional training and experience.
Classified Elsewhere
• Educational Counsellors (4143)
• Employment Counsellors (4213)
• Family, Marriage and Other Related Counsellors (4153)
• Managers in Social, Community and Correctional Services (0314)
• Probation and Parole Officers and Related Occupations (4155)
• Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation and Sport (5254)
• Social Workers (4152)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $17.45/hour
Employment Prospects
Thunder Bay and Region - Good
Employment for this occupation is expected to increase more rapidly than average
through the year 2009 in Ontario. The number of new graduates should meet employers’
needs.
Most employment opportunities for this occupation are found in the service sector,
primarily in non-institutional health services such as community mental health and
addictions clinics. A significant number of jobs are also affiliated with government
agencies in areas such as income maintenance, social services and corrections. Some job
opportunities can also be found in the private sector. Technological impact on this
occupation is not expected to be significant.
The Northern Ontario Grant Assistance Program (NOGAP) is an incentive grant
program designed to recruit social service and rehabilitation professionals to full-time
vacant positions in Northern Ontario. For more information, go to www.nogap.on.ca.
Requirements
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Training and Affiliations
Professional Body:
• Ontario Association of Social Workers - http://www.oasw.org/
Regulatory Body:
• Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers - http://www.ocswssw.org/
Colleges in Ontario Offering Social Service Worker Programs:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Confederation College - http://confederationc.on.ca/socialservice/
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Algonquin College - http://extraweb.algonquincollege.com/fulltime_programs/
programOverview.aspx?id=0432X01FWO&
• Cambrian College - http://www.cambriancollege.ca/_schools/programs.cfm?strProgCod
e=SSPG&strProgram=Social%20Service%20Worker&strSchool=jac
• Canadore College - http://www.canadorec.on.ca/ProgramInfo/FullTime/
HumanServices/010206.cfm
• Centennial College - http://db2.centennialcollege.ca/ft/FMPro?-db=ftcourses.fp5&format=record_detail.htm&-error=search_error.htm&-lay=detail&-max=10&-find=&op=eq&Program+Code=1203
• Fanshawe College - http://www.fanshawec.ca/EN/ssw1/program/current.asp?zoom_
highlight=social+service+worker
• Fleming College - http://www.flemingc.on.ca/index.cfm/go/programs/sub/display/code/
SW.cfm
• Humber College - http://postsecondary.humber.ca/01221.htm
• Lambton College - http://www.lambton.on.ca/Programs/program_
html?PROGCODE=C030
• Loyalist College - http://www.loyalistcollege.com/programs-and-courses/overview
• Mohawk College - http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/calendar/socialServWorker.html
• Niagara College - http://www.niagaracollege.ca/programs/
• Seneca College - http://www.senecac.on.ca/fulltime/SSW.html
• Sheridan College - http://www1.sheridaninstitute.ca/programs/0506/psswk/
• St. Lawrence College - http://www.sl.on.ca/index.aspx?iPageID=110&iMenuID=6&iCurrI
D=13
• Sault College - http://www.saultc.on.ca/programs/print/1203.htm
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 2112
Chemists
Job Description
Chemists conduct research and analysis in support of industrial operations, product and
process development, quality control, environmental control, medical diagnosis and
treatment, biotechnology and other applications. They also conduct theoretical,
experimental and applied research into basic chemical and biochemical processes to
create or synthesize new products and processes.
Duties
Chemists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Analyze, synthesize, purify, modify and characterize chemical or biochemical
compounds
• Develop and conduct programs of analysis to ensure quality control of raw materials,
chemical intermediates or final products
• Conduct programs of sample and data collection and analysis to identify and quantify
environmental toxicants
• Conduct research to develop new chemical formulations and processes and devise
new technical applications of industrial chemicals and compounds
• Conduct fundamental and applied research into the synthesis and properties of
chemical compounds and the mechanisms of chemical reactions
• Investigate chemical aspects of the mechanisms of drug action, the diagnosis and
treatment of disease, organ function and the assessment of health
• Participate in interdisciplinary research and development projects working with
chemical engineers, biologists, microbiologists, agronomists, geologists or other
professionals
• Act as technical consultant in a particular field of expertise
• May supervise other chemists and chemical technicians and technologists
Example Titles
• Analytical Chemist • Chemist • Organic Chemist • Research Chemist
• Biochemist
• Clinical Chemist
• Pharmacological Chemist
Workplaces
• Research, development, and quality control laboratories
• Chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries
• Mineral, metal and pulp and paper industries
• Manufacturing, utility, health, educational and government establishments
Requirements
• A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry or in a related discipline is required.
