Electroencephalography (EEG) Technologist, Electromyography (EMG)
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 | $30.45 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $34.70 |
| Top | $38.60 |
Interest in precision working with diagnostic equipment such as electroencephalographs and evoked potential equipment; and in checking, calibrating and performing routine maintenance to diagnostic equipment
Interest in compiling data by taking notes on the recorded graph to identify interference such as poor electrode contact or patient movement; in preparing recordings for interpretation by neurologists; and in attaching diagnostic equipment to patients and ensuring patients' comfort and safety
Interest in speaking with patients to prepare them for procedures; and in assessing nature of problem to determine processes and tests required
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.
Electroneurophysiology (ENP) technologists use special equipment to record and measure electrical activity in the brain, spine and peripheral nervous system. They also study electrical activity that results when sensory and motor pathways are stimulated.
Sometimes ENP technologists are asked to monitor seizures in a patient with epilepsy. Experienced technologists may record directly from the brain during surgery. If they have advanced training, they may record the way nerves respond when manipulated during surgery.
Duties and responsibilities vary. In general, ENP technologists:
Those with experience may help in training ENP students.
Electroneurophysiology (ENP) technologists may work standard weekday or weekend shifts. They may be on call evenings and weekends. They spend much of their time on their feet. They may need to bend and lift to help very ill patients. Sometimes they may be required to move equipment (on portable carts) to a patient’s bedside (for example, in a hospital ward, an intensive care unit or an operating room). They may need to work with adults or children.
ENP technologists must follow safe work practices (such as standard security, electrical safety and infection prevention and control procedures and regulations).
Electroneurophysiology (ENP) technologists need to possess:
ENP technologists should enjoy:
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Burnaby, British Columbia, offers a 2-year electrophysiology diploma program that begins in September of every second year. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience. The entrance requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, with courses in algebra, physics and chemistry.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Electroneurophysiology technologists use sensitive electronic diagnostic equipment to record and evaluate the electrical activity of patients' central and peripheral nervous systems to assist physicians in diagnosing diseases, injuries and abnormalities.
Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists Profession Regulation, registration with the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists 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 an electroencephalograph (EEG) technologist or electroneurophysiology technologist.
Registration requires successful completion of: (1) an approved program of studies 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 ACMDTT website or contact the ACMDTT Registrar.
Electroneurophysiology technologists who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered electroneurophysiology technologists 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 electroneurophysiology technologists, see Electroneurophysiology Technologist Registration Process.
Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists
#800, 4445 Calgary Trail
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6H 5R7
Phone number: 780-487-6130
Toll-free phone number: 1-800-282-2165
Fax number: 780-432-9106
Website: www.acmdtt.com
Electroneurophysiology (ENP) technologists work in:
Registered ENP technologists may specialize in work such as monitoring brain function or spinal cord integrity during surgery (intraoperative monitoring).
ENP technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3217: Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c. In Alberta, 98% of people employed in this classification 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:
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 | $26.00 | $43.25 | $30.45 | $29.84 |
| Overall | $28.90 | $44.96 | $34.70 | $34.78 |
| Top | $30.57 | $50.64 | $38.60 | $39.71 |
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.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $71,200 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $71,200 |
Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) website: acmdtt.com
Alberta Health Services website: www.albertahealthservices.ca
American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET) website: abret.org
Association of Electromyography Technologists of Canada (AETC) website: www.aetc.ca
British Columbia Institute of Technology website: www.bcit.ca
Canadian Association of Electroneurophysiology Technologists (CAET) website: www.caet.org
Canadian Board of Registration of Electroencephalograph Technologists (CBRET Inc.) website: www.cbret.org
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 22, 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.