Choosing a career in healthcare can be both rewarding and challenging. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of various healthcare professions in the Toronto GTA, including how to become them, job responsibilities, profession details, years of education required, median wages, job prospects, and prerequisites.

1. Personal Support Worker

• How to Become: Complete a PSW certificate program, which typically takes 5-8 months.
• Job Responsibilities: Assist with daily living activities, provide companionship, and support patients with physical and cognitive impairments.
• Years of Education: Less than 1 year.
• Median Wage: \$19.96 per hour.
• Job Prospects: Good.
• Prerequisites: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status[1].

2. Medical Laboratory Assistant

• How to Become: Obtain a high school diploma, followed by a certificate or diploma in medical laboratory technology, which takes about 1 year.
• Job Responsibilities: Prepare samples, perform routine tests, record data, and maintain lab equipment.
• Years of Education: 1 year.
• Median Wage: \$24.00 per hour.
• Job Prospects: Good.
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent[2].

3. Practical Nurse

• How to Become: Complete a practical nursing program, which typically takes about 1 year, and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
• Job Responsibilities: Provide basic patient care, administer medications, and assist with daily activities under the supervision of RNs and doctors.
• Years of Education: 1 year.
• Median Wage: \$30.00 per hour.
• Job Prospects: Very Good.
• Prerequisites: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, with specific courses in English, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry[3].

4. Cardiac Sonographer

• How to Become: Earn an associate degree in cardiac sonography, which takes about 2 years, and obtain certification.
• Job Responsibilities: Perform echocardiograms, assess heart conditions, and assist physicians with diagnoses.
• Years of Education: 2 years.
• Median Wage: \$36.06 per hour.
• Job Prospects: Good.
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, with coursework in anatomy, physiology, and other sciences[4].

5. General Sonographer

• How to Become: Complete a sonography certificate or associate degree program, which takes 1-2 years.
• Job Responsibilities: Use ultrasound equipment to create images of internal body structures, assist in diagnoses, and maintain patient records.
• Years of Education: 1-2 years.
• Median Wage: \$39.56 per hour.
• Job Prospects: Good.
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent[5].

6. Medical Laboratory Technologist

• How to Become: Obtain a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, which takes about 4 years, and get certified.
• Job Responsibilities: Perform complex tests, analyze samples, and ensure accuracy in lab results.
• Years of Education: 4 years.
• Median Wage: \$39.96 per hour.
• Job Prospects: Very Good.
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent, with coursework in biology, chemistry, and mathematics[6].

7. Certified Cardiographic Technician

• How to Become: Complete a cardiovascular technology program, which takes about 1-2 years, and pass the CCT exam.
• Job Responsibilities: Perform ECGs, Holter monitoring, and stress tests, and assist with cardiac procedures.
• Years of Education: 1-2 years.
• Median Wage: \$40.00 per hour.
• Job Prospects: Good.
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED[7].

8. Dental Hygienist

• How to Become: Earn an associate degree in dental hygiene, which takes about 2-3 years, and pass the national and state licensure exams.
• Job Responsibilities: Clean teeth, examine oral health, educate patients on oral hygiene, and assist dentists.
• Years of Education: 2-3 years.
• Median Wage: \$40.00 per hour.
• Job Prospects: Good.
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent, with coursework in biology, chemistry, and mathematics[8].

9. Paramedic

• How to Become: Complete a paramedic training program, which takes about 1-2 years, and obtain certification.
• Job Responsibilities: Provide emergency medical care, stabilize patients, and transport them to hospitals.
• Years of Education: 1-2 years.
• Median Wage: \$43.00 per hour.
• Job Prospects: Good.
• Prerequisites: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, with focus on science and English courses, CPR and First-Aid certificates, and a valid driver’s license[9].

10. Physician Assistant

• How to Become: Earn a bachelor’s degree, gain healthcare experience, complete a PA program (about 2-3 years), and pass the PANCE exam.
• Job Responsibilities: Diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide treatment under a physician’s supervision.
• Years of Education: 6-7 years (including bachelor’s degree).
• Median Wage: \$55.00 per hour.
• Job Prospects: Good.
• Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree with coursework in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, English, genetics, medical terminology, psychology, and statistics[10].

11. Medical Radiation Technologist

• How to Become: Complete an accredited radiologic technology program, which typically takes 2-4 years, and obtain certification.
• Job Responsibilities: Perform diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, maintain imaging equipment, and ensure patient safety.
• Years of Education: 2-4 years.
• Median Wage: \$36.55 per hour.
• Job Prospects: Good.
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent, with coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics[11].

Profession	Median Pay (per hour)	Pay Range (per hour)	Job Prospects (Ontario)	Years of Education
Personal Support Worker	$19.96	$17.20 – $27.10	Good	<1 year
Medical Laboratory Assistant	$24.00	$20.00 – $28.00	Good	1 year
Practical Nurse	$30.00	$24.00 – $32.64	Very Good	1 year
Cardiac Sonographer	$36.06	$29.00 – $38.50	Good	2 years
General Sonographer	$39.56	$29.00 – $40.25	Good	2 years
Medical Laboratory Technologist	$39.96	$27.00 – $47.00	Very Good	3 years
Certified Cardio-graphic Technician	$40.00	$30.00 – $50.00	Good	1-2 years
Dental Hygienist	$40.00	$35.00 – $45.00	Good	2-3 years
Paramedic	$43.00	$25.17 – $50.00	Good	1-2 years
Physician Assistant	$55.00	$16.55 – $70.19	Good	6-7 years (including bachelor’s degree)
Medical Radiation Technologist	$36.55	$30.00 – $50.00	Good	3 years

This comparison highlights the diverse opportunities within the healthcare sector in the Toronto GTA. Each profession offers unique responsibilities, educational paths, and rewarding career prospects. Whether you’re just starting your career or considering a change, there’s a healthcare role that can match your interests and goals.

References

[1] Become a personal support worker – Ontario.ca

[2] Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)

[3] Practical Nursing – Admission requirements – Seneca Polytechnic

[4] How to Become a Cardiac Sonographer: A Comprehensive Guide

[5] Prerequisites Needed for a Sonography Program – Cambridge College of …

[6] How to Become A Medical Lab Technician (MLT) – HealthJob

[7] Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) exam – CCI Credentialing – Online

[8] Dental Hygiene Schooling, Programs & Requirements – Teeth Talk Girl

[9] Paramedic | ontariocolleges.ca

[10] Become a PA: Getting Your Prerequisites and Certification – AAPA

[11] How to become a paramedic: Requirements for the job – EMS1