31303

Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Health

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Definition

Physician assistants and midwives provide primary health care and treatment in conjunction with physicians and in collaboration with other health professionals. Physician assistants provide a range of health services to patients delivering preventive and continuous care toward the management of patients' health. Midwives provide full-course care to women and their babies during the pre- and post-natal period. This unit group also includes professionals such as genetic counsellors, orthoptists and pathologists' assistants, who work in collaboration with primary health occupations. Genetic counsellors assess individual or family risk of genetic conditions, and provide information to individuals, families and healthcare providers to promote informed choice. Orthoptists diagnose and treat binocular disorders. Pathologists' assistants assist at autopsies and examinations of surgical specimens, or perform autopsies under a pathologist's supervision. Physician assistants usually work under physicians in private practice, including group or team practices, hospitals and clinics. Midwives are employed in hospitals, clinics, birthing centres or in private practice. Genetic counsellors usually work in private practice, hospitals, clinics and research institutes. Orthoptists work under an ophthalmologist, particularly in private practices or clinics. Pathologists' assistants are usually employed in hospitals and universities.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Physician assistants
Conduct patient interviews, physical assessments and take medical histories
Perform or order diagnostic tests and interpret results
In consultation with a supervising physician, formulate and implement treatment plans and monitor patients' progress
Perform and assist in minor surgery
Provide health maintenance education
May participate in research activities
May prescribe from a limited list of medications.
Midwives
Provide primary, full-course, care to women and their babies during pregnancy, such as physical examinations, screening and diagnostic tests to monitor the health of mother and baby and make referrals to medical specialists as required
Manage labour and spontaneous normal deliveries
Care for, assess and monitor the health of newborns and refer infants to appropriate medical services as required
Provide advice and guidance regarding care for newborns and young infants.
Genetic counsellors
Provide information and support to families affected by or at risk of a genetic disorder
Gather and analyze family history and inheritance patterns, calculate risks of recurrence, and provide information about genetic testing and related procedures
Develop, implement or coordinate action plans and refer individuals and families to other health professionals
Design and conduct genetics training programs for other healthcare professionals or the general public
May conduct research in the field of medical genetics and genetic counselling.
Orthoptists
Work alongside ophthalmologists to diagnose and treat eye disorders by performing specialized eye tests to measure and assess defective binocular vision or abnormal eye movement in patients
Prescribe treatment such as eye exercises or patching regimens.
Pathologists' assistants
Prepare for autopsies by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging for radiographic examinations
Prepare, assist with or perform autopsies and surgical specimen examinations under pathologists' supervision
Assist with preparation of provisional autopsy report
Dissect, examine, weigh, photograph and X-ray organs and specimens, collect tissue samples for chemical analysis and record findings
Discard specimens according to established safety procedures
Clean and maintain instruments, equipment and supplies
Develop and maintain processes for laboratory quality control
May prepare bodies for release to funeral homes following completion of autopsies
May supervise and train junior resident pathologists and morgue attendants.

Example job titles

•genetic counsellor
•midwife
•orthoptist
•pathology assistant
•physician assistant

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 31303 covers physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals. Classified under TEER 1, this occupational group includes highly skilled practitioners who provide essential primary care, obstetric services, and specialized clinical support. For foreign nationals seeking Canadian permanent residency, this high-demand healthcare NOC offers pathways through key economic immigration programs, such as Express Entry's Federal Skilled Worker Program and targeted category-based selection draws.

Employment and licensing requirements for NOC 31303 are strict and vary significantly by specific role. Midwives generally require the completion of a university program in midwifery or equivalent recognized training, alongside registration with a provincial or territorial regulatory body. Physician assistants must graduate from an accredited physician assistant program and may require national certification. Other allied health professionals in this category, such as genetic counsellors or orthotists, must meet their respective university education and provincial licensing standards to practice legally in Canada.

Because healthcare remains a critical priority for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), candidates under NOC 31303 are highly competitive for targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams and healthcare-focused Express Entry draws. Ensuring your educational credentials and professional licensing match Canadian standards is a vital first step for a successful immigration journey. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an authorized immigration representative or the official IRCC website for individual legal counsel.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.