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Biomedical Engineering Technologist

Biomedical engineering technologists maintain and repair electronic equipment and systems for medical, biomedical, and diagnostic imaging purposes. Medical personnel use this equipment and these systems to monitor, diagnose, and treat medical conditions.

Also Known As

Biomedical Equipment Technologist, Clinical Engineering Technologist, Engineering Technologist, Field Service Representative, Health Care Technologist, Medical Technologist

NOC Codes

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

  • 2241.1: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC-S

  • C141: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22310: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22310.01: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Many biomedical engineering technologists work in hospitals. They inspect, maintain, repair, and install biomedical equipment. This can include:

  • Heart-lung machines
  • Kidney dialysis machines
  • Physiological monitors
  • Lab equipment
  • Ventilators
  • Sterilizers
  • Defibrillators
  • Infusion devices
  • Physiotherapy equipment
  • Diagnostic imaging equipment
  • Laser equipment
  • Laparoscopic equipment
  • Infant incubators
  • Anesthesia apparatus
  • Dental equipment

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:

  • Finding the fault
  • Taking the device apart
  • Repairing or replacing parts or circuit boards
  • Calibrating the device
  • Testing the device (before sending it back into service)
  • Inspecting and testing accessories related to the device’s function
  • Advising hospital staff and management if equipment needs to be replaced
  • Doing preventive maintenance
  • Negotiating terms of service with manufacturers or third-party service providers

Biomedical engineering technologists advise on equipment specifications. They may also help assess proposed equipment and facility designs.

They may also:

  • Write operating procedures
  • Develop preventive maintenance protocols
  • Prepare and provide status, trending, and analysis reports
  • Install equipment or parts
  • Check the quality of junior technologists’ work (in certain circumstances)
  • Alter equipment to meet operating or research needs
  • Teach hospital staff and researchers how to use equipment

Biomedical engineering technologists may also work for medical equipment makers or distributors. In these roles, they:

  • Manage service contracts and customer relations
  • Maintain service records (as required by Health Canada and the FDA)
  • Report incidents or potential incidents related to equipment (in accordance with Health Canada and FDA regulations)
  • Maintain the calibration of certified test equipment
  • Get regular training to keep up with changes in technology

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.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

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.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC: 2241.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to set up and operate specialized and standard equipment to test the performance of components, assemblies and systems

INNOVATIVE

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

METHODICAL

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

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Biomedical engineering technologists need:

  • Speaking and listening skills
  • Patience with people who may feel frustrated by issues with equipment
  • The ability to work well under pressure
  • The ability to do detailed, accurate work
  • The ability to work well on their own and as part of a team

They should enjoy:

  • Working in a health-care setting
  • Using equipment to test components, assemblies, and system performance
  • Identifying problems
  • Installing (or supervising the installation of) equipment and systems

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2241

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 159 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 26, 2023 and Dec 13, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
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
Tasks: Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components
Tasks: Assist in design, development and testing
Tasks: Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments
Tasks: Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems
Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports
Attention to detail
Tasks: Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications
Organized
Tasks: Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Biomedical engineering technologists need a 2-year diploma in a related technology.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Red Deer Polytechnic

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 Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

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 Technologist

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).

Legislation

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 Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

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.

Legislation

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:

  • Practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice
  • Use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience)
  • Use the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Biomedical engineering technologists work for:

  • Health-care facilities
  • Health-care research facilities
  • Biomedical equipment manufacturers
  • Third-party maintenance companies (contractors)

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.

Industry Concentration

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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2021 NOC: 22310
High
Demand
3,000
Employed

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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

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
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
152
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

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.

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2241
Average Wage
$40.37
Per Hour
Average Salary
$81,708.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2241 Wage Profile

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.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
31%
31%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
24%
24%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2024

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.

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