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Careers in Health Care
Building a Stronger Health Care Workforce for Canada
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How Ontario Can Attract More Nurse Practitioners With Ontario’s health care system facing significant workforce shortages, enabling nurse practitioners to practise at their full scope benefits everyone.
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orkforce shortages across Ontario’s health care system have a direct impact on patient access, continuity of care, and overall system performance. Primary care access is one of the most urgent issues. “Approximately 3.3 million Ontarians don’t have a regular primary care provider, which places added strain on emergency departments and acute care settings,” says Michelle Acorn, a nurse practitioner and CEO of the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO), a notfor-profit professional organization representing nurse practitioners (NPs) in Ontario. To help alleviate this burden, Ontario needs to fully engage all qualified health care professionals, including NPs.
Recruitment and retention challenges persist
Canada's Minister of Health — Marjorie Michel discusses workforce challenges, health care careers, and the future of care delivery across Canada. here has never been a more important time to join Canada’s health workforce. Health care is about improving lives, supporting communities, and making a real difference when people need it most. When patients receive the care they need, they can live fuller lives and contribute to a stronger Canada. Whether you’re interested in becoming a nurse, physician, personal support worker, paramedic, therapist, researcher, or pursuing one of the many other careers that support our health system, you can make a meaningful impact every day. The Government of Canada is strengthening Canada’s health workforce and creating opportunities for the next generation of health care professionals. This includes nearly $200 billion over 10 years through the Working Together to
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Improve Health Care Read the entire for Canadians Plan, interview online at healthinsight.ca. along with investments in workforce recruitment, training, and the integration of internationally educated health professionals. The Government has also expanded Canada Student Loan Forgiveness to include 10 additional health care and social service occupations, including dentists, pharmacists, midwives, personal support workers, physiotherapists, and psychologists. At the same time, we are modernizing health care through digital tools and team-based care models to improve efficiency and access. We need talented, compassionate people from all backgrounds to help build a stronger, more accessible health system.
NPs are autonomous, licensed health professionals who play a vital role in supporting health care. Educated at the master’s or doctoral level, they’re qualified to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic illnesses, order and interpret labs and diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and perform procedures. “With the right policy and funding support in place, NPs can play a central role in providing high-quality, accessible care across Ontario,” says Acorn. Written by Anne Papmehl
Michelle Acorn Nurse Practitioner & CEO, Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario
Consider joining the NPAO in advocating for increased funding and support for NPs by signing its petition, or visit npao.org to learn more. This article was sponsored by Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario.
Why More Canadians Are Choosing Health Care Careers Health care continues to attract Canadians seeking meaningful work, strong demand, and accessible training pathways.
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growing number of Canadians are rethinking what they want from their careers. Some are looking for greater job security, while others are searching for work that feels more meaningful. Increasingly, many are finding both in health care, a sector where demand remains strong, and opportunities continue to expand. For those considering a career change or career opportunities, health care offers more than just employment possibilities. From supporting patients directly to ensuring health care organizations run smoothly behind the scenes, the field encompasses a wide range of roles that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. As demand for health care workers continues to grow, many Canadians are exploring education and training pathways that can help transition them into rewarding careers without putting the rest of their lives on hold.
Making education fit real life Returning to school can expand horizons or advance an existing career path, but fitting education into an already busy life is easier said than done. Between work schedules, family responsibilities, financial considerations, and other commitments, the idea of returning to a classroom can feel out of reach. “Most adults can’t afford to forfeit income or commit to years of rigid, scheduled class time,” says Chris Gignac, Managing Director of Academy of Learning Career College. Educational models that offer adaptable schedules and career-focused training can help make a return to school feasible, allowing learners to build new skills while continuing to manage their
existing responsibilities. For nearly four decades, Academy of Learning Career College has helped adult learners gain practical, job-ready skills in high-demand fields, including health care. Through programs designed to prepare students for roles such as Personal Support Worker, Health Care Aide, Medical Office Assistant, and Medical Receptionist, the college aims to provide a direct pathway from education to employment in a high-demand sector.
We measure success by employment, not enrolment. Our programs are designed to help students build the skills “We measure sucemployers actually cess by employment, need. not enrolment,” says
Training with employment in mind What distinguishes Academy of Learning is its Integrated Learning System, which grants students the flexibility to learn from home, on campus, or through a hybrid model. Learners can progress at their own pace and begin their studies without waiting for a traditional semester start date. Flexibility is paired with personalized attention. Each student works with a dedicated Learning Coach who helps monitor progress, provide encouragement, and keep learners on track toward graduation — a particularly valuable approach for mature learners, newcomers to Canada, and individuals balancing other obligations. Support extends beyond graduation. Academy of Learning emphasizes workforce readiness and offers job placement assistance designed to help students connect their training to tangible employment pathways.
Gignac. “Our programs are designed to help students build the skills employers actually need.” According to the college, 65 per cent of graduates secure employment within six months of completing their studies. As Canada’s health care sector continues to expand, so does the need for skilled professionals ready to support patients, families, and communities. For adults looking to take the next step in their careers, flexible, employment-focused training can provide a practical pathway into one of the country’s most essential fields.
Chris Gignac Managing Director, Academy of Learning Career College
Written by Emily Hellam
Scan the QR code to learn more about Academy of Learning’s health care programs and take the first step towards enrolment. This article was sponsored by Academy of Learning Career College.
Publisher: Anna Alymova Business Development Manager: Maya Mezerhane Country Manager: Samantha Taylor Content & Client Success Manager: Nicole Kansakar Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw Digital Traffic Manager: Vansh Chandwaney All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The Toronto Star or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.