• A Master’s or Doctoral degree is usually required for employment as a research chemist.
• Licensing by a provincial association of chemists is compulsory in Quebec, and available
but voluntary in Ontario and Alberta.
• Mobility between occupations in this group is possible with experience.
• Mobility is possible to occupations concerned with plant management, technical sales
and the development and management of regulatory programs and teaching
professions.
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Andrea Aguirre
Occupational Title: Research Specialist • Years in Career: 5
Training: Honours BSc (double major in Biology and Chemistry, MSc in Chemistry)
Andrea Aguirre, BSc, MSc
“Going to work everyday feeling like you are making a difference is very rewarding. Any
small advancement in cancer research is very important to achieving the ultimate goal.“
What inspired Andrea to pursue a career as a Research Specialist? “The focus of my work
is in cancer research. Unfortunately, cancer has touched the lives of many people,
including people that are close to me. So as I was nearing the end of university I realized
that I would like to make a contribution to the fight against cancer. This was when I decided
to direct my skills toward the field of cancer research.”
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When asked what skills, abilities and personality traits an individual should have to be
successful in her field, Andrea suggests that lab skills and chemical handling skills are
crucial because of safety issues, while properly operating various pieces of equipment and
instrumentation are also highly important in biotechnology. Andrea indicates that both
working independently and being able to work as a part of a team as well as strong
communication skills, a willingness to learn on a daily basis, determination and patience
are all necessary to be successful in her line of work.
On working in this part of the province, Andrea says, “Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay
in particular, is appealing to me because it is much smaller than most Southern Ontario
cities that provide work in my field. There are many advantages to working in a smaller city
over working in large city centres. For example, in Thunder Bay, you don’t have to spend a
great deal of time commuting to and from work every day so, in my opinion, the quality of
life is better because you have more time to enjoy leisure activities.“
Words of Wisdom
“Going to work everyday feeling like you are making a difference is very rewarding. Any
small advancement in cancer research is very important to achieving the ultimate goal.
There are a lot of dedicated researchers in this field, possibly some that are almost ready
to graduate and enter the working world. My advice to them is that even though research
can be frustrating at times, it is important to remain patient, persistent and focused on the
cause. If we do this we will succeed in making a significant impact in the Northern health
care community.”
Classified Elsewhere
• Molecular Biologists (in 2121 Biologists and Related Scientists)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region- $36,000-$80,000/year
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Average
Employment for this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all
occupations through the year 2009. The employment of these professionals is closely
related to investment in research and development. There is a tendency toward
collaboration with specialists in other fields, such as engineering. In addition to
knowledge, employers look for computer, teamwork, communication, planning and
organizing skills. Chemists will need to keep up with the rapid advancement in technical
knowledge, particularly in the biochemical field. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology
sectors will provide good employment opportunities. Graduates with a Master’s or
Doctoral degree, as well as individuals with strong project management skills, will have
the best prospects.
North Superior Training Board
Training and Affiliations
Professional Association:
• Association of the Chemical Profession of Ontario - www.acpo.on.ca
Universities in Ontario Offering Chemistry Programs:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Lakehead Universit y - http://chemistry.lakeheadu.ca
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Brock Universit y - http://www.brocku.ca/chemistry/
• Carleton Universit y - http://www.carleton.ca/chem/
• University of Guelph - http://www.chembio.uoguelph.ca/
• Laurentian Universit y - http://142.51.14.1/Laurentian/Home/Departments/
Chemistry+and+Biochemistry/Programs/Chemistry/Chemistry+(June+2008).
htm?Laurentian_Lang=en-CA
• McMaster Universit y - http://www.chemistry.mcmaster.ca/
• University of Ottawa - http://www.chem.uottawa.ca/welcome.html
• Queen’s Universit y - http://www.queensu.ca/chemistry/
• Redeemer University College - http://www.redeemer.on.ca/academics/departments/
chemistry
• Royal Military College of Canada - http://www.rmc.ca/academic/chem/index_e.html
• Ryerson Universit y - http://ryerson.ca/ualca/programs/chemistry.html
• University of Toronto - http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~physsci/chemistry/
• Trent Universit y - http://www.trentu.ca/academic/chemistry/
• University of Waterloo - http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/graduate/programs/
biochem_chem.html
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.uwo.ca/chem/
• Wilfrid Laurier Universit y - http://www.wlu.ca/homepage.php?grp_id=3
• University of Windsor - http://web4.uwindsor.ca/chemistry
• York Universit y - http://www.yorku.ca/web/index.htm
Universities in Ontario Offering Biochemistry Programs:
• Brock Universit y - http://www.brocku.ca/biochemistry/
• Carleton Universit y - http://www.carleton.ca/biochem/
• University of Guelph - http://www.chembio.uoguelph.ca/cgi-bin/ucon.exe?ac=v_index
• Laurentian Universit y - http://142.51.14.1/Laurentian/Home/Departments/
Chemistry+and+Biochemistry/Programs/Biochemistry/Biochem+(June+2008).
htm?Laurentian_Lang=en-CA
• McMaster Universit y - http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/biochem/
• University of Ottawa - http://www.science.uottawa.ca/bch/eng/welcome.html
• Queen’s Universit y - http://meds.queensu.ca/biochem/
• University of Toronto - http://www.science.uottawa.ca/welcome.html
• Trent Universit y - http://www.trentu.ca/chemistry/
• University of Waterloo - http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/research/ibmb/
undergraduate.html
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.biochem.uwo.ca/
• University of Windsor - http://web4.uwindsor.ca/chemistry
• York Universit y - http://www.yorku.ca/web/futurestudents/graduate/equivalency/index.
html
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NOC 2121
Biologists and Other Related Scientists
Job Description
Biologists and related scientists conduct basic and applied research to extend knowledge
of living organisms, to manage natural resources, and to develop new practices and
products related to medicine and agriculture.
Duties
Biologists perform some or all of the following duties:
• Plan and conduct studies of the environment, and the population, distribution,
structure and functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals
• Conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and prepare reports
• Study, identify and classify plant and animal specimens
• Conduct experiments in plant or animal growth, heredity and breeding
• Prepare reports and plans for management of renewable resources
• May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists
Microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists perform some or all of the following
duties:
• Conduct research into the structure, function, ecology, biotechnology and genetics of
microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and algae
• Conduct research into the structure and functioning of human, animal and plant
tissues and cells
• Conduct studies into the identification, effects and control of human, plant and animal
pathogens and toxins
• Conduct clinical or laboratory studies to test, evaluate and screen drugs and
pharmaceuticals
• Conduct molecular or biochemical studies and experiments into genetic expression,
gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology
• May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists
Example Titles
• Anatomist • Biologist
• Embryologist
• Histologist
• Microbiologist
• Parasitologist
• Physiologist
• Virologist
• Bacteriologist
• Cell Biologist
• Geneticist
• Immunologist
• Molecular Biologist
• Pharmacologist
• Toxicologist
Workplaces
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• Laboratory and field settings by governments, environmental consulting companies,
resource and utilities companies
• Chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnical companies
• Health and educational institutions
North Superior Training Board
Requirements
• A Bachelor’s degree in biology or in a related discipline is required for biologists.
• A Master’s or Doctoral degree in Biology or a related discipline is required for
employment as a research scientist in Biology.
• Post-doctoral research experience is usually required before employment in academic
departments or research institutions.
Classified Elsewhere
• Biochemists (in 2112 Chemists)
Average Earnings - Microbiologist
Thunder Bay and Region - $40,000-$45,000/year
Employment Prospects
Ontario - Average
Employment for this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all
occupations through the year 2009. The public sector is the largest employer of biologists.
Typically, demand for biologists is related to environmental research and monitoring. The
biotechnology and health sectors, however, are expected to be a growing source of new
employment opportunities.
There is a shift toward interdisciplinary programs, combining systems engineering with
microbiology and other scientific specialties. Computer-based competencies such as
bioinformatics and molecular modelling are also becoming more important as companies
and researchers deal with the integration of traditional and information sciences.
Graduates with a Master’s or Doctoral degree, as well as individuals with strong project
management skills, will have the best prospects.
