Description
Other technical workers in therapy and assessment perform various technical therapy and assessment functions. Some may assist professionals such as audiologists, speech-language pathologists, ophthalmologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. They are employed in hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, educational institutions, hearing aid retail stores, in the private practices of the professionals they assist, or they may be self-employed.
Job Titles
- Audiology technician
- Communicative disorders assistant
- Hearing instrument practitioner
- Occupational therapy assistant
- Ophthalmic technician
- Ophthalmic technologist
- Physiotherapy technician
- Rehabilitation assistant
- Speech aide
- Speech technician
- Speech therapy assistant
Main Duties
- Examine adult clients to assess hearing loss using diagnostic evaluation and electro acoustic testing
- Recommend and dispense or sell appropriate type of hearing instrument
- Take earmold impressions for use in the manufacture of hearing devices
- Fit, adjust and make minor modifications to hearing instruments
- Educate clients in appropriate use, care and maintenance of hearing instruments
- Communicate with audiologist or other health care professionals regarding patients’ condition
- Perform follow-up examinations and readjustments.
Workplaces
- Clinics
- Education institutions
- Extended care facilities
- Hospitals
- Private practices of audiologists
- Rehabilitation centres
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Decision Making
- Equipment and Tool Selection
- Evaluation
- Instructing
Abilities
- Hearing Sensitivity
- Speech Recognition
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Auditory Attention
- Control of Settings
Personal Attributes
- Attention to Detail
- Concern for Others
- Adaptability
- Analytical Thinking
- Collaboration
Similar Occupations
- Licensed practical nurses (32101)
- Paramedical occupations (32102)
- Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (33101)
- Medical laboratory technologists (32120)
- Pharmacy technicians (32124)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)
- Other assisting occupations in support of health services (33109)
Source: OaSIS
Employment Outlook
The demand for workers in this field is expected to rise in order to meet the health care needs of a growing and aging population. This occupation may also be affected by technology as certain procedures become more automated, mitigating job demand. This occupation also includes assistants to alternative health care practitioners such as massage therapists, homeopaths, naturopaths and acupuncturists, among others who have become more popular sources of medical services in recent years.
Here are some key facts about Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment in Prince Edward Island:
- Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment mainly work in the following sectors:
- Hospitals (NAICS 622): 65%
- Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 35%
- 60% of other technical occupations in therapy and assessment work all year, while 40% 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 44 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 20% compared to 51% for all occupations
- Women: 80% compared to 49% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: n/a
- high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 50% compared to 25% for all occupations
- bachelor’s degree: 20% compared to 17% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Source: Job Bank
Prevailing Wages
| AREA | LOW | MEDIAN | HIGH |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEI | $16.00 | $20.25 | $27.00 |
| Canada | $16.50 | $24.73 | $34.29 |
Training
| TRAINING PROGRAM | INSTITUTION | CREDENTIAL |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant | Holland College | Diploma |
| Kinesiology | Holland College | Diploma |
| Kinesiology | UPEI | Undergraduate |
There are currently no job listings for this occupation on WorkPEI.