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Biomedical Equipment Technologist, Clinical Engineering Technologist, Engineering Technologist, Field Service Representative, Health Care Technologist, Medical Technologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Many biomedical engineering technologists work in hospitals. They inspect, maintain, repair, and install biomedical equipment. This can include:
Biomedical engineering technologists do performance assurance testing and preventive maintenance. This ensures equipment works properly and is safe. It can also reveal potential problems, which may save costly repairs and downtime.
They also inspect and test equipment to ensure quality and manage risks.
When a device is not working, they find out why. Sometimes the problem is simple (for example, the result of user error). Other times they take the device out of service to look more deeply into the problem. This may involve:
Biomedical engineering technologists advise on equipment specifications. They may also help assess proposed equipment and facility designs.
They may also:
Biomedical engineering technologists may also work for medical equipment makers or distributors. In these roles, they:
Much of the work involves assessing equipment needs with doctors, administrators, engineers, and other professionals. Some may help design, develop, and test new medical equipment and products.
Technology is changing the nature of biomedical equipment. For example, X-ray machines now capture electronic images and store them in networked image databases, called Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). On the other hand, patient monitors communicate through wireless networks and are connected to electronic patient charting systems. To keep up with changes like these, biomedical engineering technologists spend a lot of time studying manuals and attending training sessions.
Most biomedical engineering technologists work standard office hours. Those employed by health-care facilities may work shifts, including weekends and holidays. Some may be on call for emergencies. They may be exposed to diseases and hazardous materials. Depending on the setting, they may need to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and masks. Working in emergencies can be stressful.
Those who work for equipment makers or service companies may travel a lot.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to set up and operate specialized and standard equipment to test the performance of components, assemblies and systems
Interest in analyzing information to carry out applied research in the fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics under the direction of scientists and engineers; and in diagnosing and analyzing the performance of components, assemblies and systems
Interest in supervising the building and testing of prototypes according to general instructions and established standards; and in conducting and supervising the installation, commissioning and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems other than aircraft electronics or instruments
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Biomedical engineering technologists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 153 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 26, 2023 and Nov 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems | 113 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components | 112 |
| Tasks: Assist in design, development and testing | 102 |
| Tasks: Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments | 93 |
| Tasks: Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems | 89 |
| Attention to detail | 86 |
| Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports | 86 |
| Tasks: Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications | 72 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 70 |
| Tasks: Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics | 68 |
Biomedical engineering technologists need a 2-year diploma in a related technology.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certification is not required for this occupation. However, legislation exists for protected titles or duties.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Certified engineering technologists (CET) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need supervision by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the protected title Certified Engineering Technologist (CET).
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.
Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in the fields of engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) to:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Biomedical engineering technologists work for:
Public sector employees are unionized under the Health Sciences Association of Alberta.
Prospects for advancement include supervisory work or other related positions. Further education is needed to become a biomedical or clinical engineer.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2241
79.2% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $61.12 | $32.48 | $30.00 |
| Overall | $20.55 | $66.67 | $40.37 | $40.25 |
| Top | $28.50 | $78.39 | $47.84 | $46.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $81,708 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $76,543 |
| Manufacturing | $69,620 |
| Wholesale Trade | $67,247 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $79,031 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $89,989 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $75,680 |
| Public Administration | $92,006 |
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta - ASET website: www.aset.ab.ca
Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society website: www.cmbes.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca
Technology Alberta website: technologyalberta.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