Training and Affiliations
Professional Association:
• Canadian College of Microbiologists - http://www.ccm.ca/
Universities in Ontario Offering Biology Programs:
In Northwestern Ontario:
• Lakehead Universit y - http://jobs.lakeheadu.ca/careerdevelopment/FofSES/biology.
shtml
In the Rest of Ontario:
• Brock Universit y - http://www.brocku.ca/biology/
• Carleton Universit y - http://www.carleton.ca/biology/
• University of Guelph - http://www.uoguelph.ca/mcb/
• Laurentian Universit y - http://www.laurentian.ca/?file=calendar/biology.php
• McMaster Universit y - http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/biology/index.html
• Nipissing Universit y - http://www.nipissingu.ca/biology/
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology - https://connect.uoit.ca/uoit/program.
do?from=subject&programID=63
• University of Ottawa - http://www.admission.uottawa.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=2566
• Queen’s Universit y - http://www.queensu.ca/biology/
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• Redeemer University College - http://www.redeemer.on.ca
• Ryerson Universit y - http://ryerson.ca/ualca/programs/biology.html
• University of Toronto - http://www.csb.utoronto.ca/undergraduate/programs/develbiology
• Trent Universit y - http://www.trentu.ca/biology/
• University of Waterloo - http://www.biology.uwaterloo.ca/
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.uwo.ca/biology/
• Wilfrid Laurier Universit y - http://cubic.wlu.ca/homepage.php?grp_id=4
• University of Windsor - http://www.uwindsor.ca/biology
• York Universit y - http://www.yorku.ca/web/index.htm
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North Superior Training Board
NOC 2148
Other Professional Engineers, n.e.c.
Job Description
This unit group includes agricultural and bio-resource engineers, biomedical engineers,
engineering physicists and engineering scientists, marine and naval engineers, textile
engineers and other specialized engineering occupations which are not classified
elsewhere.
Duties
The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
• Biomedical engineers design and develop medical diagnostic and clinical
instrumentation, equipment and procedures; develop devices to assist persons with
disabilities; advise hospital administrators on planning, acquisition and use of medical
equipment; and modify and install or supervise installation of equipment
• Engineering physicists and engineering scientists conduct research and develop
processes, programs and equipment to expand fundamental knowledge in the applied
sciences and engineering and to support advanced engineering and scientific
applications
• Food processing engineers design and develop processes, equipment and procedures
for the processing, storage, packaging and handling of food products
• Marine and naval engineers design and develop marine vessels and floating
structures, and associated marine power plants, propulsion systems and related
systems and equipment and oversee the building, maintenance and repair of vessels
and marine systems
• Textile engineers design and develop processes, equipment and procedures for the
production of fibres, yarns and textiles
• Agricultural engineers study and advise on engineering problems related to
agriculture and design agricultural machinery, structures, equipment and systems
Example Titles
• Biomedical Engineer • Bio-resource Engineer Work Environment
• Hospitals
• Research Laboratories
• Universities
Requirements
• A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate engineering discipline is required.
• A Master’s degree or Doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
• Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required
to approve engineering drawings and reports, and to practise as a Professional
Engineer (P.Eng.).
• Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited
educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in
engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
• Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.
• There is limited mobility between the engineering specializations included in this unit
group.
• Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and
skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of
science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.
North Superior Training Board
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Classified Elsewhere
• Biochemical and Biotechnical Engineers (in 2134 Chemical Engineers)
Average Earnings
Thunder Bay and Region - $32.95/hour
Employment Prospects
Not known
Training and Affiliations
Professional/Regulatory Association:
• Professional Engineers Ontario - http://www.peo.on.ca/
Universities in Ontario Offering Biomedical Engineering Programs:
• McMaster Universit y - http://msbe.mcmaster.ca/
• Queen’s Universit y - http://www.chemeng.queensu.ca/
• University of Toronto - http://www.utoronto.ca/
• University of Western Ontario - http://www.eng.uwo.ca/chemical/
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North Superior Training Board
is funded by
For further information, please contact:
North Superior Training Board/Comité de formation du Nord Supérieur
107B Johnson Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 2V9
Telephone: (807) 346-2940 • Toll free:1-888-800-8893 • Fax: (807) 344-5464
email: [email protected] • website: www.nstb.on.ca
The views expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect those of Employment Ontario.