Canada is a welcoming country that has always been open to immigrants from around the world. Today, Canada has become one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled workers, including healthcare professionals. According to a report by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, immigrants account for one out of every four healthcare sector workers in Canada. In this article, we will explore healthcare jobs in Canada for immigrants, the requirements to work in Canada’s healthcare industry, and the steps involved in securing a job in Canada’s healthcare sector.
Statistics of Immigrant Involvement in the Health Care Sector
Immigrants make up a significant portion of the healthcare industry in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, in 2016, immigrants accounted for:
- 23% of registered nurses
- 35% of nurse aides and related occupations
- 37% of pharmacists
- 36% of physicians
- 39% of dentists
- 54% of dental technologists and related occupations
Reasons Why Immigrants are in High Demand in the Industry
The healthcare industry in Canada is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, and immigrants are seen as an essential solution to this problem. The Canadian population is aging, and this has increased the demand for healthcare services. According to the Canadian Nurses Association, there will be a shortage of 60,000 nurses by 2022. As a result, the healthcare industry is looking to hire skilled workers from around the world.
Immigrants are also in high demand in healthcare because of their diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Canada is a diverse country, and immigrants who can speak multiple languages are particularly valuable in the healthcare sector. They can communicate effectively with patients from different cultural backgrounds, which is essential in providing quality health care.
How Immigrants are Contributing to the Growth of the Health Care Industry in Canada
Immigrants are an essential part of Canada’s healthcare industry, contributing to its growth in various ways. They bring a wealth of knowledge and skills from their home countries, and this is valuable in the Canadian healthcare system. They are also helping to address the shortage of skilled workers in the industry. Without immigrants, the healthcare industry in Canada would struggle to meet the growing demand for healthcare services.
Job Opportunities in the Healthcare Sector for Immigrants
Numerous job opportunities are available for immigrants in the healthcare sector in Canada. While doctors and nurses are always in demand, other healthcare jobs are also in high demand. Some of the top healthcare jobs in Canada for immigrants are discussed below:
Medical Secretary
Medical secretaries are responsible for a wide range of administrative tasks, including maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments, and managing correspondence. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. In Canada, medical secretaries’ salaries are between $31,200 and $56,335 per year based on a standard 37.5-hour workweek.
Home Support Worker
Home support workers provide daily home care to people with medical or companionship needs. Their duties include meal preparation, light housekeeping, and providing companionship. In Canada, the annual salary for home support workers ranges from $20,000 to $50,000.
Pharmacy Assistant
Pharmacy assistants work under the supervision of a pharmacist, performing a wide range of duties, including preparing medications, maintaining inventory, and processing prescriptions. In Canada, the annual salary for pharmacy assistants ranges from $26,000 to $41,000.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical laboratory technicians are responsible for performing tests on patient samples to help diagnose medical conditions. They work in laboratories in hospitals, clinics, and research facilities. In Canada, the annual salary for medical laboratory technicians ranges from $30,000 to $65,000.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help people of all ages to overcome physical and mental health challenges and achieve their goals. They work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and community organizations. In Canada, the annual salary for occupational therapists ranges from $45,000 to $85,000.
Medical Radiation Technologist
Medical radiation technologists use medical imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines, to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. In Canada, the annual salary for medical radiation technologists ranges from $60,000 to $85,000.
Public Health Inspector
Public health inspectors are responsible for ensuring that public health standards are met in a wide range of settings, including restaurants, hotels, and hospitals. They also investigate and report on public health hazards. In Canada, the annual salary for public health inspectors ranges from $45,000 to $80,000.
What are the in-demand healthcare jobs for immigrants in Canada?
There are many in-demand healthcare jobs for immigrants in Canada. Some of the most popular jobs include:
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Registered nurses are in high demand in Canada, and they are needed in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. In Canada, immigrants make up 23% of registered nurses.
Nurse Aides and Related Occupations
Nurse aides and related occupations, such as personal support workers, are also in high demand in Canada. Immigrants make up 35% of nurse aides and related occupations.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists play a vital role in the Canadian healthcare system, and they are needed in a variety of settings, including hospitals and retail pharmacies. Immigrants make up 37% of pharmacists in Canada.
Physicians
Canada is in need of physicians, especially in rural areas. Immigrants make up 36% of physicians in Canada.
