NOC 32102: Paramedical occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for paramedical occupations (NOC 32102) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Paramedical occupations, including primary care paramedics and ambulance attendants, continue to face good employment prospects in P.E.I., with shortages reported across the province. Demand is driven by the aging population, immigration growth, and government priorities to strengthen emergency health services. The province’s Licensed Practical Nursing and Paramedic Support Program, which offers full tuition support, remains a key initiative to attract new entrants. The demand for these health professionals may be greater in rural and remote communities as it can be difficult to attract and retain these workers given the potential for more opportunities in urban areas. At the same time, high stress levels, irregular hours, and physically demanding tasks contribute to turnover, sustaining demand for replacements. For new graduates, this occupation offers secure employment and pathways to advancement through further training in critical care or advanced care paramedicine, while experienced paramedics with broad skills and specialization in emergency response enjoy the most favourable outlook.

Here are some key facts about paramedical occupations in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Paramedical occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 16% for all occupations

79% of paramedical occupations work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 61% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 39% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 6% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 56% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 14% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 6% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for paramedical occupations (NOC 32102) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Recent graduates from fields of study related to this occupation have found it easy to find work.

There is a growing need for emergency medical services in the province, in part due to the aging population. The majority of newly-trained paramedics, or those relocating to the province, are placed in communities around the province as filling positions in these areas has been difficult in the past due to a limited labour pool. The job market in Halifax and surrounding areas is more competitive, and these positions are often rewarded to experienced paramedics already employed with Emergency Health Services.

A recent collective agreement boosted wages considerably for primary, intermediate, and advanced care paramedics as well as transport operators. Improved compensation may ease long-standing challenges with recruitment and retention.

Here are some key facts about paramedical occupations in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 1,600 people work in this occupation.

Paramedical occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 80%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 12%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 7%

80% of paramedical occupations work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 68% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 32% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 6% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 20% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 57% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 14% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for paramedical occupations (NOC 32102) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

A steadily ageing demographic is expected to increase the need for medical emergency services. While this should translate into greater prospects for this occupation, employment growth in this field is influenced by the level of funding for emergency services in local areas. Therefore, budgetary reductions can affect job prospects.

The demand for these health professionals may be greater in rural and remote communities as it can be difficult to attract and retain these workers given the potential for more opportunities in urban areas. Because of the high stress levels of this occupation, which can include irregular hours and physically demanding tasks, some employment needs may arise from staff turnover.

To increase career opportunities, some primary care paramedics may consider advanced care training. Ambulance attendants and other paramedical occupations with a broad range of skills and several years of experience will have a more favourable outlook. Prospects may be better for those with a valid driver’s license and who are fluent in both official languages.

An active license from the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick (PANB), possessing Emergency Medical Service (EMS) related training certificates, and a valid criminal record check are all required.

Here are some key facts about paramedical occupations in New Brunswick:

Approximately 1,550 people work in this occupation.

Paramedical occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 89%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 16% for all occupations

84% of paramedical occupations work all year, while 16% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of paramedical occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 60% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 40% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 28% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 57% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 9% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Good for paramedical occupations (NOC 32102) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Ambulance service providers

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Population growth and aging are expected to increase the need for emergency medical care services, supporting job prospects in this occupation

Overall public sector funding for emergency services in local areas

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Completion of an approved college or university paramedic training program

There are three levels of paramedics in Ontario, namely, Primary Care Paramedic (PCP), Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP), and Critical Care Paramedic (CCP).

Here are some key facts about paramedical occupations in Ontario:

Approximately 11,600 people work in this occupation.

Paramedical occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 79%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations

80% of paramedical occupations work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of paramedical occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 63% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 37% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 66% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 23% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for paramedical occupations (NOC 32102) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is driven by the province's growing and aging population and provincial government spending on healthcare.

The province has taken steps to train more paramedics, expand emergency patient transport, and introduce community paramedicine to target frequent users of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

High stress, burnout, and high turnover are occupational challenges.

Key trends include integration of technology for data management and security.

Here are some key facts about paramedical occupations in Manitoba:

Approximately 2,000 people work in this occupation.

