Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology (Co-op)

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

Gain the analytical thinking and problem-solving skills for a career in programming and software development.

The three-year Computer Engineering Technology - Computing Science Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you for an information technology (IT) career in the private or public sectors. You gain the knowledge and skills to use a broad range of IT-based analytical thinking and problem-solving skills in support of the day-to-day operation of an enterprise`s software systems or in the development of new systems.

Learn a variety of programming languages (Java, C#, C++, C, and others) and operating systems (Windows, Unix/Linux, and QNX). In addition, you study the development tools and debugging techniques used to design, code and test integrated and/or embedded applications and software systems.

In your final year, you work in teams on sponsored real-world projects to develop a comprehensive application as part of the software engineering portion of the program. You also have the opportunity to select an elective course from an approved list, in areas that include graphics/multimedia, advanced database programming, android, business programming (Cobol), security and advanced web programming.

The majority of the program consists of courses in systems programming, software development, testing and maintenance. The balance of the curriculum consists of courses in technical communications skills (both oral and written), mathematics and general education electives.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

Graduates may find employment as systems, integration, and applications programmers and/or testers, and as customer service representatives providing training and product support to clients of high technology corporations.

• Graduates may also pursue careers in such diverse areas as:
• Game and multimedia development
• GUI (graphical user interface) development
• IT communications, IT security, real-time and database systems
• Web-based applications
• Technical roles in all levels of government (federal, provincial, and municipal) 

The one-year Geographic Information Systems Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with knowledge and skills relating to geographic and cartographic science, with a focal point on information systems technology.

In this program, you use both hands-on and theoretical approaches to explore topics such as:

• Field data collection
• Programming
• Remote sensing
• Enterprise geo-database design and management
• Cloud-based services
• Application development
• 2D and 3D cartographic design
• Spatial analysis and project management

A key part of this program is the independent project that you begin in your first semester and complete throughout your studies. You identify an area of interest, develop a project proposal, and then implement and complete your project, all in collaboration with an industry or government sponsor.

Cooperative education (Co-op)    
Cooperative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience though paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op online readiness activities and in-person workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and facilitates the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to re-locate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses.

The Technical Writer Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with the skills and training needed for a career in technical communication. Throughout this one-year program, you create different types of workplace documents to help users enjoy all features of a product, service or information. In particular, you learn to:

• Research and analyze technical material
• Connect with an intended audience
• Use specialized tools to author documents
• Manage multiple projects to meet the goals of a group
• Create structured documents that cater to different user tasks

These skills are so highly prized in the workplace that you can choose to work in either the public or the private sector, and in a freelance, part-time or full-time capacity.

The Technical Writer program will teach you how to create different kinds of online and print documents such as instruction sets, training materials, user manuals, white papers, proposals, online help, instructional videos and podcasts.

Through a combination of real-world learning, group projects, and collaborative learning activities, you can confidently apply these skills in all areas of industry including manufacturing, health and medicine, government, high-tech and private training institutions.

Information Communications Technologies (ICT`s) are a critical aspect of modern digital health ecosystems, supporting healthcare delivery through the provision of timely and reliable information for patient care, scientific research, strategic decision-making, data analytics and consumer health applications. This four-year bachelor`s degree prepares students for a career in today`s digital health workforce by providing knowledge, skills and competencies in the related domains of health technology studies, business technology management, and software development. Students build a multidisciplinary set of competencies through immersive learning simulations, innovative laboratory exercises and applied digital health projects in order to leverage essential technologies and systems to become successful healthcare technology professionals. Students inform and shape the future of healthcare by contributing to the design, development and improvement of innovative healthcare technologies, such as mobile health apps, hospital information systems, clinical decision aids and business intelligence applications.

Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge through online, in-class, clinical and simulation-based learning experiences. Students apply analytical and leadership skills in a hands-on, research-rich learning environment throughout the program. Students have the opportunity to further apply and refine skills and knowledge while working in project teams during a co-operative work experience in industry.

Graduates have a unique blend of practical knowledge and abilities that can be leveraged in the health, technology and business sectors. Graduates are well positioned to find employment in healthcare institutions (e.g. hospitals, clinics, public health units, laboratories), digital health consulting firms, government (both federal and provincial), or other private sector digital health solution providers. Graduates also have the option to pursue further academic studies in the field.

The Bachelor of Technology (Digital Health)(Honours) program is aligned with the learning outcomes and competencies published by the Business Technology Management (BTM) standards. Algonquin College has initiated the accreditation process with BTM.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Analyze, design, develop, implement and maintain business systems and/or components to support strategic business requirements.
• Manage the process of evaluating, selecting and using business systems.
• Apply accepted methodologies, theories, concepts and practices to develop and improve business and healthcare systems.
• Manage data using appropriate methodologies, and standards to improve healthcare and business processes and decision-making.
• Apply the Project Management Institute`s Body of Knowledge to business systems projects.
• Apply security principles and practices in systems development and the systems environment.
• Apply principles and skills of business management, leadership and change management in the context of business systems development.
• Apply quality assurance and quality management principles to business systems development projects.
• Educate a diversity of clients in the use of business technology to support, promote and improve business and healthcare processes, and healthy-living initiatives.
• Apply effective business technology management skills to innovate in digital health targeting new and existing local and global markets.
• Adhere to professional, ethical and legal codes and standards related to digital health.
• Conduct and evaluate research to contribute to evidence-based practice in digital health contexts.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
• Analyze and evaluate how digital health solutions influence healthcare business practices, quality of care and patient safety.
• Assess how differing value judgments associated with the practice of healthcare, business management and information technology impact digital health decision-making.

The two-year Cardiovascular Technology Ontario College Diploma program provides you with the essential knowledge and technical skills required to perform electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests and ambulatory monitoring in the role of a cardiovascular technologist. Professionals in this field work closely with patients to diagnose cardiac conditions.

Emphasizing a hands-on approach through in-class clinical simulation and clinical practice, this program is aligned with the competencies outlined by the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT) National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP). Areas of focus include performing various non-invasive cardiac testing such as:

• Electrocardiography
• Stress testing
• Ambulatory monitoring
• Pacemaker follow-up

You develop critical thinking by integrating knowledge of cardiac anatomy, pharmacology and various pathophysiology to provide accurate diagnostic information to members of the health care team.

Graduates of this program are eligible to write the CSCT national certification exam. Upon successful completion of this exam, graduates become Registered Cardiology Technologists (RCT). This provides employment opportunities across Canada in:

• Hospitals
• Private cardiac clinics
• Physicians`offices
• Cardiac rehabilitation centres
• Pacemaker clinics
• Ambulatory monitoring health services
• Medical sales or research

Graduates may pursue post-graduate studies in such areas as diagnostic cardiac sonography, pacemaker technology or cardiac electrophysiology technology.

The Cyber Security Analysis (CSA) Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is designed to prepare you to meet the market demand for cyber security professionals in the public and private sector.

Throughout the program, you focus analytically on key cyber security principles including threat and vulnerability management, event analysis, laws and ethics relating to security compliance and implementation, cryptographic solutions for data confidentiality and communication protection, cyber incident response, digital forensics processes, disaster recovery and business continuity following cyber incidents and related tools and security appliances. You develop the skills and knowledge necessary to select and deploy the optimal tools and security solutions given unique scenarios.

Graduates possess the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to assess, recommend, implement and troubleshoot various advanced security solutions and countermeasures. Utilizing IT concepts and tools, you evaluate the technical aspects and risk levels of security solutions, security and penetration tests and vulnerability assessments. You also examine the legal process and proper evidence gathering procedures, effective design of corporate security policies, analysis and management of risks or threats as well as ethical and social implications related to security, Canadian and International laws, privacy laws and compliance. Algonquin College`s state-of-the-art computing facilities, running the latest Windows and Linux/UNIX-based operating system (O/S) platforms and supporting a wide variety of pre-installed software applications, support you to be well-prepared for entry into the field of cyber security. You gain exposure to real-world technologies currently used within industry including specialized networking, Cisco and hardware labs along with several network-based O/S servers. The Cyber Security Analysis curriculum has been designed to closely align with the Canadian Center for Cyber Security`s (CCCS) curriculum guidelines and also assists in preparing graduates to achieve a number of industry certifications. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to attain certifications including:

• ISC2 SSCP and CISSP
• SANS GSEC and other GIAC certifications
• EC-Council`s CEH and CHFI
• CompTia CySA+ and CASP

Earn a flexible diploma that shows you are aware of all areas of business, and that you also have specialized education in accounting.

Accounting is one of seven majors available to Business Administration students. This three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program starts with three semesters, learning a variety of essential business skills, before ultimately deciding on a major.

