National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
3 - Health occupations
This broad category comprises specialized middle management occupations in health care, as well as occupations concerned with providing health care services directly to patients (professional and technical occupations in health) and occupations that provide support to health services.
32 - Technical occupations in health
This major group comprises technical occupations in health and practitioners of natural healing. These occupations come with Training, Education, Experience and Responsibility (TEER) identified as TEER 2. Occupations classified in TEER 2, as those included in this group with a 2 as the second digit of their code, typically require completion of a post-secondary education program of two to three years at community college, institute of technology or CÉGEP; or completion of an apprenticeship training program of two to five years; or supervisory or significant safety responsibilities; or the accumulation of several years of experience in a related occupation found in TEER 3, when applicable (TEER 3 includes occupations with a 3 as a second digit in their code).
321 - Technical occupations in health (except practitioners of natural healing)
This sub-major group comprises technical occupations in health other than practitioners of natural healing, including technical occupations in therapy and assessment; technical occupations in dental health care; and medical technologists and technicians.
3210 - Technical occupations in therapy and assessment
This minor group comprises technical occupations in therapy and assessment, including opticians; licensed practical nurses; paramedical occupations; respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists; animal health technologists and veterinary technicians; and other technical occupations in therapy and assessment. They are employed by hospitals, community and public health centres, extended care and health care facilities, nursing homes, clinics, rehabilitation and recreational centres, and private and social services agencies; educational institutions, and sports organizations; in industry; or they may be self-employed.
32100 - Opticians
Opticians assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, take the necessary measurements and arrange for the production of eyeglasses or contact lenses, mount lenses in eyeglass frames and fit clients with final prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are employed in optical retail outlets or other establishments with optical dispensing departments, or they may be self-employed. Student opticians and opticians who are managers of optical retail outlets are included in this unit group.
Illustrative example(s)
- contact lens fitter
- contact lens practitioner
- dispensing optician
- licensed optician
- optician
Exclusion(s)
- Dispensing opticians office manager (See 60020 Retail and wholesale trade managers)
- Ocularist (See 32129 Other medical technologists and technicians)
- Ophthalmologist (See 31101 Specialists in surgery)
- Optical laboratory technician (See 33109 Other assisting occupations in support of health services)
- Optometrists (See 31111 Optometrists)
Main duties
This group performs 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 take necessary measurements including the curvature of the eyes, the accurate position of the pupils and bridge width, using optical measuring devices
- Advice clients on eyeglasses selection by informing them of different products such as lens materials, frames, tints and anti-reflection coating
- Adjust contact lenses and inform client on use and care
- Grind, polish, cut and edge lenses or have them made by a laboratory before inserting them into the frame
- Adjust finished eyeglasses to fit client
- May supervise or manage the activities of other opticians or student opticians.
Employment requirements
- Completion of a two- or three-year college program in ophthalmic dispensing or optical sciences is required.
- Licensing by a regulatory body for opticians is required in all provinces.
- Licensing requirements for scope of practice and protected titles related to the sale or dispensing and fitting of contact lenses vary by province.
32101 - Licensed practical nurses
Licensed practical nurses provide nursing care usually under the direction of medical practitioners, registered nurses or other health team members. Operating room technicians prepare patients and provide assistance to medical practitioners prior to and during surgery. Licensed practical nurses are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, companies, private homes and community health centres. Operating room technicians are employed in hospitals.
Illustrative example(s)
- graduate nursing assistant
- licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.)
- operating room technician
- registered nursing assistant (R.N.A.)
Exclusion(s)
- Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (See 44101 Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations)
- Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (See 33102 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates)
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Licensed practical nurses
- 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 and document effectiveness of nursing interventions and collaborate with appropriate members of health care team
- Provide safety and health education to individuals and their families.
Operating room technicians
- 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
- Monitor patients' status during surgery, such as intake, output and loss of blood, and communicate and document any changes
- Clean and sterilize the operating room and instruments.
Employment requirements
- Completion of a vocational, college or other approved program for licensed practical nurses is required.
- Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces and territories.
- Completion of a registration examination is required in all provinces and territories.
- Operating room technicians require additional academic training in operating room techniques.
Additional information
- Working under the direction of a medical practitioner or registered nurse is not required for licensed practical nurses in all jurisdictions.
32102 - Paramedical occupations
Workers in paramedical occupations administer pre-hospital emergency medical care to patients with injuries or medical illnesses and transport them to hospitals or other medical facilities for further medical care. They are employed by private ambulance services, hospitals, fire departments, government departments and agencies, manufacturing firms, mining companies and other private sector establishments. Paramedics who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
Illustrative example(s)
- advanced care paramedic
- ambulance attendant
- ambulance services supervisor
- critical care paramedic
- emergency medical technician (EMT)
- emergency medical technologist - paramedic (EMT-P)
- paramedic
- paramedic emergency medical technician
- primary care paramedic
Inclusion(s)
- emergency medical assistant
- emergency medical attendant (EMA)
Exclusion(s)
- Emergency medical care assistant (See 33102 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates)
- Emergency medical care attendant (non-paramedical) (See 33102 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates)
- Emergency medical responder (non-paramedical) (See 33102 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates)
- Other assisting occupations in support of health services (See 33109 Other assisting occupations in support of health services)
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Assess extent of injuries or medical illnesses 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 to patients such as oxygen therapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), spinal immobilization, bandaging and splinting
- Establish and maintain intravenous treatment (IV), apply adjunctive equipment for ventilation and circulation complications, administer medications and provide other advanced emergency treatment to patients
- Transport patients by air, land or water to hospital or other medical facility for further medical care
- Collaborate with ambulance dispatch centres, hospital staff, police, firefighters and family members to ensure relevant information is collected and proper treatment is administered
- Document and record nature of injuries and illnesses and treatment provided
- Assist hospital personnel with provision of medical treatment, if necessary
- Maintain emergency care equipment and supplies
- May train and supervise other workers in this unit group
- May assist with triage of emergency patients.
Employment requirements
- Completion of a one- to three-year college, hospital-based or other recognized paramedical or emergency medical technology program is required.
- Licensing by a regulatory body is required in all provinces.
- Those operating emergency vehicles require an appropriate class of licence.
32103 - Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
Respiratory therapists assist physicians in the evaluation, 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. Respiratory therapists are employed in hospitals, extended care facilities, public health centres, sleep, private or dental clinics and respiratory home care companies. Clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists are primarily employed in hospitals. Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group.
Illustrative example(s)
- anesthesia assistant
- cardiopulmonary technologist
- cardiovascular perfusion supervisor
- cardiovascular perfusionist
- certified clinical perfusionist (CCP)
- chief respiratory technologist
- clinical perfusionist
- perfusionist
- registered respiratory therapist (RRT)
- respiratory therapist
- respiratory therapy chief
- respiratory therapy clinical instructor
Inclusion(s)
- anesthesia technologist
- polysomnographic technologist
Exclusion(s)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (See 32129 Other medical technologists and technicians)
- Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (See 32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment)
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Respiratory therapists
- 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 specialty medical gases
- Operate, monitor, maintain and test a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
- Perform or assist with interventions such as airway maintenance, line insertions, inductions and intubations, and manage patients and associated equipment
- Execute anesthesia assistance services
- Perform artificial respiration and external cardiac massage
- Evaluate and monitor patients' cardiorespiratory conditions
- Provide and optimize patients' mechanical ventilation
- Assist with transport of high-risk patients
- May prepare and administer authorized medications
- 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.
Respiratory therapists may work in specific areas of practice such as anesthesia, critical care, neonatal and pediatrics, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, respiratory home and community care, research and private health industry.
Clinical perfusionists
- 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 to maintain adequate flow of oxygenated blood to all organs of the body
- Monitor vital signs to support and maintain patients' physiological functions and metabolic needs during cardiopulmonary surgery
- Participate in routine maintenance, calibration and inspection of all perfusion related equipment
- Supervise and train student clinical perfusionists and other clinical perfusionists.