Paramedical occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 50%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 22%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 22%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 19% for all occupations

81% of paramedical occupations work all year, while 19% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 59% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 41% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 8% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 30% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 46% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 14% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for paramedical occupations (NOC 32102) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

An aging and growing population is expected to increase the need for emergency care services.

Increased funding for emergency services in local areas.

There is high demand for this occupation as the provincial government ramps up initiatives to address persisting labour shortages across the health care sector.

Here are some key facts about paramedical occupations in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 1,600 people work in this occupation.

Paramedical occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 71%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 20%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 87% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 13% compared to 19% for all occupations

67% of paramedical occupations work all year, while 33% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of paramedical occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 60% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 40% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 5% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 31% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 54% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for paramedical occupations (NOC 32102) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Alberta’s population and its proportion of residents aged 65+ are predicted to increase over the next decade, contributing to demand for this occupation.

As part of Budget 2025, the province announced a $56 million increase in EMS funding, aimed at improving equipment and service delivery across Alberta.

Alberta is also transitioning EMS services from Alberta Health Services (AHS) to the newly formed Acute Care Alberta, a move intended to streamline operations and improve care delivery.

To address rural service gaps, the province is expanding paramedic training programs and introducing more inter-facility transfer units, especially in underserved areas.

Here are some key facts about paramedical occupations in Alberta:

Approximately 6,950 people work in this occupation.

Paramedical occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 67%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 14%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 89% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 11% compared to 20% for all occupations

69% of paramedical occupations work all year, while 31% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of paramedical occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 60% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 40% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 7% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 23% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 56% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 11% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for paramedical occupations (NOC 32102) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

As the province has experienced robust population growth in the past couple of years, the Government of British Columbia has invested into expanding health care services around the province. Demand for this occupation is expected to increase, as the provincial population continues to age; compared to 2020, there were 18.8% more people aged 65+ in the province in 2025.

Here are some key facts about paramedical occupations in British Columbia:

Approximately 4,700 people work in this occupation.

Paramedical occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 76%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 11%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 84% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 16% compared to 22% for all occupations

67% of paramedical occupations work all year, while 33% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of paramedical occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 61% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 39% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 15% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 34% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 35% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 13% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for paramedical occupations (NOC 32102) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

As the population ages, the demand for paramedical services will likely increase. The high stress level of this occupation due to irregular hours and physically and psychologically demanding work conditions can lead to turnover. The Provincial Government has moved toward the integration of ambulance services across the province, becoming employees of NL Health Services, with staff entitled to public sector salary, benefits, and pensions. Because of the high stress levels of this occupation, which can include irregular hours and physically demanding tasks, some employment needs may arise from staff turnover. The provincial government has announced new initiatives including cash incentives to help address unfilled positions and response-time delays. Ambulance attendants and other paramedical occupations with a broad range of skills and several years of experience will have a more favourable outlook.

Here are some key facts about paramedical occupations in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 900 people work in this occupation.

Paramedical occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 54%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 42%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

75% of paramedical occupations work all year, while 25% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 57% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 42% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 38% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 44% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 5% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Moderate for paramedical occupations (NOC 32102) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation depends primarily on demand and public funding for ambulance transport.

To improve response times and provide better working conditions, standby shifts (on call) are being replaced by hourly shifts in many regions.

In addition, the role of emergency medical attendants is changing with the development of community paramedicine and regulatory paramedicine. These practices aim to assess patients on site in collaboration with nurses to prioritize ambulance transport for urgent cases and reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments.

To enter this occupation in Québec, you must have a college diploma in pre-hospital emergency care and a Class 4A driver’s licence (emergency vehicles). In addition, you must be registered with the Registre national de la main-d’œuvre des techniciens ambulanciers du Québec and complete the Programme national d’intégration clinique.

Here are some key facts about paramedical occupations in Quebec:

Approximately 6,400 people work in this occupation.

Paramedical occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 79%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 10%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 18% for all occupations

79% of paramedical occupations work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of paramedical occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 65% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 35% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 21% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 66% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.