Start Your Career in Health Care

Step Into Real Opportunities. Make a Real Difference.

At Island Health, you don’t need a degree to start a meaningful career in health care. Whether you’re in high school or close to finishing school, there’s a place for you here – a place where your work matters, your skills grow, and your future looks bright.

You Belong Here

We welcome people from all walks of life, including those who are just starting out. Your lived experience, your curiosity, and your willingness to learn are valuable assets in health care.

Whether you’re interested in helping people directly or working behind the scenes, Island Health is a place where you can build a life-changing career, for yourself and for others.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Colin, Cook

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Why Choose a Career in Health Care?

Health care isn’t just for doctors and nurses. It takes a team to care for a community, and we need people like you.

Work that makes a difference: Help people every day in your community.
Get started, keep growing: Many entry-level roles don’t require formal education, and we’ll support you to grow your career over time.
Job security and flexibility: Health care is a growing field with steady jobs and many opportunities across Vancouver Island.
Work close to home: With locations across the Island and surrounding communities, you can find meaningful work where you live.

Careers That Open Doors

Start your journey – no degree needed, just passion and a willingness to learn.

💙 Health Care Support Worker

Work directly with patients and residents as part of a care team.

🧼 Environmental Services Worker

Keep our hospitals and health centres clean, safe, and welcoming. No experience required except a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

🥗 Food Services Worker

Prepare and serve nutritious meals that help people heal. Join the team and gain experience in a fast-paced healthcare kitchen.

👋 Administrative Support

Be the friendly face that welcomes patients and keeps our systems running smoothly. Great for organized, people-oriented individuals.

Careers That Help You Grow

Build on your experience with specialized training and education that takes 2 years or less.

💙 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Provide essential care and support patients through recovery.

🧼 Physical Therapist Assistant
Help people regain movement and strength after illness or injury.

🧪 Medical Laboratory Technician
Perform diagnostic tests that help doctors understand what’s going on inside the body.

Careers That Lead The Way

Make a big impact with advanced education and training.

💙 Registered Nurse (RN)
Provide critical care and make important decisions in patient treatment.

💊 Pharmacist
Become the expert on medications and how they help patients heal.

🧠 Physiotherapist
Design rehabilitation plans to help patients recover independence and strength.

🩺 Medical Doctor (MD)
Diagnose, treat, and lead patient care using advanced medical knowledge.

We’ll Help Get You There

Not sure how to start? That’s okay. We’ve got your back.

Paid training programs to help you learn while you earn
Career development support so you can grow into new roles
Tuition support and bursaries for some in-demand jobs
Mentors and teammates who will guide you every step of the way

“I didn’t know where I fit after high school. Island Health helped me train, find a job, and build a career I’m proud of.”

— Jayden, now a full-time Health Care Assistant

Esquimalt UPCC Team

Opportunities for Indigenous Youth

Your Future in Health Care

Island Health is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We strive to be an Employer of Choice for Indigenous youth and community members, and we are working to build a culturally safe environment where you feel welcomed, respected, and supported.

We know that Indigenous Peoples continue to face barriers when it comes to employment in health care. That’s why we’re taking action to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism and remove obstacles at every level of our organization.

Our Indigenous-specific anti-racism and discrimination work is guided by the rights of Indigenous peoples and acknowledges the impacts of colonization, past and present. We are committed to walking the path of reconciliation — together with Indigenous communities — and supporting your success in meaningful and lasting ways.

Whether you live in a remote community, an urban centre, or somewhere in between, there’s a place for you at Island Health.

Stay Connected to Culture While Building a Career

You don’t have to leave your culture behind to succeed. We value Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being, and we’re working to create a system that does too. Many of our teams collaborate directly with First Nations, Métis and urban Indigenous communities.

Island Health’s Indigenous Employee Experience team focuses on attracting and retaining Indigenous employees at all levels of the organization. The team is dedicated to promoting a culturally safe workplace where Indigenous employees thrive as members of the Island Health community.

We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Indigenous Employee Experience team at [email protected] for employment support.

Indigenous Employee Experience

Anti-Racism and Discrimination

Consider Your Options: What You Can Do Now

🎓 Research Healthcare Careers

Learn about the many different roles available at BCHealthCareers.ca – click on the Professions tab to explore.

📚 Plan for Further Education

Look into training and education options at schools accessible to students on Vancouver Island:

🧯 Obtain Certifications

Some certifications – like First Aid, CPR, or WHMIS – are available while you’re still in high school and can help you stand out.

💙 Volunteer

Get a feel for the healthcare environment by volunteering with Island Health. Volunteers are a vibrant part of our team.
👉 [Learn more about volunteering here]

🚀 Learn About Sponsored Education Programs

Island Health supports students through sponsored education, where you train for in-demand jobs and we help with the costs.
👉 [Learn About Sponsored Programs]

Search Our Current Career Opportunities

Browse through current opportunities to get an idea of what types of jobs may be available when you’re ready to apply.

👉 [View all Opportunities]

Ready to Get Started?

✅Use These Resources to View Your Options and Move Forward

Learn about Island Health’s Step-Up Youth Program

Find Your Path BC Educational Planner

✅ Connect With Your High School Career Counsellor

Your school’s career counsellor is a great resource! They can help you plan your next steps, connect you with programs, and explore training or volunteer options.