Job prospects Special Care Worker - Medical in the Wood Buffalo–Cold Lake Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), the labour market was balanced for Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in the Wood Buffalo–Cold Lake Region. The number of job openings was about the same as the number of workers available in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Assessment Methodology

The employment outlook will be moderate for Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region for the 2023-2025 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
• Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Alberta’s population and its proportion of residents aged 65+ are predicted to increase over the next 20 years, contributing to demand for this occupation. Alberta’s Budget 2023 allocates $24.5 billion for health services in 2023-24, an increase of $965 million or 4.1% from 2022-23, including targeted health care enrolment to add 1,800 new seats at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary for health care aides, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses over the next three years. Alberta plans to reform the management structure of Alberta Health Services this year which may have implications for job seekers.

Here are some key facts about Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region:

• Approximately 690 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 64%
  • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 32%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology