National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011

3211 - Medical laboratory technologists

Medical laboratory technologists conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. They are employed in medical laboratories in hospitals, blood banks, community and private clinics, research facilities and post-secondary educational institutions. Medical laboratory technologists who are supervisors are included in this unit group.

Illustrative example(s)
- clinical immunology technologist
- cytogenetics technologist - medical laboratory
- histology technologist
- immunohematology technologist
- medical laboratory supervisor
- medical laboratory technologist
- medical technologist - medical laboratory
All examples
Exclusion(s)
- Life science technologists in non-medical laboratories (See 2221 Biological technologists and technicians)
- Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants (3212)
- Physical science technologists in non-medical laboratories (See 2211 Chemical technologists and technicians)
Main duties

Medical laboratory technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Set up, operate and maintain laboratory equipment
- Conduct chemical analyses of blood, urine, and cerebrospinal and other body fluids
- Study blood cells and other tissues to determine their relation to various physiological and pathological conditions
- Prepare tissue sections for microscopic examinations using techniques to demonstrate special cellular tissue elements or other characteristics
- Perform blood group, type and compatibility tests for transfusion purposes
- Establish procedures for the analysis of specimens and for medical laboratory experiments
- Conduct quality control assessment of testing techniques
- May supervise and train other medical laboratory technical staff, students and helpers
- May assist pathologists during autopsies.
Medical laboratory technologists may specialize in areas such as clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, histotechnology, immunohematology, cytotechnology and cytogenetics.
Employment requirements
- A two- or three-year college program in medical laboratory technology is required
  and
  A period of supervised practical training may be required.
- Registration with a regulatory body is required in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
- Certification by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is usually required by employers.

3212 - Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants

Medical laboratory technicians conduct routine medical laboratory tests and set up, clean and maintain medical laboratory equipment. They are employed in medical laboratories in hospitals, clinics, research facilities, post-secondary educational institutions and government research laboratories. Pathologists' assistants assist at autopsies and examinations of surgical specimens or perform autopsies under a pathologist's supervision. They are usually employed in hospitals and universities.

Illustrative example(s)
- medical laboratory assistant
- medical laboratory technician
- pathology assistant
- phlebotomist
- phlebotomy aide
All examples
Exclusion(s)
- Biological technicians in non-medical laboratories (See 2221 Biological technologists and technicians)
- Chemical technicians in non-medical laboratories (See 2211 Chemical technologists and technicians)
- Medical laboratory technologists (3211)
Main duties

Medical laboratory technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Collect blood, tissue and other samples from patients
- Log patient samples and prepare them for testing
- Set up medical laboratory equipment
- Conduct routine laboratory tests and sample analyses
- Perform quality assurance of testing techniques
- Clean and maintain medical laboratory and medical laboratory equipment.
Pathologists' assistants perform some or all of the following duties:
- Prepare for autopsies by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging for radiographic examinations
- Assist with or perform autopsies and surgical specimen examinations under pathologists' supervision
- Dissect, examine, weigh and photograph organs and specimens, collect tissue samples for chemical analysis and record findings
- Discard specimens according to established safety procedures
- Clean and maintain instruments, equipment and supplies
- May prepare bodies for release to funeral homes following completion of autopsies
- May supervise and train junior resident pathologists and morgue attendants.
Employment requirements
- Medical laboratory technicians/assistants require completion of a college certificate program in medical laboratory science.
- Certification by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science may be required for medical laboratory technicians/assistants.
- Combined laboratory and X-ray technicians require completion of a combined laboratory X-ray technology program.
- Pathologists' assistants require some post-secondary courses or a university degree in life sciences
  and
  Specialized on-the-job training.

3213 - Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians

Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians provide technical support to veterinarians by caring for animals and assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health disorders. They are employed in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, humane societies, zoos, animal research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and government. Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians who are supervisors are included in this unit group.

Illustrative example(s)
- animal health technician
- animal health technologist
- laboratory animal technician
- registered veterinary technician (RVT)
- veterinarian assistant
- veterinary technician
- veterinary technologist
All examples
Exclusion(s)
- Pet groomers and animal care workers (6563)
Main duties

Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Provide nursing care and rehabilitation therapy for animals
- Handle, restrain and care for animals undergoing treatment and surgery
- Produce radiographs, collect and analyse samples and perform other laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis of animal health problems
- Assist veterinarian with animals before, during and following surgery by preparing surgical equipment, administering and monitoring anaesthetics and cleaning up after surgery
- Prepare and administer medications and vaccines under direction of a veterinarian
- Administer treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian
- Provide wound and bandage care
- Conduct specialized procedures such as animal identification and hoof trimming
- Educate and advise clients on animal health care including nutrition and home care
- Assist in laboratory research
- Perform routine animal dental procedures and assist veterinarians with animal dentistry
- May perform a variety of office management and clerical duties.
Employment requirements
- Completion of a two- or three-year animal health/veterinary technology college program is required.
- Successful completion of a national registration examination may be required in some employment settings.
- Registration with provincial animal health technologists' or veterinary technicians' associations is available, and is mandatory in some provinces.
Additional information
- With experience, animal health technologists and veterinary technicians may progress to supervisory positions.

3214 - Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists

Respiratory therapists assist physicians in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. Clinical perfusionists provide technical support to patients undergoing cardiac surgery and patients requiring cardio-respiratory support. Cardiopulmonary technologists assist physicians in the technical aspects of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Respiratory therapists are employed in hospitals, extended care facilities, public health centres and respiratory home care companies. Clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists are primarily employed in hospitals. Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group.

Illustrative example(s)
- cardiopulmonary technologist
- cardiovascular perfusion supervisor
- cardiovascular perfusionist
- certified clinical perfusionist (CCP)
- chief respiratory technologist
- chief, respiratory therapy
- clinical perfusionist
- perfusionist
- registered respiratory therapist (RRT)
- respiratory therapist
- respiratory therapy clinical instructor
All examples
Exclusion(s)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health) (3219)
- Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (3237)
Main duties

Respiratory therapists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Perform diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas analysis and cardiopulmonary functions tests
- Operate and monitor respiratory equipment to administer treatments such as oxygen, oxygen-air mixtures, humidified air or medications
- Operate, monitor, maintain and test a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
- Assess patients and perform or assist with interventions such as airway maintenance, line insertions, inductions and intubations
- Perform artificial respiration and external cardiac massage
- Assist with transport of high-risk patients
- Supervise and train students and other respiratory therapists
- Participate in home care programs for chronic respiratory patients and provide patient and family education
- Participate in research related to cardiac and pulmonary disorders.
Respiratory therapists may specialize in areas such as anaesthesia, critical care, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary diagnostics and respiratory home care.

Clinical perfusionists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assemble, maintain and operate extracorporeal circulation equipment, intra-aortic balloon pumps and other heart assist devices to support or temporarily replace patients' cardiopulmonary functions during open-heart surgery
- Administer blood products, drugs and other substances through heart-lung machines and other devices as directed by cardiac surgeons and anaesthetists to maintain adequate flow of oxygenated blood to all organs of the body
- Monitor vital signs to support and maintain patients' physiological functions and metabolic needs during cardiopulmonary surgery
- Participate in routine maintenance, calibration and inspection of all perfusion related equipment
- Supervise and train student clinical perfusionists and other clinical perfusionists.
Cardiopulmonary technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Perform diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function and asthma stress, or assist physicians with cardiac and cardiopulmonary stress tests and bronchoscopies
- Determine patients' blood characteristics such as activated clotting time and oxygen saturation
- Operate, monitor, maintain, calibrate and test diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
- Monitor patients and advise physician of any changes in patients' condition
- Prepare medications and administer inhaler and other treatments under supervision of cardiologist
- Provide information and care for patients during tests
- Assist with the preparation of cardiac catheterization room, prepare specialized catheters and assist cardiologists during catheterization
- Perform analysis, programming and monitoring of implanted devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators during surgery
- Supervise and train students and other cardiopulmonary technologists
- Provide technical support for research.
Employment requirements
- Respiratory therapists require the completion of a three-year college, hospital or university degree program in respiratory therapy, including clinical training.
- Licensing is required for respiratory therapists in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta.
- Clinical perfusionists require the completion of a respiratory therapy or registered nursing program with a minimum of one year of work experience as a respiratory therapist or registered nurse
  and
  Completion of a college or university program in clinical perfusion, including clinical training.
- Certification with the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion is required for clinical perfusionists.
- Cardiopulmonary technologists require a two-year college diploma in an allied health discipline such as respiratory therapy, nursing diploma, or a university degree in a related science
  and
  Completion of a college post-diploma program in cardiovascular technology and additional training in pulmonary technology through courses or supervised on-the-job clinical training.
- Registration with the Canadian Association of Cardio-pulmonary Technologists (CACPT) may be required.
Additional information
- Supervisory and instructor positions in this unit group require experience in their respective fields as a respiratory therapist, clinical perfusionist or cardiopulmonary technologist.