Dentists
Dentists are also in high demand in Canada, and immigrants make up 39% of dentists in the country.
Dental Technologists and Related Occupations
Dental technologists and related occupations, such as dental hygienists, are also in high demand in Canada. Immigrants make up 54% of dental technologists and related occupations.
Home Support Worker
Home support workers provide daily home care to people with medical or companionship needs. This job is in high demand, and immigrants can make a good living doing this work.
Medical Technologists
Medical technologists with a combination of technical skills and healthcare industry knowledge are in demand in Canada. Salaries for full-time medical technologists range from $40,000 in Atlantic Canada to $70,000 in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.
Cardiology Technologists
Cardiology technologists are in demand in Canada due to the large aging population. The highest average hourly wage for a cardiology technologist can be found in Calgary at $44.27 per hour, while the lowest average hourly wage is around $20.85 per hour.
Requirements for Working in the health care Sector in Canada
To work in the healthcare sector in Canada, there are various requirements that need to be met. Here are some to consider:
Education, training, and certification
The specific education, training, and certification requirements vary depending on the role and province or territory. Generally, healthcare workers are required to have completed a recognized program in their field and be licensed by a regulatory body. For example, nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates require the completion of a recognized program and certification by a provincial regulatory body.
Immigration requirements
For individuals seeking to work in the healthcare sector who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, there are specific immigration requirements that must be met. For example, individuals may need to obtain a work permit or apply for permanent residence through the Healthcare Pathway program.
Language proficiency
Healthcare workers in Canada are required to be proficient in either English or French, depending on the province or territory. Proficiency requirements can vary depending on the role and regulatory body.
Criminal record check
Depending on the role, healthcare workers may be required to undergo a criminal record check to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
Steps to Find a Job in Canada Healthcare Sector
Finding a job in the healthcare sector in Canada can be a fulfilling career path for those interested in improving the health and well-being of others. Here are some steps to help you find healthcare jobs in Canada for immigrants:
Identify your area of interest
Healthcare jobs for foreigners vary widely, so it’s important to identify your area of interest. This could be anything from becoming a surgeon to a healthcare assistant, a nurse, a therapist, or a scientist.
Check job boards
There are many job boards specific to Canada’s healthcare sector. For instance, HealthcareCAN’s job board is the national voice of healthcare organizations and hospitals across Canada. Health Canada also recruits doctors, nurses, scientists, and non-scientific professionals in many fields, including IT, public administration, human resources, and communications. Provincial job boards, such as the British Columbia government job board, also advertise healthcare jobs. Healthcarejobs.ca is also a dedicated healthcare job site for specific skill sets, expert advice, and exciting career paths.
Keep an eye on job trends
Canada’s Economic Strategy Tables on Health and Biosciences predicted that by 2025, Canada would double the size of the health and biosciences sector, and the country would become a top-three global hub by leveraging and advancing innovative technologies, attracting and retaining healthcare talent.
Consider getting qualified
Some healthcare jobs require specific qualifications. For instance, to become a registered nurse, you need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and pass a national certification exam.
Networking
Networking can also help you find a job in the healthcare sector. You can reach out to healthcare professionals or join healthcare professional organizations.
Work permits
You may need a work permit if you are not a Canadian citizen. The Canadian government offers several programs for immigrants who want to work in the healthcare sector. The National Newcomer Navigation Network can help healthcare professionals educated abroad secure jobs in Canada’s healthcare sector.
Resources for finding a Jobs in Canada Healthcare Sector
If you’re looking for resources to find a job in the healthcare sector in Canada, several options are available. Here are some of the resources that can help you get started:
Indeed Canada
Indeed is a popular job search website that lists job opportunities from various industries, including healthcare. You can search for healthcare jobs by job title, location, and salary range. The website also provides resources for job seekers, such as resume templates and interview tips.
Health Canada
Health Canada is a federal government department that offers job opportunities in the healthcare sector. They employ nurses, doctors, scientists, inspectors, researchers, policy analysts, and corporate professionals in fields like information technology. You can visit their website to learn more about available positions and how to apply.
HealthcareCAN
HealthcareCAN is a national voice of healthcare organizations and hospitals across Canada. They offer a job board that lists various job opportunities in the healthcare sector. You can search for job postings by job title, location, and employer.
