Calgary: a city is known for the Stampede, the Rockies, and its strong presence in the oil and gas industry. It’s also a city known for opportunities in numerous employment fields—including in healthcare.
With well over 89,000 employees in healthcare and social assistance, healthcare remains an important sector in Calgary. If you’re looking to support your community, pursue your passion, and transform your career, choosing to study healthcare in Calgary holds plenty of potentials. Here are four reasons why Calgary is a great place to start a career in healthcare.
1. Opportunities Have Been Increasing in Recent Months
Job opportunities in healthcare in Calgary have been gaining momentum in recent months. According to the most recent Calgary and Area Labour Market Report, healthcare and social services in Calgary saw a 17 percent spike in jobs in the fourth quarter of 2018 alone (14,900, by far the biggest increase by one city within Alberta). Furthermore, the number of vacant positions in healthcare and social assistance more than doubled between 2017 and 2018, from 214 positions to 468.
2. It’s a Promising City for Employment as a Health Care Aide
A health care aide career is one great career path for anyone interested in investing in their community and in their future. Health care aides work assisting and caring for seniors, chronically sick individuals, and/or people with disabilities. It’s a rewarding field that truly makes a difference in the lives of others.
In addition, employment prospects in Calgary appear to be good for these dedicated professionals. Health care aides are in demand with an above-average employment outlook, making it a solid career choice for anyone prioritizing job security.
Pursuing a career in healthcare is a deeply rewarding journey
3. Healthcare Employers Are Increasingly Giving Opportunities to Practicum Students
Another reason to do your healthcare training in Calgary is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at college before your journey truly starts. For example, health care aide programs at career colleges in Calgary like AOLCC require 240 hours in a practicum placement from students before they can graduate. This experience can help students graduate with real experience on their CV. In addition, such practical experiences can also connect students with local employers, potentially expanding their networks and helping them find employment after graduation.
4. Calgary Remains a Great Place to Work
Despite economic challenges in recent years, Calgary remains an excellent environment to work in. In fact, Calgary has the country’s #1 labour force participation rate among major cities!
In 2013, Calgary was named the world’s cleanest city by HuffPost. In addition, it was named as the world’s fourth most liveable city (#1 in North America) by The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2018 Global Liveability Index. It also remains Canada’s fastest-growing city, as Statistics Canada reports that it grew nearly 15 percent between 2011 and 2016. Healthcare in the city and province has been recognized nationally as well, as Alberta Health Services is among Canada’s top 100 employers as of 2018.
Are you looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare?