The program prepares you for a challenging and rewarding career in the accounting industry. Accounting is often referred to as the backbone of business - businesses need skilled accountants to monitor financial accounts in order to operate effectively and efficiently.

This program enables you to provide businesses with the complete and accurate financial picture they need to thrive.

Study all major areas of accounting including:

• Financial accounting
• Managerial accounting
• Taxation
• Financial management

Practise recording financial transactions, preparing/presenting financial statements, reports and other documents, and using current accounting software.

You may find employment in both the public and private sectors in roles such as:

• Accounting assistant
• Accounting associate
• Accounting clerk
• Junior financial analyst
• Junior staff accountant 

There are opportunities in a variety of work environments, including:

• Accounting firms
• Small and medium-sized businesses
• Service organizations
• Government departments
• Financial institutions 

Medical Device Reprocessing is a unique Ontario College Certificate program that combines theory, lab practice, simulation and hands-on experience. This one-year program prepares you to apply principles of infection prevention and proper handling of reusable patient care equipment in healthcare settings.

As a student, you explore various areas including:

• Human anatomy
• Medical terminology
• Patient interventions
• Employee and patient safety

Gain manual dexterity by practising with equipment and surgical instrumentation in simulation labs as well as operating equipment in clinical healthcare settings. Collectively, these practices will prepare you for work in the healthcare field. Benefit from more than 130 hours of clinical practice, which provides the opportunity for integrating theory and principles into hands-on practice.

Upon graduating, you may find work in healthcare facilities, which may include:

• Hospital medical device reprocessing departments
• Public and private clinics
• Dental clinics
• Surgical centres

The four-year Bachelor of Public Safety (Honours) degree program imparts the theory and hands-on instruction allowing you to develop a systematic approach to public safety to counter, coordinate and investigate man-made and natural threats to individuals, information systems security, critical infrastructure, organizations, companies, and governments.

You learn the proven and sound principles of public safety within the context of Canadian legislation. Theoretical and experiential courses, combined with applied research and two co-op work terms, provide you with work-integrated learning opportunities, as well as the opportunity to develop and build investigative and analytical problem-solving skills. You develop inter-professional capabilities using a collaborative approach to addressing public safety situations.

This program prepares you for positions in the field of public safety encompassing security, countering crime, and emergency management. Graduates may find public safety employment opportunities in policing and the military, as well as various public and private sector organizations, government and non-profit organizations.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Design, apply and validate security, emergency and business continuity measures conforming to current industry practices.
• Investigate, document and report security related incidents in accordance with accepted investigative practices.
• Comply with established national, provincial and local laws, legislation, policies, and professional and ethical standards pertaining to public safety.
• Analyze and interpret security related case scenarios using quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Develop and communicate plans and recommendations that integrate the results of research, assessment and investigations.
• Adopt and use information technologies in accordance with current industry standards.
• Use strategic leadership and critical thinking in professional roles and in decision-making contexts.
• Develop operational threat mitigation strategies consistent with a fact-based assessment of geo-political trends.
• Respond to emerging situations using the principles of crisis management.
• Develop public safety strategies that synthesize current scholarly thinking and emerging trends in the field.
• Lead personnel and manage facilities while applying standard business practices.
• Design, implement, manage and evaluate security awareness education initiatives.
• Adapt to changes in employment requirements through the development, implementation and updating of professional and personal development plans.
• Work with diverse stakeholders and populations.
• Work with other professionals by applying the principles of inter-professional practice.
• Research and analyze criminal behaviour within the broader context of social trends in today`s society consistent with current scholarly thinking.

Co-op Information:
Cooperative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience though paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op online readiness activities and in-person workshops. For more information Click on

Reputation can be a company`s biggest asset: develop public relations expertise blending theory with practical experience.

The two-year Public Relations Ontario College Diploma program emphasizes professionalism and attention to detail, as well as creative and critical thinking in all public relations activities. In this program, you acquire both theoretical and applied knowledge, and gain real-world experience by working with not-for-profit organizations to help them reach their target audiences.

Learn how to deliver strategically sound, creative and robust public relations solutions, which may include media relations, social media, and event coordination. The program combines theory with hands-on experience in:

• Writing
• Editing
• Visual communications
• Time/resource management
• Research and measurement
• Public speaking
• Teamwork
• Media monitoring and social listening