3215 - Medical radiation technologists

This unit group includes technologists who operate radiographic and radiation therapy equipment to administer radiation treatment and produce images of body structures for the diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease. They are employed in hospitals, cancer treatment centres, clinics, radiological laboratories, colleges and universities. Medical radiation technologists who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group.

Illustrative example(s)
- clinical instructor, radiation therapy
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist
- mammography technician
- nuclear medicine clinical instructor
- nuclear medicine technologist
- radiation oncology technologist
- radiation therapist
- radiation therapy technologist (RTT)
- radiography technologist
- radiological technologist
- radiotherapy technician
- supervisor, nuclear medicine technologists
- X-ray (radiology) technician
All examples
Exclusion(s)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (See 321 Medical technologists and technicians (except dental health))
Main duties

Radiological technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate X-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, computerized tomography (CT) scanners, mammography units and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to produce radiographs or anatomic images of the human body for the diagnosis by radiologists of disease or injury
- Record and process patient data
- Perform basic verification and quality control checks on radiographic and film processing equipment
- Provide appropriate care and monitoring of the patient during the radiographic examination
- Explain procedures, position patient and equipment and apply radiation protection measures
- May train and supervise student radiographers or supervise other radiological technologists.
Radiological technologists may specialize in areas such as computerized tomography, angiography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, interventional radiology, dosimetry, stereotaxy or brachytherapy.

Nuclear medicine technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals, such as radionuclides and other tracer materials to patients or to biological samples
- Operate radiation detection equipment, such as gamma cameras, scanners, scintillation counters, tomodensitometers and ionization chambers, to acquire data for use by nuclear medicine physicians in the diagnosis of disease
- Perform diagnostic procedures using radioactive materials on biological specimens, such as blood, urine and faeces
- Record and process results of procedures
- Check equipment to ensure proper operation
- Provide appropriate care and monitoring of the patient during the examination
- Apply radiation protection measures
- May train and supervise student nuclear medicine technologists or supervise other nuclear medicine technologists.
Radiation therapists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate linear accelerators, cobalt 60, X-ray and other radiation therapy equipment to administer radiation treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists
- Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation
- Assist radiation oncologists and clinical physicists with preparation of radiation treatment plan
- Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials such as cobalt, radium, cesium and isotopes and the construction of devices such as plaster casts and acrylic moulds to assist with administration of radiation treatment
- Provide appropriate care and monitoring of the patient's physical and psychological well-being during the entire course of treatment
- Explain procedures and side effects of radiation
- May train and supervise student radiotherapy technologists or supervise other radiotherapy technologists.
Employment requirements
- Completion of a two- to three-year college, hospital or other approved program in diagnostic radiography or magnetic resonance imaging (for radiological technologists and magnetic resonance technologists), nuclear medicine technology (for nuclear medicine technologists) or radiation therapy (for radiation therapists)
  or
  A bachelor of health sciences in radiography, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy
  and
  A period of supervised practical training are required.
- Licensure with a regulatory body is required in all provinces.
- Certification by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists is required in all provinces except Quebec.
Additional information
- There is no mobility between the three types of medical radiation technologists without further training.
- Experience as a medical radiation technologist is required for supervisors and instructors.

3216 - Medical sonographers

Medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of various parts of the body to aid physicians in monitoring pregnancies and in diagnosing cardiac, ophthalmic, vascular and other medical disorders. They are employed in clinics and hospitals. Medical sonographers who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group.

