A Guide To Health Care Careers In Northwestern Ontario(2009)
Transcription
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 1 www.nstb.on.ca 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. 2 www.nstb.on.ca 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 3 www.nstb.on.ca Traditional Health Care Careers NOC Index # 4 www.nstb.on.ca 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 5 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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: 6 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 1 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 7 www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 8 www.nstb.on.ca 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 9 www.nstb.on.ca 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: 10 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 2 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 11 www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 12 www.nstb.on.ca 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 13 www.nstb.on.ca 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 14 www.nstb.on.ca 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 15 www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 16 www.nstb.on.ca 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 17 www.nstb.on.ca 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 18 www.nstb.on.ca 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 19 www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 20 www.nstb.on.ca 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. 21 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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 22 www.nstb.on.ca 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 23 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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 24 www.nstb.on.ca 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 25 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 26 www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 27 North Superior Training Board 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 28 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 29 North Superior Training Board 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 30 www.nstb.on.ca 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 31 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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 32 www.nstb.on.ca 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: 33 www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 34 www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 35 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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. 36 www.nstb.on.ca 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. 37 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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 38 www.nstb.on.ca • 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. North Superior Training Board 39 www.nstb.on.ca 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 40 www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 41 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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 42 www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 43 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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 44 www.nstb.on.ca 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 45 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 46 www.nstb.on.ca 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 47 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 48 www.nstb.on.ca 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 49 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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: 50 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 www.nstb.on.ca 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 52 www.nstb.on.ca 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 53 www.nstb.on.ca 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 54 www.nstb.on.ca 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 56 www.nstb.on.ca 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 57 www.nstb.on.ca 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 58 www.nstb.on.ca 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 59 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 60 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 61 www.nstb.on.ca 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 www.nstb.on.ca 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 63 www.nstb.on.ca • 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) 64 www.nstb.on.ca 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 65 www.nstb.on.ca 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 66 www.nstb.on.ca 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 67 www.nstb.on.ca 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 68 www.nstb.on.ca 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 69 www.nstb.on.ca 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 70 www.nstb.on.ca North Superior Training Board 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 71 www.nstb.on.ca • 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: 72 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 73 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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) 74 www.nstb.on.ca 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 75 www.nstb.on.ca • 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.” 76 www.nstb.on.ca 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. 77 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 78 www.nstb.on.ca 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 79 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 80 www.nstb.on.ca 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 81 www.nstb.on.ca 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 82 www.nstb.on.ca 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. North Superior Training Board 83 www.nstb.on.ca 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: 84 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 85 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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 86 www.nstb.on.ca • 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/ 87 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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 88 www.nstb.on.ca 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 89 www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 90 www.nstb.on.ca 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 91 www.nstb.on.ca 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 92 www.nstb.on.ca 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 93 www.nstb.on.ca 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: 94 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 95 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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 96 www.nstb.on.ca North Superior Training Board • 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 97 www.nstb.on.ca 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) 98 www.nstb.on.ca 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. North Superior Training Board 99 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 100 www.nstb.on.ca 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 101 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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 102 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 North Superior Training Board 103 www.nstb.on.ca 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 104 www.nstb.on.ca 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 105 North Superior Training Board www.nstb.on.ca 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 106 www.nstb.on.ca 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. North Superior Training Board 107 www.nstb.on.ca 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.” 108 www.nstb.on.ca 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 North Superior Training Board 109 www.nstb.on.ca 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 110 www.nstb.on.ca • 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/ North Superior Training Board 111 www.nstb.on.ca • 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 112 www.nstb.on.ca 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 113 www.nstb.on.ca 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/ 114 www.nstb.on.ca 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.