Health Care and Social Assistance Industry

October 2010

· The industry employed about 190,200 people in 2008

· Average annual employment growth rate in the industry between 2009 and 2013 is expected to be 2.2%

This industry includes health care services provided at hospitals, auxiliary hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, ambulatory out-patient care centres, medical and diagnostic laboratories, community health centres and the offices of health practitioners such as dentists, doctors, optometrists and chiropractors. Home care services and ambulance services are also part of this industry. Social assistance services include

· individual and family services (for children, youth and the elderly)

· community food, housing and emergency relief services

· vocational rehabilitation services

· daycare services

Occupations include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, dental hygienists, child and youth care workers, and emergency medical technicians.

Performance and outlook

This industry is Alberta’s third largest employer. The industry has grown, accounting today for a larger share of the province’s economic activity than in 1999. Employment in the industry has risen only slightly since then.

The industry faces a number of challenges. Alberta’s growing population—about 50,000 new residents a year between 2005 and 2007—requires higher volumes of health services, particularly as the population ages. In 20 years, it is estimated that one in five Albertans will be over the age of 65.

The Alberta government’s Health Workforce Action Plan will help to address health workforce challenges. Announced in September 2007, it is a nine-year plan designed to ensure an adequate and ongoing balance between the supply and demand for health workers.

There will be a growing demand for family physicians and general practitioners, pharmacists, physical therapists, health care aides and managers in health, social and community services. Below average demand is expected for specialist physicians and technical occupations in dental care.

About 21,400 jobs will be created in the industry by 2013.

For more information see Alberta Career and Industry Outlook or Alberta Industry Profiles.

Occupations in the industry

For a list of occupations and related occupations in this industry, see OCCinfo Search by Industry: Health Care and Social Assistance page.