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Electroencephalography (EEG) / Electromyography (EMG) / Intraoperative (IO) 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
Electroneurophysiology (ENP) technologists use special equipment to record and measure spontaneous and stimulated electrical activity in the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system.
Sometimes ENP technologists are asked to monitor seizures in a patient with epilepsy. Experienced technologists may record nerve responses in the brain or the spine during surgery.
Duties and responsibilities vary, but in general, ENP technologists:
Experienced ENP technologists 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 sick patients. Sometimes they may need to move equipment on portable carts to a patient’s bedside. They may do this, for example, in a hospital ward, an intensive care unit, or an operating room. They may work with adults, children, and newborns.
ENP technologists must follow safe work practices. These include standard security practices, electrical safety procedures, and regulations to prevent and control infection.
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 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
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.
Electroneurophysiology (ENP) technologists need:
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.
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.
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.
Electroneurophysiology technologists use sensitive electronic diagnostic equipment to record and measure the electrical activity of patients’ central and peripheral nervous systems. This information can help doctors diagnose injuries, tumours, epilepsy, and other disorders.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) 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 Electroneurophysiology Technologist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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).
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 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: cbret.org
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: 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.
