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Cardiac Device Technologist, Cardiovascular Technologist, EKG Technologist, Electrophysiology Technologist, Health Care Technologist, Heart Health Technologist, Medical Technologist, Pacemaker Technologist, RCT
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
Cardiology technologists test, monitor, and evaluate heart rhythms within a multidisciplinary health-care team. They may use various types of electronic monitoring equipment for:
In general, they:
Cardiology technologists must keep up to date with changing technologies. They are expected to maintain yearly continuing education requirements.
Cardiology technologists do shift work in health-care settings and private clinics. The work is physically demanding. They are on their feet and walking most of the day. They sometimes lift and move patients who cannot move on their own.
Cardiology technologists must follow standard procedures to control infections.
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 operating electrocardiogram and other electronic equipment to record cardiac activity of patients; in checking cardiology equipment to ensure proper operation; and in reprogramming pacemakers according to standards
Interest in speaking with physicians and other health care professionals about test results; in performing cardiovascular procedures and tests, such as electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests, ambulatory monitoring and scanning of tapes, pacemaker analysis and follow-up, and echocardiogram; and in providing patients with care during procedures and tests; may administer certain drugs under direct supervision of physicians; may document and record pacemaker implant threshold measurements under direct supervision of cardiac surgeon
Interest in compiling and recording the results of cardiac activity to aid in the diagnosis of heart disease; may analyze tests
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.
Cardiology technologists work with a wide range of people. Their patients may fear test procedures, be in extreme pain, or have complex needs. Technologists need:
They should enjoy:
Employers may prefer to hire graduates of a related 2-year diploma program. Alberta employers generally require applicants for cardiology technology positions to be registered members of the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT) and the Alberta Society of Registered Cardiology Technologists (ASRCT).
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:
Related Education
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Stenberg College
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.
The following schools also offer online and in-person programs in cardiology technology:
In general, the entrance requirement is a high school diploma with related science courses or equivalents. For current information about programs and admission requirements and policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most cardiology technologists work in hospital cardiology departments. Some work in private labs and clinics. In smaller rural hospitals, they may have other duties (for example, medical lab services) that require different training (see the Medical Laboratory Technologist occupational profile).
Without further education, chances to advance in this occupation are limited. Cardiology technologists can advance into electrophysiology labs, pacemaker clinics, cardiac rehab clinics, cath labs, medical device specialist roles, and research positions.
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.
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c.
2016 NOC: 3217
95.2% 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: 2024-2026 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.
Alberta Society of Registered Cardiology Technologists (ASRCT) website: www.asrct.com
Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT) website: www.csct.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca
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.
