Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the Long-term Care Worker profession aims to address the growing demand for specialized care services for the elderly, particularly those with disabilities, in response to the aging population in China [1][2][6]. Group 1: Long-term Care Worker Certification - The first national certification for Long-term Care Workers was awarded to 81 practitioners in Nantong, Jiangsu, marking a significant step towards professionalization in the industry [1][2]. - The Long-term Care Worker profession was officially recognized in 2022, with national standards set to be implemented in February 2024 [1][2]. - The first examination for Long-term Care Workers saw a participation of 100 candidates, with an 81% pass rate, indicating a strong interest in the profession [4][5]. Group 2: Industry Demand and Employment Opportunities - There is a significant and rigid demand for professional long-term care services due to the aging population, with approximately 40 million elderly individuals requiring care [2][6]. - The Long-term Care Worker certification is seen as a "green pass" for employment, providing job opportunities for a wide demographic, including those aged 16 and above [5]. - The long-term care insurance system has created around 300,000 job opportunities and has attracted approximately 60 billion yuan in social capital investment [6]. Group 3: Challenges and Future Directions - Despite the growth in the workforce, there are still challenges such as mismatched skills among caregivers and inconsistent service standards [1][5]. - The National Healthcare Security Administration plans to enhance training and certification processes to improve the quality of long-term care services [5].

Core Viewpoint - The first batch of long-term care worker certificates was awarded in Nantong, Jiangsu, marking a significant step towards the professionalization of this new occupation in China [1] Group 1 - A total of 104 candidates participated in the first examination, with 81 passing, indicating a high success rate for the initial cohort [1] - The establishment of long-term care workers as a recognized profession reflects the growing demand for professional care services in the aging population [1] - This initiative represents a broader trend in the healthcare industry towards formalizing roles that support long-term care, enhancing service quality and standards [1]