Applied science technology and engineering technology in Canada

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In Canada, a new occupational category of "technologist" was established in the 1960s in conjunction with an emerging system of community colleges and technical institutes. It was designed to effectively bridge the gap between the increasingly theoretical nature of engineering science degrees and the predominantly practical approach of technician and trades programs. Provincial associations may certify individuals as a professional technologist (P.Tech), certified engineering technologist (C.E.T.), registered engineering technologist (R.E.T.), applied science technologist (AScT) or technologue professionel (T.P.). These provincial associations are constituent members of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT), which nationally accredits technology programs across Canada through its Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB). Nationally accredited engineering technology programs range from two to three years in length, depending on province, with two-year programs leading to a C.Tech. certification and three-year programs usually leading to an AScT, CET or RET certification.

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Professional certification, trade certification, or professional designation, often called simply certification or qualification, is a designation earned by a person to assure qualification to perform a job or task. Not all certifications that use post-nominal letters are an acknowledgement of educational achievement, or an agency appointed to safeguard the public interest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Engineering technologist</span> Profession

An engineering technologist is a professional trained in certain aspects of development and implementation of a respective area of technology. An education in engineering technology concentrates more on application and less on theory than does an engineering education. Engineering technologists often assist engineers; but after years of experience, they can also become engineers. Like engineers, areas where engineering technologists can work include product design, fabrication, and testing. Engineering technologists sometimes rise to senior management positions in industry or become entrepreneurs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Surgical technologist</span> Profession

A surgical technologist, also called a scrub, scrub tech, surgical technician, or operating department practitioner or operating room technician, is an allied health professional working as a part of the team delivering surgical care. Surgical technologists are members of the surgical team. The members of the team include the surgeon, surgeon's assistant, circulator nurse and anesthesia provider. They possess knowledge and skills in sterile and aseptic techniques. There are few mandatory professional requirements for surgical technologists, and the scope of practice varies widely across countries and jurisdictions. Surgical technologists attend junior colleges and technical schools, and many are trained in military schools. In the military they perform the duties of both the circulator and the scrub. The goal is for surgical technologists to be able to anticipate the next move the surgeon is going to make in order to make the procedure as smooth and efficient as possible. They do this by having knowledge of hundreds of surgical procedures and the steps the surgeon needs to take in order to complete the procedure, including the very wide range of surgical instruments they may need. Specialties can include, but are not limited to, the following: genitourinary, obstetrics and gynaecology, urology, ENT, plastics, general, orthopedics, neurology, and cardiovascular. They only work in surgical or perioperative areas and are highly specialized. Surgical technologist is the proper term for a two-year program which earns a degree in applied sciences. The profession is up and coming and highly in demand.

The Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Prince Edward Island (ACETTPEI) is Prince Edward Island's independent certifying body for engineering/applied science technicians and technologists.

The Sydney Accord is an international mutual recognition agreement for qualifications in the fields of engineering technology.

Certified engineering technologist (CET) is a Canadian professional certification awarded on the basis of academic qualification and work experience. Abbreviated as C.E.T., most Canadian provincial engineering and applied science technology associations offer this certification. Certification is voluntary and does not represent a provincial regulatory requirement or a statutory required license.

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) is an organization that was established in 1961 to create a recognized certification for engineering technicians and technologists within the United States. A 1981 study by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), requested by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' SubCommittee On Construction (AASHTO SCOC), prompted the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) to merge two certification bodies; the Institute for the Certification of Engineering Technicians (ICET) and the Engineering Technologist Certification Institute. The result is a nonprofit organization that provides a nationally recognized and accepted procedure for recognition of qualified engineering technicians and technologists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Engineering technician</span>

An engineering technician is a professional trained in skills and techniques related to a specific branch of technology, with a practical understanding of the relevant engineering concepts. Engineering technicians often assist in projects relating to research and development, or focus on post-development activities like implementation or operation.

A professional technologist (P.Tech) is a class of certification of engineering technologist and professional technologist in Canada and Malaysia respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists</span>

The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, or OACETT, is a not-for-profit, self-governing organization in Ontario, Canada. It is a professional association that promotes the interests of engineering and applied science technicians and technologists to industry, educational institutions, government and with the public. It currently has 24,000+ members.

The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET), is a professional association located in Alberta, Canada. The organization represents applied science and engineering technology professionals in industry, educational institutions, the public and the government. ASET also evaluates the qualifications of individuals who voluntarily apply for certification and issues professional credentials accordingly. It also delivers a number of benefits and services to its members and their employers.

Applied science technologist (AScT) is a Canadian professional certification awarded on the basis of academic qualification and work experience. Abbreviated as A.Sc.T., some, but not all, Canadian provincial engineering and applied science technology associations offer this certification.

Island Technology Professionals is Prince Edward Island's independent certifying body for engineering/applied science technicians and technologists. It is an official trade name of the Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Prince Edward Island.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba</span>

The Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM) is a regulated profession in Manitoba responsible for certifying engineering/applied science technicians and technologists. The Certified Applied Science Technologists Act assented on June 29, 1998.

Technology Professionals Saskatchewan (TPS) is Saskatchewan's only independent regulatory body in the Province of Saskatchewan that registers professionals in applied science and engineering technology.

The Society of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Nova Scotia, also called TechNova Certified Technology Professionals, is Nova Scotia's independent certifying body for engineering/applied science technicians and technologists.

Certified engineering technician (CTech) is a Canadian professional certification awarded on the basis of academic qualification and work experience. Abbreviated as C.Tech., most Canadian provincial engineering and applied science technology associations offer this certification. They are closely related to a certified engineering technologist and share the same professional association.

The Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Newfoundland and Labrador (AETTNL) is Newfoundland and Labrador's independent certifying body for engineering/applied science technicians and technologists.

The Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC), is British Columbia's regulating body for engineering/applied science technicians and technologists in British Columbia.

Technology Professionals Canada (TPC) is an organization that advocates for the professions of technicians, applied science technologists and engineering technologists within the provinces of their member organizations.

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