Illustrative example(s)
- diagnostic medical sonography instructor
- medical sonographer
- medical sonographers supervisor
- registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS)
- ultrasound technologist
All examples
Exclusion(s)
- Medical radiation technologists (3215)
Main duties

Medical sonographers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate ultrasound imaging equipment that transmits high frequency sound pulses through the body to produce images of those parts of the body requiring examination
- Monitor examination by viewing images on video screen, to evaluate quality and consistency of diagnostic images, and make adjustments to equipment, as required
- Record, store and process scanned images by using camera unit connected to ultrasound equipment
- Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure patient safety and comfort
- Prepare examination reports for physicians to aid in the monitoring of pregnancies and the diagnosis of cardiac, abdominal, ophthalmic, vascular and other disorders
- Perform quality control checks on ultrasound equipment to ensure proper operation and perform minor repairs and adjustments as required
- May supervise and train student and other medical sonographers.
Medical sonographers may specialize in abdominal, cardiac, cerebral, obstetrical and gynaecological, ophthalmic, intraluminal or peripheral vascular sonography. They may also specialize in adult or pediatric echocardiography or neurosonology.
Employment requirements
- Completion of a three- to four-year program in diagnostic medical sonography or ultrasound technology
  or
  Completion of a two- to three-year program in a related allied health field and a one-year post-diploma program in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited institution are required.
- Registration with the Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Professionals and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is usually required by employers.
- Registration with l'Ordre des Technologues en Radiologie du Québec is required in Quebec.
Additional information
- Membership in the Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is available but voluntary.

3217 - Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c.

Cardiology technologists operate electrocardiogram and other electronic equipment to record cardiac activity of patients to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of heart disease. Electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, not elsewhere classified, operate electroencephalographic, electromyographic and other electrophysiological diagnostic equipment to assist physicians in diagnosing diseases, injuries and abnormalities. Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group. They are employed in clinics, hospitals and medical laboratories.

Illustrative example(s)
- cardiac stress technologist
- cardiology supervisor
- cardiology technologist
- electrocardiographic (ECG) technologist
- electrocardiography technologist
- electroencephalograph (EEG) technologist
- electromyography (EMG) technologist
- electroneurodiagnostic (END) technologist
- electroneurophysiology (ENP) technologist
All examples
Exclusion(s)
- Cardiovascular perfusionists (See 3214 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists)
Main duties

Cardiology technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate electrocardiogram and other electronic equipment to record cardiac activity of patients
- Perform cardiovascular procedures and tests, such as electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests, ambulatory monitoring and scanning of tapes, holter arrhythmia scanning, pacemaker analysis and follow-up
- Record and assess cardiac activity and provide preliminary reports of tests
- Provide patients with care during procedures and tests
- Prepare reports for interpretation by cardiologists
- Reprogram pacemakers according to required standards
- Check, calibrate and perform routine maintenance of cardiology equipment to ensure proper operation
- May analyze tests and notify physician or other health care professionals of abnormalities
- May administer certain drugs under direct supervision of physician
- May document and record pacemaker implant threshold measurements under direct supervision of cardiac surgeon
- May supervise and train students, other cardiology technologists and nurses.
Electrophysiological technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Review patient's case history and assess nature of problem to determine procedures and tests required
- Attach diagnostic equipment to patients and ensure their comfort and safety
- Operate diagnostic equipment such as electroencephalographic and evoked potential equipment to record the electrical activity of the brain and cranial and central nervous systems
- Operate electromyographic equipment to conduct electrophysiological nerve conduction velocity tests and to assist physicians in conducting electrophysiological tests such as muscle strength and repetitive stimulation
- Take notes on the recorded graph to identify interference such as poor electrode contact or patient movement
- Prepare recordings and reports of findings for physicians to aid in the diagnosis of neurological disorders
- Check, calibrate and perform routine maintenance of diagnostic equipment
- Train and supervise students, technicians or other electroencephalograph technologists.
Employment requirements
- Cardiology technologists require completion of a two-year college diploma program in cardiology technology
  and
  Supervised practical training.
- Cardiology technologists require registration with the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists in all provinces except Quebec.
- Electroencephalograph and other diagnostic technologists require completion of a two-year college or hospital-based program in electrophysiology technology
  and
  Supervised practical training.
- Registration with the Canadian Board of Electroencephalograph Technologists is available for electroencephalograph technologists and is usually required by employers.
- Registration with the Association of Electromyography Technologists of Canada is available for electromyography technologists and is usually required by employers.

