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Cardiopulmonary Technologist, Lung Function Technician, Physiological Laboratory Technologist, Respiratory Function Technician, Spirometry Technician
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, pulmonary function technicians:
In health-care settings, they may work with various health-care providers.
Pulmonary function technicians may work regular weekday hours full-time, part-time, or on a casual basis.
Work settings vary a lot. Some technicians work in health-care settings such as medical clinics or pulmonary function labs. In hospitals, they may perform tests in a lab or at a patient’s bedside.
In the mining, manufacturing, and construction industries, workers may be exposed to asbestos, silica, or coal dust. Pulmonary technicians may need to travel to these work sites and conduct mobile mark / respirator fit tests to workers.
Pulmonary function technicians spend most of their working hours on their feet. They may need to help lift patients with mobility issues.
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 to operate, monitor, maintain, calibrate and test diagnostic and therapeutic equipment and to determine patients' blood characteristics such as activated clotting time and oxygen saturation
Interest in speaking to advise physician of any changes in patient condition; in monitoring patients; in providing information and care for patients during tests; in preparing medications and administering inhaler and other treatments under supervision of cardiologist; and in assisting with the preparation of cardiac catheterization room, preparing specialized catheters and assisting cardiologists during catheterization
Interest in compiling data by performing diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function and asthma stress, by assisting physicians with cardiac and cardiopulmonary stress tests and bronchoscopies and by performing analysis, programming and monitoring of implanted devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators during surgery
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.
Pulmonary function technicians 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 13 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 18, 2022 and Nov 11, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Perform diagnostic tests | 9 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 9 |
| Tasks: Provide information and care for patients during tests | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Interpersonal awareness | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 8 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 8 |
The minimum education requirement is 2 years of post-secondary education. This must be in a related science such as biology, kinesiology, or physiology. The technician is provided with training supervision.
Pulmonary function technicians also need to have:
Some employers may require additional training in pulmonary technology. This can be acquired through courses or supervised on-the-job clinical training. The lab’s medical director or delegate is responsible for ensuring the technician is trained according to lab standards.
Technicians are responsible for keeping up with current technical trends in cardiopulmonary diagnostics. They must maintain records of continuing education.
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.
Pulmonary function technicians must be certified by the Government of Alberta.
Technicians who perform testing in a Level III or IV lab must be actively registered with at least 1 of the following organizations:
Some employers require both types of registration. Technicians may be hired without being registered but expected to become registered soon after.
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.
Pulmonary function technicians conduct tests to measure lung volume capacity and spirometry (the rate of airflow out of the lungs).
Under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code [pdf], employers must provide health assessments for workers who are exposed (as defined in the Code) to asbestos, silica, or coal dust. These health assessments must include pulmonary function testing (spirometry) conducted by pulmonary function technicians who have certification in spirometry.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Pulmonary Function Technician.
Respiratory therapists work with health-care teams to diagnose, treat, educate, and promote wellness in patients who suffer from cardio-respiratory disease and related disorders.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Respiratory Therapists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CRTA) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide the restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Respiratory Therapist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Pulmonary function technicians work for:
Prospects for advancement depend partly on the size of the organization. They improve with time on the job and further training.
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.
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
2016 NOC: 3214
95.0% 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: 2023-2025 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.
Hourly wages are directly related to the technician’s qualifications.
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.
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 | $25.64 | $39.27 | $35.75 | $36.81 |
| Overall | $31.79 | $50.75 | $43.09 | $43.67 |
| Top | $42.05 | $52.24 | $48.44 | $48.19 |
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 | $72,944 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $72,891 |
Canadian Association of Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists (CACPT) website: cacpt.ca
College of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CRTA) website: rrtalberta.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.
