In healthcare, not every hero wears a white coat or performs surgeries. Behind every doctor and nurse is a team of skilled professionals classified under NOC Code 33109 – Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services. These unsung contributors ensure that hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, and eldercare homes function smoothly and efficiently.
If you're considering a career change, looking for high-demand international job opportunities, or exploring a healthcare career without a full degree, this in-depth guide to NOC 33109 will walk you through everything you need to know — from duties and work settings to immigration potential and salaries in countries like Canada, USA, Australia, and Germany.
What Is NOC 33109?
NOC 33109 refers to a wide range of non-clinical yet essential support occupations in healthcare. These jobs do not require you to be a licensed nurse or physician but play a crucial role in the day-to-day functioning of any medical or long-term care facility.
These roles are designed for professionals who assist with patient mobility, room preparation, sterilization, and psychological or rehabilitative care — contributing directly to patient well-being.
Sample Job Titles under NOC 33109:
- Hospital Aide
- Health Care Attendant (Non-Certified)
- Medical Orderly
- Operating Room Aide
- Rehabilitation Assistant
- Sterile Processing Aide
- Morgue Attendant
- Therapy Aide
- Psychiatric Aide (Non-Clinical)
Each of these roles has a distinct focus but shares the same goal: ensuring high-quality patient care and operational support.
Scope and Responsibilities For Health Support Workers
Here’s a more detailed look at the types of tasks performed under different domains:
| Task Area | Examples of Responsibilities |
| Patient Support | Assisting with mobility, feeding, hygiene, lifting patients, emotional support |
| Environmental Prep | Cleaning hospital rooms, operating areas, or therapy rooms |
| Equipment Handling | Sterilizing surgical tools, prepping equipment, managing mobility aids |
| Admin Support | Moving patient records, documenting care reports, supporting logistics |
| Psych/Mental Health | Supervising psychiatric patients, facilitating activities, assisting therapists |
These roles often act as the bridge between patients and clinical professionals, ensuring efficiency and compassion coexist.
International Demand: A Career That Travels
The roles in NOC 33109 are witnessing strong global demand, especially post-pandemic and in response
to aging populations and the rise of chronic illness.
| Country | Job Demand | Avg. Annual Salary | Common Employers |
| Canada | High | CAD $35,000 – $50,000 | Health Authorities, LTC Homes, Private Clinics |
| USA | High | USD $28,000 – $42,000 | Medicare Centers, VA Hospitals, Rehab Clinics |
| Australia | Moderate | AUD $45,000 – $60,000 | Community Health, Aged Care Facilities |
| Germany | Increasing | €26,000 – €38,000 | Pflegeheime, Reha-Zentren, Kliniken |
As governments invest more in eldercare, disability care, and mental health, demand for these positions continues to rise.
Educational Requirements and Skills Needed For NOC 33109
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training or short courses
- CPR or Basic First Aid (may be mandatory for certain roles)
Desirable Soft Skills
- Empathy and patience
- Ability to follow instructions
- Physical stamina and alertness
- Time management and adaptability
- Stress and emotion regulation
These qualities ensure you can offer emotional and practical support to vulnerable populations.
Certifications That Boost Employability
| Certification | Duration | Where to Enroll |
| CPR & Basic Life Support | 1–2 days | Red Cross, St. John Ambulance |
| Sterile Processing Technician | 3–6 months | Colleges, Hospital Programs, Online Courses |
| Mental Health First Aid | 2–3 days | Mental Health Associations |
| Rehab Therapy Assistant Diploma | 6–12 months | Community Colleges, Health Institutes |
Such certifications are often valued internationally and can help secure jobs faster or qualify for immigration.
Where Do These Professionals Work?
- Government Hospitals (Central/Provincial)
- Private Hospitals and Multispecialty Clinics
- Mental Health and Psychiatric Institutions
- Rehabilitation Clinics and Sports Therapy Centers
- Hospices and Palliative Care Units
- Community-Based Care Facilities
Work schedules may include weekends, night shifts, and rotating shifts, particularly in inpatient settings.
Career Growth & Promotion Pathways
Even though these are assistant-level jobs, they offer solid career progression:
- Rehab Aide → Physiotherapy Assistant → Physical Therapist (with education)
- Sterile Aide → Surgical Tech → OR Nurse (with certification)
- Psych Aide → Mental Health Worker → Counselor (with diploma/degree)
- Operating Room Aide → Surgical Assistant → Clinical Coordinator
With the right learning path, NOC 33109 professionals can advance into supervisory or specialist healthcare roles.
Immigration & PR Benefits
Many countries place NOC 33109 on their critical skills lists or skilled worker programs, which makes it an excellent pathway for migration.
Canada:
- TEER 3 under Express Entry
- Eligible for PNPs and caregiver pilot programs
- Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) includes these roles
Australia:
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189/190)
- Employer-sponsored options under the healthcare stream
- Demand in aged care and rural areas
Germany:
- Eligible under “Pflege- und Unterstützungsberufe”
- Visa options with a job contract and a recognized qualification
- B1/B2 level German language requirement
United Kingdom:
- Healthcare Assistant roles under the Shortage Occupation List
- Eligible for Health and Care Worker Visa
- Fast-track visa processing and reduced visa fees
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
- High demand for hospital aides and therapy assistants in private and government hospitals
- Visa sponsorship possible through large hospital networks
- Preference given to candidates with healthcare diplomas and basic Arabic or English proficiency
Mexico:
- Demand in private clinics, eldercare homes, and community health centers
- Work visa options are available with employer sponsorship
- No Spanish language test mandatory, but speaking Spanish is a strong advantage
Philippines:
- Domestic demand in eldercare and hospital aide roles, especially in urban regions
- Strong outbound healthcare workforce; recognized training can lead to international placements
- TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) certifications are recommended
- Eligible under “Pflege- und Unterstützungsberufe”
- Visa options with a job contract and a recognized qualification
- B1/B2 level German language requirement
Real-World Case Study: Anita's Journey from Rehab Aide to PR in Canada
Anita, a 28-year-old from India, began as a part-time rehabilitation aide (NOC 33109) while studying healthcare in Ontario. After completing a Rehab Assistant Diploma and gaining experience, she transitioned into a Physiotherapy Assistant role. Her employer supported her PNP application, and she eventually gained Permanent Residency in Canada.
Anita’s story shows how NOC 33109 can be a launchpad for international careers, even without advanced degrees.
Final Thoughts: NOC 33109 Is the Beating Heart of Healthcare Logistics
The healthcare industry cannot function without support personnel. From preparing operating rooms to assisting in therapy sessions, the individuals under NOC 33109 make healthcare accessible, efficient, and compassionate.
With global demand increasing, pathways to immigration opening up, and educational requirements being minimal, this is one of the most accessible healthcare career paths internationally.
If you have a passion for helping others, enjoy working in dynamic environments, and want a stable, meaningful job with room to grow, NOC 33109 might be your perfect fit.