3219 - Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)

This unit group includes medical technologists and technicians not elsewhere classified, such as dietary technicians, pharmacy technicians, ocularists, prosthetists, orthotists, prosthetic technicians and orthotic technicians. Dietary technicians are employed in health care and commercial food service establishments such as hospitals, extended care facilities, nursing homes, schools, cafeterias and fast food outlets. Pharmacy technicians are employed in retail and hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities and by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Ocularists are employed in custom ocular prosthetic laboratories, or they may be self-employed. Prosthetists, orthotists and prosthetic and orthotic technicians are employed in hospitals, clinics, prosthetics and orthotics laboratories, and prosthetic device manufacturing companies. Prosthetists and orthotists may also be self-employed.

Illustrative example(s)
- dietary technician
- food and nutrition technician - dietetics
- ocularist
- ocularist technician
- orthotic technician
- orthotist
- pharmacy technician
- prosthetic technician
- prosthetist
All examples
Exclusion(s)
- Other health care technologists and technicians (See 321 Medical technologists and technicians (except dental health))
- Pharmacy aides (See 3414 Other assisting occupations in support of health services)
- Technologists and technicians in therapy and assessment (See 3237 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment)
Main duties

The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
- Dietary technicians assist dietitians or nutritionists to plan and supervise food service operations; plan menus and diet for individuals or groups under the direction of a dietitian or nutritionist; assist in the supervision of personnel who prepare and serve food; help patients select menu items; and assist dietitians with research in food, nutrition and food service systems.
- Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists to maintain inventories of medications and prescription records of pharmaceutical products; ensure the information on prescriptions is accurate, enter client information in databases and prepare medications for clients; compound oral solutions, ointments and creams; bill third party insurers; and may help with scheduling and workflow.
- Ocularists design, fabricate and fit ocular prostheses and conformers, and may design and fabricate implants; paint the iris and pupil of artificial eyes; clean and restore ocular prostheses; advise patients concerning the loss of depth perception and the care and use of ocular prostheses; repair and maintain fabrication and laboratory equipment; and consult with ophthalmologists concerning insertion of ocular prostheses.
- Prosthetists and orthotists design, fabricate and fit prosthetic and orthotic appliances such as artificial limbs, braces or supports; interpret physicians' specifications and examine and measure patients to develop working sketches of appliances; make and modify plaster casts of areas to receive prostheses or orthoses; fit, adjust and repair appliances; advise patients in the use and care of prostheses and orthoses; and supervise and direct the activities of prosthetic and orthotic technicians.
- Prosthetic and orthotic technicians assemble or build prosthetic and orthotic appliances according to drawings, measurements and plaster casts using a variety of materials such as metals, plastics and leathers; repair, rebuild and modify prosthetic and orthotic appliances or orthopaedic footwear; and may take the body or limb measurements of patients.
Employment requirements
- Dietary technicians require completion of a two- to three-year college program in dietary technology and supervised practical training.
- Pharmacy technicians usually require completion of a two- to three-year college program in pharmaceutics.
- Ocularists require completion of the ocularist training program of the American Society of Ocularists and supervised practical training
  or
  A five-year supervised practical training program under a certified ocularist.
- Certification by the National Examining Board of Ocularists is usually required.
- Prosthetists and orthotists require a two-year college program in prosthetics and orthotics technology and three years of supervised practical training.
- Certification by the Canadian Board of Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO) may be required.
- Prosthetic and orthotic technicians usually require a two- to three- year college program in prosthetics and orthotics and one to two years of supervised practical training
  or
  Completion of secondary school and up to four years of supervised practical training under a certified prosthetist or orthotist.
- Registration with the Canadian Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CAPO) may be required.
Additional information
- Prosthetic and orthotic technicians may become certified prosthetists or orthotists with an additional two years of experience as a registered prosthetic or orthotic technician and completion of certification examinations by the Canadian Board of Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists.

Date modified:: 2018-03-23

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