Explore unit group

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:

• • Audio prosthetists examine clients to determine appropriate type of hearing aid; may test patient's hearing; take ear impressions for use in the manufacture of the devices; fit and adjust hearing aids; and perform follow-up examinations and readjustments.
  • Audiometric assistants administer, under the supervision of audiologists, tests such as speech reception and speech discrimination to determine the hearing thresholds of patients; and record these test results.
  • Communication assistants carry out remedial programs, under the supervision of speech-language pathologists, to rehabilitate patients with communicative disorders.
  • Massage therapists assess clients by conducting range of motion and muscle testing and propose treatment plans; treat soft tissues and joints of the body through soft tissue manipulation, hydrotherapy, remedial exercise programs and client self-help programs; provide courses of treatment for medical conditions and injuries or wellness maintenance; maintain records of treatments given; and may work with other health care professionals when appropriate.
  • Ophthalmic medical assistants operate ophthalmic testing and measuring instruments to aid ophthalmologists to assess patients' vision; record test results; assist ophthalmologists in office surgery; and administer eye drops, ointments and medications as directed by ophthalmologists.
  • Physical rehabilitation technicians carry out, under physiotherapists' direction, treatment programs such as massage, thermotherapy, traction and hydrotherapy to rehabilitate injured or disabled individuals.

• Audio prosthetists require completion of a two- or three-year college program in audio prosthetics, including a period of supervised training.
• Licensure with a regulatory body is required for audio prosthetists in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia.
• Audiometric and communication assistants require completion of a 12- to 18-month college program in communicative disorders or Some post-secondary education and on-the-job training.
• Massage therapists usually require completion of an 18- to 24-month or 18- to 36 month program in massage therapy from an accredited school and supervised practical training.
• Registration with a regulatory body is required for massage therapists in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and British Columbia.
• Ophthalmic medical assistants require completion of a nine-month college program or a 24- to 30-month hospital-based training program in ophthalmic techniques and procedures or A minimum of one year of supervised practical training under an ophthalmologist and completion of an approved ophthalmic assistant home study program.
• Physical rehabilitation technicians require completion of a three-year college program in physical rehabilitation therapy and supervised practical training.

• Currently, the qualifications of physical rehabilitation technicians are recognized only in the province of Quebec.

• Medical Technologists and Technicians (Except Dental Health) (321)
• Other Technical Occupations in Health Care (Except Dental) (323)
• Physical therapy aides or chiropractic aides (in 3414 Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services)