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:
| Starting | $35.25 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $42.20 |
| Top | $46.83 |
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
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 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.
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
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 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.
In general, combined laboratory and x-ray technologists:
Combined laboratory and x-ray technologists work closely with other health care providers. These include medical technologists, health record technicians, nurses, radiologists, doctors, and others.
Combined laboratory and x-ray technologists often work in rural hospitals with 15 to 60 beds. Some work in extremely remote locations. They rarely work in urban hospitals.
Hospital-based laboratory and x-ray technologists do shift work. Sometimes 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.
Combined laboratory and x-ray technologists need to possess:
They should enjoy:
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 the 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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Combined laboratory and x-ray technologists analyse biological specimens, apply ionizing radiation and perform electrocardiography procedures, and evaluate the results obtained for accuracy and reliability. They work primarily in small rural hospitals and clinics.
Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists Profession Regulation, registration with the Alberta College of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists (ACCLXT) is mandatory if you meet identified competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public, teach the practice of the profession to members or students of the profession, or supervise registered members who provide services to the public. Registered members, who are authorized by the College, provide restricted activities specified in the Regulation. Only registered members may call themselves combined laboratory and x-ray technologists or CLXTs. Laboratory workers who are not registered (regulated) as combined laboratory and x-ray technologists or medical laboratory technologists may perform laboratory activities.
Registration requires successful completion of: (1) an approved program of studies or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and (2) an approved examination. Applicants who have been out of practice for a period of time also may have to demonstrate that they are currently competent to practice. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit the ACCLXT website or contact the ACCLXT.
Combined laboratory and x-ray technologists who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered practitioners in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
To learn about certification for internationally educated combined laboratory and x-ray technologists, see Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologist Registration Process.
Alberta College of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists
4880, 4445 Calgary Trail
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6H 5R7
Phone number: 780-438-3323
Fax number: 780-299-0829
Website: www.acclxt.ca
Most combined laboratory and x-ray technologists work in small (often rural) hospitals. But some may work in larger hospitals, health care centres, or private or public clinics using a partial skill set.
In Alberta, combined laboratory and x-ray technologists are part of two larger 2011 National Occupational Classifications: 3211 Medical laboratory technologists and pathologists’ assistants and 3215 Medical radiation technologists.
89% of people employed in the Medical laboratory technologists and pathologists’ assistants group work in the Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf] industry.
94% of people in the Medical radiation technologists group work in the Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the D211: Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists Assistants occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.7% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 74 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
In Alberta, the D215: Medical Radiation Technologists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.9% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 94 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $31.88 | $42.35 | $35.25 | $33.98 |
| Overall | $36.78 | $51.42 | $42.20 | $41.14 |
| Top | $44.62 | $55.41 | $46.83 | $45.34 |
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* 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.
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.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $72,289 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $72,279 |
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.00 | $36.81 | $26.17 | $20.97 |
| Overall | $23.00 | $45.90 | $31.10 | $23.00 |
| Top | $29.00 | $47.30 | $37.21 | $32.00 |
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* 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.
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.
| Public Administration | $49,464 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $44,985 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $44,936 |
Alberta College of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists (ACCLXT) website: www.acclxt.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. 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.