The Ontario Health Care System

1. Ontario Hospitals  Government-funded and operated 2. Practitioners’ Offices  General practitioners (physicians), nurse practitioners, dentists, orthodontists, audiologists, optometrists, etc. 3. Clinics  Urgent Care/Walk-In clinics, Cancer clinics, cardiac clinics, etc. Types of Health Care Facilities

4. Community Care Access Centres  In-home care:  Short-term (eg. following surgery)  Long-term – for chronically or terminally ill patients 5. Long-Term Care Facilities  Residents who require nursing or various therapies on a regular, long-term basis  Usually elderly, disabled or chronically ill patients Types of Health Care Facilities (cont’d)

6. Rehabilitation Services  Help clients regain function and independence  Physiotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation, chiropractic, etc. 7. Hospices  Palliative care (< 6 months to live)  To relieve pain and provide spiritual & emotional support 8. Laboratories  Blood tests, ultrasounds, x-rays, etc. Types of Health Care Facilities (cont’d)

If you have an idea about the type of career that interests you, you need to decide on your pathway to that career! Education Requirements

1. College Programs  Programs are 1 – 3 years  Receive a diploma upon graduation  Very practical courses  Tuition less than university tuition  Examples include: paramedic, veterinary technician, registered practical nurse (RPN), athletic therapist Education Requirements (cont’d)

2. University Programs  Programs are 3 – 8 years  Receive a degree upon graduation  A lot of independent and theoretical learning  Tuition more costly than college tuition  Degree options:  Bachelor’s Degree (kinesiology, dietician, recreational therapist, registered nurse)  Master’s Degree  Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) Education Requirements (cont’d)

3. Specialist Programs  Programs are 1 – 8 years following completion or part- completion of a Bachelor’s Degree  University programs  Receive a degree  Tuition can be very costly, depending on the program  Some options include: medical school (MD), dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, midwifery Education Requirements (cont’d)