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Electroencephalography (EEG) Technologist, Health Care 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 | $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 specialized diagnostic equipment to record and evaluate the electrical activity of the brain and nerves and electrical activity resulting from stimulation of sensory and motor pathways. ENP technologists may be called upon to monitor seizure states in a patient with epilepsy; they may perform nerve conduction tests; or they may assist in the operating room by monitoring the patient's nerve response to the surgical manipulation being performed.
Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, ENP technologists:
Experienced technologists also may assist in training ENP students.
ENP technologists may work shifts or work standard weekday hours and be on call evenings and weekends. They spend much of their working time on their feet and may be required to do some bending and lifting to help very ill patients. In some circumstances, they may be required to move equipment on portable carts to patients' bedsides in wards, intensive care units or operating rooms
ENP technologists must follow standard security, electrical safety and infection prevention and control procedures and regulations.
ENP technologists need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy using computers and electronic equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, having clear guidelines for their work and dealing with people.
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Burnaby, British Columbia offers a two-year electrophysiology diploma program that begins in September of every second year. The program combines classroom teaching with practicum 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 find more information on the certification process 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 technologists are employed in:
Registered ENP technologists may specialize in work such as monitoring brain function or spinal cord integrity during surgery (intraoperative monitoring) or recording physiological data while the patient is asleep (polysomnography).
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 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 |
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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.
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: www.acmdtt.com
Canadian Board of Registration of Electroencephalograph Technologists (CBRET Inc.) website: www.cbret.org
American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET) website: www.abret.org
Alberta Health Services website: www.albertahealthservices.ca
British Columbia Institute of Technology website: www.bcit.ca
Association of Electromyography Technologists of Canada (AETC) website: www.aetc.ca
Canadian Association of Electroneurophysiology Technologists (CAET) website: www.caet.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 Apr 09, 2014. 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.