Cardiopulmonary technologists
- 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 patients and advise physician of any changes in patients' 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
- Perform analysis, programming and monitoring of implanted devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators during surgery
- Supervise and train students and other cardiopulmonary technologists
- Provide technical support for research.
Employment requirements
- Respiratory therapists require the completion of a three-year college or university degree program in respiratory therapy, both including clinical training.
- Licensing is required for respiratory therapists in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
- A national certification for respiratory therapists is available for therapists working in Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
- In Quebec, a certificate is required for respiratory therapists to prescribe smoking cessation medication.
- 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.
- Certification with the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion is required for clinical perfusionists.
- Cardiopulmonary technologists require a two-year college diploma in an allied health discipline such as respiratory therapy, nursing diploma, or a university degree in a related science and completion of a college post-diploma program in cardiovascular technology and additional training in pulmonary technology through courses or supervised on-the-job clinical training.
- Registration with the Canadian Association of Cardio-pulmonary Technologists (CACPT) may be required.
Additional information
- Supervisory and instructor positions in this unit group require experience in their respective fields as a respiratory therapist, clinical perfusionist or cardiopulmonary technologist.
32104 - Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians provide technical support to veterinarians by caring for animals and assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health disorders. They are employed in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, humane societies, zoos, animal research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and government. Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
Illustrative example(s)
- animal health technician
- animal health technologist
- laboratory animal technician
- registered veterinary technician (RVT)
- veterinarian assistant
- veterinary technician
- veterinary technologist
Exclusion(s)
- Pet groomers and animal care workers (See 65220 Pet groomers and animal care workers)
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Provide nursing care and rehabilitation therapy for animals
- Handle, restrain and care for animals undergoing treatment and surgery
- Produce radiographs, collect and analyse samples and perform other laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis of animal health problems
- Assist veterinarian with animals before, during and following surgery by preparing surgical equipment, administering and monitoring anaesthetics and cleaning up after surgery
- Prepare and administer medications and vaccines under direction of a veterinarian
- Administer treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian
- Provide wound and bandage care
- Conduct specialized procedures such as animal identification and hoof trimming
- Educate and advise clients on animal health care including nutrition and home care
- Assist in laboratory research
- Perform routine animal dental procedures and assist veterinarians with animal dentistry
- May perform a variety of office management and clerical duties.
Employment requirements
- Completion of a two- or three-year animal health/veterinary technology college program is required.
- Successful completion of a national registration examination may be required in some employment settings.
- Registration with provincial animal health technologists' or veterinary technicians' associations is available, and is mandatory in some provinces.
Additional information
- With experience, animal health technologists and veterinary technicians may progress to supervisory positions.
32109 - Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
Other technical workers in therapy and assessment perform various technical therapy and assessment functions. Some may assist professionals such as audiologists, speech-language pathologists, ophthalmologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. They are employed in hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, educational institutions, hearing aid retail stores, in the private practices of the professionals they assist, or they may be self-employed.
Illustrative example(s)
- audiology technician
- communicative disorders assistant
- hearing instrument practitioner
- hearing instrument specialist
- occupational therapy assistant
- ophthalmic technician
- ophthalmic technologist
- physical rehabilitation therapist
- physical therapist assistant (PTA)
- physiotherapy assistant
- physiotherapy technician
- rehabilitation assistant
- speech aide
- speech technician
- speech therapy assistant
Inclusion(s)
- communication disorders instructor
Exclusion(s)
- Licensed practical nurses (See 32101 Licensed practical nurses)
- Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (See 33101 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations)
- Medical technologists and technicians (See 3212 Medical technologists and technicians)
- Opticians (See 32100 Opticians)
- Other assisting occupations in support of health services (See 33109 Other assisting occupations in support of health services)
- Paramedical occupations (See 32102 Paramedical occupations)
- Physiotherapists (See 31202 Physiotherapists)
- Practitioners of natural healing (See 3220 Practitioners of natural healing)
- Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (See 32103 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists)
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Hearing instrument practitioners
- Examine adult clients to assess hearing loss using diagnostic evaluation and electro acoustic testing
- Recommend and dispense or sell appropriate type of hearing instrument
- Take earmold impressions for use in the manufacture of hearing devices
- Fit, adjust and make minor modifications to hearing instruments
- Educate clients in appropriate use, care and maintenance of hearing instruments
- Communicate with audiologist or other health care professionals regarding patients' condition
- Perform follow-up examinations and readjustments.