Healthcarejobs.ca
Healthcarejobs.ca is a dedicated healthcare job site that lists job opportunities for specific skill sets. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, or dietician, you can find healthcare-related job offers on this website. Job postings are continuously updated to maximize your chances of finding a job that suits your qualifications.
Provincial and Territorial Health Authorities
Each province and territory in Canada has a health authority that manages healthcare services in their region. These authorities often have job postings on their websites. For example, the Government of British Columbia has a Health Care Assistant job posting on their website.
Professional Associations
Professional associations such as the Canadian Nurses Association, Canadian Medical Association, and Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists often have job boards on their websites where you can search for job postings in your field.
Industry Reports
Industry reports such as the one from Canada’s Economic Strategy Tables on Health and Biosciences can help you understand the current job market in the healthcare sector in Canada. These reports often provide information on projected job growth and in-demand positions.
Challenges Faced by Immigrants in Finding Healthcare Jobs
Here are some challenges faced by immigrants in finding healthcare jobs in Canada.
Registration challenges
Internationally educated nurses (IENs) often face challenges registering their qualifications and putting their expertise to work in Canada. These professionals, who may have substantial experience, find their paths to employment blocked by costly and time-consuming registration processes.
Systemic barriers
Immigrants, including those in the healthcare sector, may face systemic barriers in accessing employment opportunities in Canada. For instance, newcomers may receive fewer points if they are older than 35 years old, with no points allocated for immigrants over 43. The cohort of immigrants who arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic faces unique challenges, and Canada may not yet be fully prepared to support them.
Language and cultural barriers
Healthcare providers may need to hire multilingual staff who understand immigrant patients’ culture, language, and social dynamics. Staff education is also important to develop trust and provide culturally sensitive care.
Lack of affordable housing
Immigrants, including those in the healthcare sector, may face challenges finding affordable housing in many Canadian cities.
Discrimination
Discrimination and racism can create barriers for immigrant workers, including in the healthcare sector. While Canada is generally perceived as a successful immigrant nation, some cracks in its immigration model have been identified.
Credential recognition
Immigrants in the healthcare sector may face challenges in having their credentials recognized in Canada. Credential recognition may be a lengthy and costly process, which can delay immigrants’ entry into the workforce.
Tips for Success in Canada Healthcare Jobs
If you’re looking for tips on succeeding in the healthcare sector in Canada, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Embrace digital health
As seen in recent years, digital health is becoming increasingly important in Canada’s healthcare sector. As such, healthcare professionals should consider incorporating digital health solutions into their practice. This could include telemedicine, electronic health records, or other technology that can improve patient care and streamline processes.
Focus on patient-centred care
A recent article notes that involving front-line clinicians and patients can lead to better care. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize patient-centred care when working in the healthcare sector in Canada. This could include listening to patient needs, offering personalized treatment plans, and ensuring clear communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
Consider the importance of outcomes measurement
Outcomes measurement refers to tracking and analyzing patient outcomes to improve healthcare delivery. By tracking outcomes, healthcare professionals can identify areas for improvement and work to optimize patient care.
Stay up to date on healthcare policy
Healthcare policy is constantly changing in Canada, so it’s important to stay informed about the latest developments. For example, recent reports suggest that Canada’s healthcare system is facing challenges related to rising costs, an aging population, and technological growth. By staying informed about policy changes and challenges facing the healthcare sector, professionals can better position themselves for Success.
Emphasize integration and collaboration
One report suggests that Canada often lags behind other countries in terms of integrated healthcare systems. To succeed in Canada’s healthcare sector, it may be beneficial to emphasize integration and collaboration between different providers and healthcare organizations.
Final Thoughts on Healthcare Jobs in Canada for Immigrants
Healthcare jobs in Canada present a range of opportunities and challenges for immigrants. While the demand for skilled healthcare professionals is high, finding a job can be difficult due to various barriers. However, with the right qualifications, language skills, and support, immigrants can overcome these challenges and build successful careers in the Canadian healthcare system. By leveraging the resources and opportunities available, immigrants can take advantage of the growing demand for healthcare jobs in Canada for immigrants and contribute to the well-being of the country’s citizens and residents.
