Canada has been a destination of choice for immigrants seeking opportunities and a better life. Among the newcomers in the country are a substantial number of Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals (IEHPs). Most of them arrived with the goal of contributing their skills and expertise to Canada’s healthcare system.
Statistics Canada revealed that 58% of IEHPs in Canada who are trained in professions such as nursing, medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry are actively working in their respective fields. This statistic underscores the valuable contributions that IEHPs are making to the Canadian healthcare sector.
According to the report, there were approximately 260,000 IEHPs in Canada, representing a substantial pool of talent. Of these IEHPs, more than 75% were employed, though this rate falls slightly below the 80% employment rate among Canadian-educated healthcare professionals.
It’s important to note that the data includes IEHPs who may not be working in healthcare occupations.
The Need for Immigrant Healthcare Professionals
Even with the influx of new talent arriving in Canada, the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, driven by various factors. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicate that immigrants already make up a significant portion of the healthcare sector workforce, a number expected to increase significantly.
This rising demand can be attributed to a pressing concern: the impending retirement of a staggering 500,000 healthcare workers who are poised to retire from the workforce in the next decade.
The role of immigrant healthcare professionals in addressing this critical issue cannot be overstated. As Canada’s seasoned professionals retire, their wealth of knowledge, expertise, and experience departs with them.
To bridge this impending gap and maintain the delivery of top-tier healthcare, Canada looks to the next generation of healthcare providers. Many of whom are immigrants and Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals (IEHPs).
The data from IRCC not only highlights the significance of immigrant healthcare professionals but also serves as a clear call for the nation to recognize their potential contributions. These newcomers bring fresh perspectives, diverse skill sets, and a deep commitment to delivering quality care to Canadians from all walks of life.
However, tapping into this potential requires an intricate approach. It necessitates streamlining licensure processes and providing support for integrating IEHPs into the Canadian healthcare system.
This also includes facilitating their transition from international students to licensed professionals. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing the vital role that immigration plays in sustaining the healthcare sector’s workforce.
Growing Population of Healthcare Professionals in Canada
Statistics Canada’s report also sheds light on the demographics of IEHPs in Canada. Approximately half of them immigrated to Canada during their core working years, between the ages of 25 and 34.
This influx of talent during their career peak emphasizes their commitment to contributing to the Canadian healthcare sector, bringing with them a wealth of experience and vitality.
Another noteworthy finding is that nearly one-third of all IEHPs in Canada arrived in the last decade, highlighting the recent arrival of new healthcare professionals to the country.
The majority of IEHPs, accounting for seven out of ten, are women, signifying the diverse and gender-balanced nature of this group.
As the nation’s healthcare demands evolve, this growing community stands ready to provide essential services and contribute to the well-being of Canadians from all walks of life.
Addressing the Healthcare Labor Shortage
Up to today, Canada’s healthcare system still faces a pressing labor shortage. This is evidenced by the latest job vacancy data from Statistics Canada, which recorded 147,000 job vacancies in June 2023. The report on IEHPs suggests that these newcomers could play a pivotal role in addressing these shortages.
However, one of the primary challenges they face is the difficulty in obtaining licensure in regulated professions.
Each Canadian province has its regulatory body with varying requirements for healthcare professionals, making it a complex and time-consuming process. Nonetheless, provinces are making efforts to streamline these procedures.
For instance, Nova Scotia has introduced an expedited pathway for international nurses with specific qualifications from various countries.
Ontario has implemented legislative changes, including time limits for registration decisions and exemptions from requiring Canadian work experience for registration in most cases.
Additionally, IRCC has introduced six new categories that prioritize healthcare professions, issuing 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to healthcare professionals in 2023.
The contributions of healthcare professionals to the Canadian healthcare sector are essential, especially as Canada grapples with a looming labor shortage.
Streamlining the licensure process and recognizing the valuable skills of these professionals is not only a matter of economic necessity but also a testament to Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in its healthcare system.
How Does This Positively Affect International Students and the Healthcare Community?
International students pursuing healthcare degrees in Canada may have increased opportunities to establish new connections and mentorship. They can connect with IEHPs who have gone through the process of licensure and integration into the Canadian healthcare system.
These connections can provide valuable guidance and support in their academic journey and in building their careers.
Some IEHPs may also consider taking up further studies in Canada and becoming international students instead of working in Canada right away. The reason for this is that it’s more advantageous for them to hone their skills as this will increase their chance of becoming successful in Canada.
Furthermore, many healthcare education programs require students to complete clinical placements or internships in healthcare settings. The presence of IEHPs in the workforce may create additional opportunities for international students to gain hands-on experience and build their skills in clinical settings.
For international students who aspire to remain in Canada and build long-term careers in the healthcare sector, the presence of other highly skilled healthcare professionals can offer insight into the pathways to success.
On top of that, those who have chosen to become international students will gain more advantages from this. Since they will essentially be gaining more knowledge and acquiring extensive training from taking further studies in Canada.
They can learn from the experiences of IEHPs who have successfully transitioned from international students to licensed healthcare professionals in Canada. This will make their future career in the healthcare sector brighter.
Certainly, the presence of Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals in Canada can present several advantages for international students pursuing healthcare-related education and careers.
International students who are well-prepared, persistent, and willing to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape in Canada can still find rewarding career prospects in the country’s healthcare sector.
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