NOC 33102: Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

The employment outlook will be Very good for nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

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

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

Prince Edward Island continues to face a high demand for workers in this occupation, driven by an aging population, growth in nursing and residential care facilities, and the need for 24-hour patient care. The Resident Care Worker Support Program remains active and has expanded, offering free tuition and financial assistance to candidates who commit to working in the province after graduation. In late 2025, the federal government also introduced a five-year tax credit for personal support workers, further improving the attractiveness of this career. Most workers are employed in nursing homes, hospitals, and community health centres, and flexible candidates willing to work long shifts are especially valued. For new graduates or career changers, this occupation offers stable employment, strong provincial and federal support, and clear pathways through immigration streams and training programs.

Here are some key facts about nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 1,900 people work in this occupation.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates mainly work in the following sectors:

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 51%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 36%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 6%

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

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

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

67% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates work all year, while 33% 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 43 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 13% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 88% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 27% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 28% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 9% compared to 17% 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 Very good for nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) 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.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

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

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

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

The aging population has resulted a major shortage of workers in this occupation. Increasing wages and tuition relief for training programs may serve to entice new entrants into the Continuing Care Assistant role. Further, some employers are offering incentives such as signing bonuses and in-house training paths to CCA certification. Jobseekers in this occupation should have little difficulty finding work regardless of which region of the province they live in, though owning a vehicle is a common requirement that may be a barrier to some applicants. The physically challenging nature of this job, which often involves shift work, has led to higher turnover than normal. Opportunities do occur in hospitals, but are more frequent in non-hospital settings.

Here are some key facts about nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 11,600 people work in this occupation.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates mainly work in the following sectors:

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 56%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 15%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 12%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 11%

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

Full-time workers: 74% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 26% compared to 18% for all occupations

62% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates work all year, while 38% 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 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 12% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 88% 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: 22% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 23% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 33% 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 Very good for nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several 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.

An aging and growing population is creating greater demand on the health care system.

Investments to increase care and capacity at long-term care homes.

Expansions to healthcare facilities and the construction of new hospitals in the province.

Here are some key facts about nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 12,900 people work in this occupation.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates mainly work in the following sectors:

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 52%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 25%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 14%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 5%

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

Full-time workers: 71% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 28% compared to 19% for all occupations

65% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates work all year, while 35% 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 43 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 12% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 88% 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: 28% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 24% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 16% 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 nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

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

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

Demand for the services of this occupation is high and expected to increase, as the aging population requires more care. However, financial constraints are expected to somewhat dampen growth prospects. Facilities throughout the province have been reported as understaffed, resulting in large workloads and forced overtime. As such, there has been a lack of sufficient temporary staff needed to fill in for vacation, sick leave, and other absences by permanent employees. The provincial government has expanded its nursing college programs and has been using a variety of incentives such as cash bonuses to help address shortfalls.

Here are some key facts about nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 5,150 people work in this occupation.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 28%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 28%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 27%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 9%

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

Full-time workers: 80% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 20% compared to 17% for all occupations

61% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates work all year, while 39% 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 41 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 12% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 88% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 12% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 32% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 30% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 19% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 14% 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 nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

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

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

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates are typically employed by hospitals, nursing homes and assisted care facilities for the elderly. Increased demand for health care services associated with an ageing population is expected to be among the primary drivers of employment growth in this occupation. Shortages have been an ongoing issue throughout the province, meaning that new graduates should have little trouble finding employment. However, opportunities may be more abundant in rural areas. Being fluent in both official languages could increase one’s chances of finding employment in certain areas.

Training is typically provided on-the-job, though completion of a nursing aide or health care aide program through a college or private institution could improve one’s chances of obtaining employment. Completion of specialized courses such as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid is usually required and some roles require a class 5 driver’s licence.

These jobs usually involve shiftwork and are often physically demanding, mainly in the form of transporting, lifting and turning patients.

Here are some key facts about nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in New Brunswick:

Approximately 8,300 people work in this occupation.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates mainly work in the following sectors:

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 57%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 18%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 14%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 6%

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

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

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

64% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates work all year, while 36% 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 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 13% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 87% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 9% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 31% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 21% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 16% 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 nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

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

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

The demand for this occupation is mainly due to the aging population, the increasing need for long-term health care, as well as government health priorities.

Every year, the government puts targeted measures in place to improve health care services and make them more accessible to the public. Improvements to home care and the opening of seniors’ homes are stimulating hiring in this occupational group.

Furthermore, health care facilities must gradually reduce their reliance on staff from private placement agencies, which could create other employment opportunities for members of this occupation.

Here are some key facts about nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in Quebec:

Approximately 72,600 people work in this occupation.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 46%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 38%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 5%

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

Full-time workers: 76% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 24% compared to 18% for all occupations

61% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates work all year, while 39% 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 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 17% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 83% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 44% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations

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

The employment outlook will be Good for nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several 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.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Majority employed in nursing and residential care facilities

Home healthcare service providers, hospitals, and individual and family services are also key employers

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Investments in long-term care homes

Increased need for health-related services to support the growing and aging population in Ontario

Funding for hospitals and mental health services

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

First Aid, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certifications are common requirements.

Here are some key facts about nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in Ontario:

Approximately 108,050 people work in this occupation.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates mainly work in the following sectors:

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 52%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 14%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 13%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 13%

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

Full-time workers: 71% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 28% compared to 19% for all occupations

62% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates work all year, while 38% 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 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 12% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 88% 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: 20% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 24% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 33% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 15% 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 nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) 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.

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.

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

Immigration is an important labour supply for this occupation and possibly represents an entry point for new Canadians to work in healthcare.

Key trends are flexibility and adaptability to support 24-hour care in various settings.

Here are some key facts about nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in Manitoba:

Approximately 16,900 people work in this occupation.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates mainly work in the following sectors:

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 41%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 33%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 15%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 8%

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

Full-time workers: 68% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 32% compared to 19% for all occupations

67% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates 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 nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 19% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 81% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 6% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 22% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 33% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 18% 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 nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several 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.

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

Alberta’s Budget 2025 allocates $28 billion for health services, an increase of a

5.4% in

from the previous year.

There is evidence of labour shortages in the health care sector, especially in rural and northern regions.

Here are some key facts about nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in Alberta:

Approximately 32,100 people work in this occupation.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates mainly work in the following sectors:

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 46%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 22%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 14%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 10%

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

Full-time workers: 68% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 32% compared to 20% for all occupations

61% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates work all year, while 39% 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 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 14% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 86% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

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

high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 25% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 21% 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 nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several 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.

Labour shortages continue to affect the delivery of health care services in various parts of the province, especially in northern and rural areas.

Here are some key facts about nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in British Columbia:

Approximately 42,400 people work in this occupation.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates mainly work in the following sectors:

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 40%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 31%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 13%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 9%

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

Full-time workers: 75% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 25% compared to 22% for all occupations

64% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates work all year, while 36% 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 43 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 15% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 85% 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: 20% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 31% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 18% 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 nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

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

Ongoing staffing shortages in health care and an ageing population will keep demand high for health professionals over the forecast period.

Staffing shortages continue to lead to periodic disruptions in health care services throughout the Northwest Territories, especially in rural areas.

Here are some key facts about nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates mainly work in the following sectors:

Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 79%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 17%

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

Full-time workers: 89% compared to 88% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 11% compared to 12% for all occupations

77% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates are self-employed compared to an average of 7% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 18% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 82% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 19% compared to 17% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 16% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 21% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 9% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 7% compared to 9% for all occupations

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