Emerging occupations typically appear as a result of:
- an increased human need (for example, alternate sources of energy)
- technological advances
- greater specialization within an occupation.
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation but future demand for patient advocates is unknown.
Most patient advocates are self-employed. However, some work for health care institutions. For example, the Professional Conduct department of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta employs on-staff patient advocates. These advocates assist the public with complaints about physicians.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors, including:
- trends and events that affect overall employment
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
- size of the occupation.