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CLXT, Health Care Technologist, Laboratory Technician / Technologist, Medical Laboratory and X-Ray 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
In general, combined laboratory and X-ray technologists:
Combined laboratory and X-ray technologists work closely with other health-care providers such as medical technologists, health record technologists, nurses, radiologists, and doctors.
Combined laboratory and X-ray technologists often work in rural hospitals with 15 to 60 beds. Some work in extremely remote locations and others in private clinic settings. They rarely work in urban hospitals.
Hospital-based laboratory and X-ray technologists do shift work. Often, they are on call.
They need to take safety measures to avoid back strain and repetitive stress injuries. They must take care to reduce their risk of infection or injury when working with infectious patients, samples, or chemicals.
This work is physically demanding. Technologists are on their feet for most of their shifts. They may need to help move patients.
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 supervising and training other medical laboratory technicians and laboratory workers; and in performing blood group, type and compatibility tests for transfusion purposes; may supervise and train other medical laboratory technologists
Interest in analyzing results of laboratory tests; and in establishing procedures for the analyses of specimens and for medical laboratory experiments
Interest in precision working with laboratory equipment to conduct chemical analyses of blood, urine, cerebro-spinal and other body fluids, and to prepare tissue sections for microscopic examinations using techniques to demonstrate special cellular tissue elements and other characteristics; may perform the duties of a pathologist's assistant in some hospitals
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.
Interest in precision working with X-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, computerized tomography (CT) scanners, mammography units and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners; and in performing basic verification and quality control checks on radiographic and film processing equipment
Interest in speaking with radiologists to determine procedures to be performed; in providing appropriate care for patients during radiographic examinations; in recording and processing patient data; and in applying radiation protection measures
Interest in compiling patient data to assist in the diagnosis of diseases and injuries
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.
Combined laboratory and X-ray 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 29 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 14, 2021 and Aug 29, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Set up medical laboratory equipment | 18 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Conduct chemical analyses of blood, urine and other body fluids | 16 |
| Work Setting: Hospital medical laboratories | 14 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 13 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 13 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 12 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 12 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 12 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Accurate | 11 |
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 20 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 14, 2021 and Aug 29, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 15 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 14 |
| Attention to detail | 14 |
| Tasks: Operate X-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, computerized tomography (CT) scanners, mammography units and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners | 12 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 11 |
| Security and Safety: Criminal record check | 10 |
| Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 9 |
| Tasks: Record and process results of procedures | 9 |
| Tasks: Record and process patient data | 9 |
This job requires a 2-year diploma in combined lab and X-ray technology. A list of approved programs is posted on the Alberta College of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists (ACCLXT) website. Some programs may require post-secondary courses in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.
Some employers may require training in CPR and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). They may also require up-to-date vaccinations and yearly flu shots.
To learn more about programs in laboratory technology and X-ray technology, see the Medical Laboratory Technologist and Radiological Technologist occupational profiles.
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
Combined laboratory and X-ray technologists do routine medical lab tests and perform general radiography, fluoroscopy, and electrocardiograms. They operate and maintain related equipment.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf] and Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta College of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists (ACCLXT) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the regulations. This includes those who:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most combined laboratory and X-ray technologists work in small, often rural hospitals. But some may work in larger hospitals, health-care centres, and private or public clinics using a partial skill set.
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.
In the 3211: Medical laboratory technologists occupational group, 93.1% of people work in:
In the 3215: Medical radiation technologists occupational group, 95.5% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 3211: Medical laboratory technologists occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 46 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
In Alberta, the 3215: Medical radiation technologists occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 46 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $25.00 | $40.11 | $36.54 | $40.11 |
| Overall | $28.35 | $48.90 | $44.19 | $48.90 |
| Top | $33.00 | $55.70 | $49.45 | $55.70 |
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 | $74,038 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $77,115 |
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 | $33.98 | $42.35 | $35.91 | $33.98 |
| Overall | $39.02 | $51.61 | $44.02 | $42.84 |
| Top | $44.75 | $55.41 | $47.54 | $47.30 |
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 | $75,822 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $76,077 |
Alberta College of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists (ACCLXT) website: www.acclxt.com
Canadian Society of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists (CSCLXT) website: www.csclxt.com
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.
