Technologist

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In many countries, Technologists are synonymous with applied scientists or engineers. Other countries have a clear distinction defined in law and only individuals who have graduated an accredited curriculum in technology, and have a significant amount of work experience in their field may become certified.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Canada

In Canada, the Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) and Applied Science Technologist (AScT) designations were created in the 1960s with the goal to effectively bridge the gap between the theoretical nature of engineering degrees and the practical approach of technician programs. Two-year technician and three-year technology programs are traditionally delivered by colleges and technical institutes.

[edit] United States

Beginning in the 1950s and 1960s, some post-secondary institutions within the United States began offering degrees in Technology (or Engineering Technology). This was to address a need within the scientific, manufacturing, and engineering communities, as well as other industries, for professionals with hands-on and applications-based engineering knowledge. Depending on the institution, associate and/or bachelor degrees are offered, with some institutions also offering advanced degrees.

Technologist are faced with significant bias against their profession within the United States. It is common for corporations to suggest that a Technologist take the job title of a Technician. The title of Technician does not convey the appropriate status that reflects the superior education that a Technologist has obtained. Technicians typically hold a two year associates degree while a Technologists usually hold bachelors degrees.

[edit] Certification of Technologists

See: professional certification.

[edit] Educational Component

In general, an engineering technologist has a broad range of applied science and applied mathematics training. A technologist will also have the fundamentals of engineering related to a particular specialty or area of focus as their major.

He is expected to have had some coursework in ethics.

In the United States of America, Technologist certification requires a bachelor's degree in an engineering technology program accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC/ABET). One may also obtain a technology degree from an accredited industrial technology program. Industrial Technology programs are accredited through The National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT).

Industrial Technology is a field of study designed to prepare technical and/or management oriented professionals for employment in business, industry, education, and government. Industrial Technology is primarily involved with the management, operation, and maintenance of complex technological systems while Engineering and Engineering Technology are primarily involved with the design and installation of these systems.

Information Technology is a field of study designed to prepare technical and/or management oriented professionals for employment in business, industry, education and government. Information Technology is primarily involved with the management, operation, and maintenance of computer systems and networks, along with an application of technology in diverse fields such as Architecture, Engineering, Multimedia Design, Telecommunications, Computer Science and Network Security.

[edit] Work Experience Component

A certified engineering technologist must apprentice for a term, usually two years, before being able to apply for certification through a local governing body. In that time the technologist must have completed tasks which directly apply to their area of study.

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies(NICET) awards certification at two levels depending on work experience: the Associate Engineering Technologist (AT) and the Certified Engineering Technologist (CT).

In Canada, technology program certification is done through the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB), often in conjunction with provincial associations that are affiliated with the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists. Graduated technologists are certified by their provincial bodies.

The National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT) awards two levels of certification in Industrial Technology: (1) Certified Industrial Technologist (CIT) and (2) Certified Senior Industrial Technologist (CSIT). While the CIT certification is obtained through examination, the CSIT requires a minimum of five years of industry experience and continuous improvement demonstrated every five years via the obtainment of professional development units (PDUs).

[edit] Occupations

In simplest terms a technologist can perform most of the functions of an engineer or scientist and is usually working as part of a team with them. In some jurisdictions a technologist may even be able to sign and take responsibility for engineering work.

Industrial Technologists may also serve an organization well in a mid-level technical management occupations due to their required management coursework component.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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