Communicative disorders assistants and speech-language pathology assistants
- Assist speech-language pathologists and audiologists during assessment of patients
- Carry out treatment programs, document results and develop materials for use with patients, under the supervision of speech-language pathologists or audiologists
- Document patient rehabilitation progress
- Check and maintain therapeutic equipment and materials.
Ophthalmic medical technologists and technicians
- Take patients' general medical and ophthalmic history
- Conduct specialized testing such as refractometry, ultrasonography, fluorescein angiography or ocular motility testing to aid ophthalmologists in assessing patients' vision
- Instruct patient on diagnostic test and record, interpret and troubleshoot results
- Assist ophthalmologists in performing ophthalmic procedures and surgeries
- Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications as directed by ophthalmologists
- Prepare specimens for culture and staining
- Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment
- May instruct and supervise other ophthalmic staff and perform various administrative duties
- May participate in research activities.
Physical rehabilitation therapists
- Collect and analyse information from clients' file upon referral from the physiotherapist or physician.
- Develop, implement and monitor treatment plans of clients in collaboration with the physiotherapist or physician.
- Use a variety of therapeutic modalities such as manual techniques (e.g. massage), exercises, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy and thermotherapy (ice or heat) to achieve treatment objectives.
- Advise clients on postures, lifestyle and exercises to help them improve their physical condition.
Physiotherapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants
- Under the direction of physiotherapists and/or occupational therapists, carry out treatment programs such as thermotherapy, traction, hydrotherapy and electrotherapeutic techniques to rehabilitate patients with various injuries or disabilities to maximize their ability to independently manage daily activities.
Employment requirements
- Hearing instrument practitioners require completion of a two or three-year college diploma in a hearing instrument specialist program, and a period of supervised training.
- Licensure with a regulatory body is required for hearing instrument practitioners in all provinces except in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Ontario requires membership with the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario (AHIP). Hearing instrument practitioners can prescribe and dispense hearing instruments except in Ontario where dispensing is dependent on a prescription from a physician or audiologist.
- Communicative disorders assistants and speech-language pathology assistants require completion of a three- to four-year college program.
- Ophthalmic medical technicians require completion of a one-year hospital based ophthalmic technician training program or a minimum of one year on-the-job training working as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.
- Ophthalmic medical technologists require completion of a two-year hospital-based training program in ophthalmic medical technology,
or
a 4 year bachelor's degree program in Ophthalmic Medical Technology
or
a minimum of two years of on-the-job training working as a Certified Ophthalmic technician under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. - Certification by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology may be required by employers.
- Physical rehabilitation therapists, who are only found in Quebec, require completion of a three-year physiotherapy or rehabilitation techniques college program and a period of internship.
- A permit to practice issued by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) is required for physical rehabilitation therapists.
- Physiotherapy assistants require completion of a two-year physical therapy assistant (PTA) college program, or a two-year rehabilitation therapy assistant program and supervised practical training.
- Occupational therapy assistants require completion of a two-year occupational therapy assistant (OTA) college program.
Additional information
- Ophthalmic medical technicians may progress to ophthalmic medical technologists' positions with training, experience and certification.
- Certified Ophthalmic Technician and Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist may have additional specialty certification such as Registered Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biometrist (ROUB) or Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer (CDOS).
- In most provinces occupational therapy assistants (OTA) and physiotherapy assistants (PTA) receive training through a single OTA/PTA program in community colleges.
- In Quebec, hearing instruments practitioners provide services to adults and children.
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