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Ability Manager, Employee Health Nurse, Health and Safety Nurses, Health and Wellness Advisor, Health Services and Disability Manager, Industrial Nurse, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Occupational health nurses (OHNs) are registered nurses with additional specialized education in providing occupational health services. These services include occupational health, safety, environment, and wellness. An OHN’s primary role is to coordinate the delivery of comprehensive, equitable, and quality occupational health services for workers and worker groups. While specific roles and responsibilities may differ within organizations, the focus is to support and promote worker and workplace health and safety.
Occupational health nursing is an incredibly diverse specialty practice. As such, duties and responsibilities vary widely from one position to another. In general, OHNs:
OHNs may be involved with planning work-related health fairs. They may work with agencies that support newcomers and their families. Some OHNs perform administrative duties regarding health benefits including working with third-party insurers.
Occupational health nurses may work in hospital, government, educational, or industrial settings. They can be exposed to biological, physical, and chemical hazards. They usually work standard office hours. However, depending on the work environment, they may have to work evening or weekend shifts in industrial settings or during emergency situations. Some travel may be required with employers who have more than one location.
OHNs can be exposed to contagious diseases. They routinely handle items that weigh up to 20 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in speaking to advise employees about health and safety, and to advise personnel departments of health findings pertinent to employees' work capabilities
Interest in compiling information to keep records of persons treated and to record employees' personal and medical data
Interest in operating medical equipment to perform tests; and in arranging for ill and seriously injured employees to be transported to hospital
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Occupational health nurses need:
They should enjoy working with diverse populations.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 02, 2023 and Jun 30, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 75 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 75 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 74 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 74 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 74 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 74 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 73 |
| Tasks: Collaborate to plan, implement, co-ordinate and evaluate patient care | 72 |
| Work Setting: Hospital/medical facility or clinic | 67 |
| Tasks: Provide nursing care | 67 |
Occupational health nurses are registered nurses who have additional education in the field of occupational health. The minimum education is a recognized diploma program in occupational health nursing. In Alberta, Registered Nurse (RN) status requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing with specialization in a particular field (such as occupational health). Occupational health nurses may also need provincially approved advanced first-aid certification for the workplace.
Employers generally prefer to hire OHNs who have:
Some employers require applicants to have a valid driver’s licence with a clean driving record.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
An occupational health nurse is a registered nurse practising in the specialty field of occupational health.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Registered nurses provide professional nursing services, deliver health-education programs, and provide consultative nursing services to promote, maintain, and restore client health.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Registered Nurses Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) is mandatory. Only registrants with an active practice permit may provide restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Nurse - Registered.
In addition to meeting the certification requirements for registered nurse, those wanting to work as an occupational health nurse should consider a Canadian Certificate in Occupational Health, or COHN(C), through the Canadian Nurses Association.
COHN(C) certification indicates an advanced level of professional competence in the field of occupational health. While it is not mandatory, it is the preferred standard for employment nationally.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Occupational health nurses work for:
Some self-employed nurses provide services for multiple employers on a contract basis.
Experienced OHNs may advance to supervisory or management positions responsible for workplace health and safety programs.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
2016 NOC: 3012
95.8% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Incomes for occupational health nurses vary widely. Factors include the industry in which they’re working and the employer, as well as the OHN’s hours, educational qualifications, experience, and responsibilities.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $38.44 | $39.73 | $38.54 | $38.44 |
| Overall | $47.32 | $51.29 | $47.38 | $47.32 |
| Top | $50.45 | $52.85 | $50.48 | $50.45 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $73,823 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $73,686 |
| Public Administration | $90,027 |
Alberta Occupational Health Nurses Association (AOHNA) website: aohna.org
AOHNA Occupational Health Nurse video: www.youtube.com
Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) website: www.cna-aiic.ca
Canadian Occupational Health Nurses Association (COHNA) website: cohna-aciist.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
