Canada is home to a diverse and growing healthcare sector, and internationally educated healthcare professionals (IEHPs) are playing an increasingly vital role in it.
A recent report by Statistics Canada sheds light on the employment and immigration trends of IEHPs, revealing valuable insights into their contributions and challenges.
In this user-friendly article, we’ll break down the key findings and insights from the report in simple and straightforward language.
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Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals in Canada: Who Are They?
Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals are individuals who are trained to become nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and dentists in their home countries.
The report by Statistics Canada shows that 58% of IEHPs in Canada are working in their field of study, which is promising.
Employment and Immigration Trends
Currently, Canada hosts a total of 259,694 IEHPs, a significant number of skilled professionals.
Out of these, 76% are employed. While this employment rate is impressive, it’s slightly lower than that of Canadian-educated healthcare professionals, which stands at 80%.
Many IEHPs arrived in Canada between 2016 and 2021, indicating a recent influx of talent.
Interestingly, half of the them came to Canada during their core working years, typically between the ages of 25 to 34. This reflects their ambition to contribute to the Canadian healthcare landscape during their prime working years.
Moreover, two-thirds of IEHPs are under 50 years old, and the majority are women, highlighting the diversity and potential within this group.
Where Do IEHPs Settle?
The majority of IEHPs choose to live in provinces with vibrant healthcare sectors.
Ontario leads the way with 116,310 IEHPs, followed by British Columbia (45,235) and Alberta (42,035).
Conversely, the northern territories and Atlantic provinces have fewer internationally educated healthcare professionals. Prince Edward Island, for instance, has the fewest at 475.
Education Background of IEHPs
Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals hail from various corners of the world, with 63% receiving their education in Asia. Another 11% studied in English-speaking Western countries.
This diversity extends across provinces. Manitoba, for instance, has a high percentage of Asian-educated IEHPs, while New Brunswick welcomes IEHPs from English-speaking Western countries.
Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals Occupations
The healthcare field of choice for IEHPs in Canada is nursing, with one-third of them pursuing this noble profession.
The top five occupations among IEHPs include:
- Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (34%)
- Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates (21%)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (8%)
- Light Duty Cleaners (2%)
- Social and Community Service Workers (2%)
Additionally, physicians make up 15% of all internationally educated healthcare professionals in Canada, with a concentration in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Addressing Healthcare Labor Shortages
- Canada faces a considerable shortage of healthcare professionals, evident from the report’s latest job vacancy data, which reveals 147,100 job vacancies in the healthcare sector.
- Healthcare Professionals already residing in Canada hold the potential to bridge this gap. However, they often encounter challenges related to obtaining licenses in regulated professions.
- Encouragingly, efforts are underway to remove these obstacles. For example, Nova Scotia now offers an expedited pathway for international nurses with specific qualifications. This streamlined approach eases their transition into the Canadian healthcare system.
- Ontario has also introduced new legislation to simplify the registration process, reducing barriers that internationally educated healthcare professionals face.
IRCC Initiatives
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plays a vital role in facilitating the integration of internationally educated healthcare professionals.
- IRCC has introduced new Express Entry categories that prioritize healthcare professions. This approach recognizes the importance of these professionals and their potential to contribute significantly to Canada’s healthcare system.
- Moreover, IRCC has made it possible for physicians already practicing in Canada as temporary residents to become eligible for Express Entry. This opens doors for more IEHPs to apply for permanent residency, further increasing opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, internationally educated healthcare professionals are essential contributors to Canada’s healthcare sector. Although they face challenges related to licensing and integration, the report’s findings show promising trends and ongoing efforts to support their success.
With a growing demand for healthcare workers and initiatives aimed at their inclusion, IEHPs are well-positioned to make significant contributions to Canada’s healthcare landscape.
This diverse and talented group has the potential to help Canada address its healthcare labor shortages and ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to its citizens.
