Professionals in this group perform some or all of the following duties:

• Conduct patient interviews and physical assessments
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests
• Develop treatment plans under physician supervision
• Assist in minor surgical procedures
• Provide patient education and prescribe from approved medication lists
• Provide full-course prenatal, labour, delivery, and postnatal care
• Manage normal deliveries and monitor newborn health
• Assess genetic risk and provide counseling on hereditary conditions
• Coordinate genetic testing and follow-up plans
• Diagnose and treat binocular vision disorders and conduct ophthalmic testing
• Assist with autopsies and specimen examinations
• Collect and document tissue samples and maintain laboratory quality control

These are the typical employment requirements and benefits associated with this occupation in Canada:

• Physician assistants require completion of a university degree in a physician assistant program and registration where applicable.
• Midwives require an undergraduate degree in midwifery, supervised clinical training, and provincial registration.
• Genetic counsellors require a master’s degree in genetic counseling and certification with the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors.
• Orthoptists require a bachelor’s degree, completion of an accredited orthoptics program, and certification with the Canadian Orthoptic Council.
• Pathologists’ assistants require a master’s degree in a pathologists’ assistant program and certification from a recognized body.
• Membership in relevant professional associations may be required depending on the role.
• Internationally educated professionals must complete credential recognition and provincial licensing where applicable.
• Many employers offer healthcare benefits, pension plans, paid leave, and professional development support.