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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, 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. To address this, technicians travel to work sites to conduct routine tests on workers. In mills, gas plants, and drilling rigs, workers must wear respirators. Technicians conduct mobile tests to fit workers for respirators.
Pulmonary function technicians spend most of their working hours on their feet. They may be required 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 to possess:
They should enjoy:
Technicians must successfully complete a pulmonary function technician course approved by the Government of Alberta or an approved equivalent. They also must have Health Care Provider level certified CPR.
If their role is limited, the technician requires at least 2 years of post-secondary education. This must be in a related science field such as biology, kinesiology, or physiology. The technician is provided with training supervision. Some companies provide mobile occupational health and safety services. In general, technicians require a valid driver’s licence.
Technicians who are performing testing in a Level III or IV lab must meet further qualifications. To learn more, see the Certification Requirements section.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
Technicians who perform testing in a Level III or IV lab must be either:
Some employers require both types of registration.
Entry-level technicians may be hired without being registered. They are expected to join as student members. Soon after, they are expected to become active registered members.
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.
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 the rate of air flow out of 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.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Some pulmonary function technicians work for private companies that offer occupational health and safety services. Others work for health facilities such as hospitals and medical labs. Some work part time, full time, or as casual workers in other health care roles. They also provide testing services on a part-time or contract basis.
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.
In the 3214: Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists occupational group, 95.0% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 3214: Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.4% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 131 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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 Cardiopulmonary Technologists (CACPT) website: www.cacpt.ca
College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta (CARTA) website: www.carta.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
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.
