Certificate in Music, Media and Film Foundations

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

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.

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.

Build your career potential with an in-depth understanding of building and construction

Architectural Technology is the third year of an Ontario College Advanced Diploma program that prepares you for a career in the architectural profession and the construction industry. The program gives you the credentials, the knowledge and the skills necessary to further define your career. Graduates of the two-year Architectural Technician Ontario College Diploma program may consider taking the third year, Architectural Technology program to build on their previous studies.

In the Architectural Technology program, you focus on commercial construction and large buildings, as defined in the Ontario Building Code. You participate in a team project that brings together all facets of building construction, including:

• Design and technical resolution with the integration of building and material detailing
• Structural and mechanical layout design for a commercial building assembly
• Revit Architecture is used to execute the design and technical resolution for the project. 

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.

Graduates of this program may find work with:

• Architects` offices
• Contractors in multiple sectors
• Engineering offices
• Building materials sales representatives
• Municipal offices such as the City of Ottawa
• Federal and provincial agencies dealing with construction
• Drafting service offices using AutoCAD and Revit
• Real estate and facilities management companies
• Companies that provide construction, maintenance, and planning services 

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.

In the Electrical Engineering Technology Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, you use state-of-the-art facilities to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to enter the electrical engineering field. This program is the continuation of the Electrical Engineering Technician program, and is open to students who already have an Algonquin College Electrical Engineering Technician Ontario College Diploma and meet the admission requirements.

Through a series of theory courses and extensive practical labs, you learn skills specific to becoming an Electrical Engineering Technologist. You expand your knowledge base of the following:

• Electrical principles
• Codes
• Circuitry
• Industrial control systems
• Computer applications
• Machinery
• AutoCAD
• telecommunications
• Electronics
• Instrumentation and robotics

Take on a complex project, either in partnership with an industry client or based on your own research interest, and use project management skills learned in the program to analyze and solve it. Complete your project by creating deliverables, monitoring and controlling project resources, and presenting results both orally and through written presentations.

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.

Electives during this program help you specialize in either automation or utilities.

OACETT (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists) recognizes this program as meeting the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Technician (C.Tech) category. While a student, you are encouraged to register as an Associate member of OACETT.

Upon graduation, you may find employment in many different areas of the Electrical Engineering Technology field. You may have titles such as:

• Electrical designer
• Electrical technologist
• Electrical engineering technologist
• AutoCAD draftsperson
• Project estimator
• control system designer
• Instrumentation and controls (I&C) technologist
• Building automation engineering technologist
• Telecommunication quality assurance technologist

Paramedic is a two-year Ontario College Diploma program well suited for the students who are looking for a dynamic, challenging and professional career and are able to work effectively under stressful situations in challenging environments. 

The program revolves around professionalism and dedication, integrity, leadership, compassion and commitment are the learning outcomes. The curriculum is challenging and includes practical/laboratory, in-class and online learning, high fidelity simulation and hospital clinical and paramedic practicums allowing the students to develop the clinical reasoning skills necessary to deal with traumatic and medical emergencies and the ability to communicate effectively with patients, family members and healthcare professionals.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Communicate and interact effectively and appropriately with patients and others.
• Assess patients using relevant theory and practices and in compliance with current legislation, regulations, standards, and best practice guidelines.
• Establish patients` treatment and transport priorities based on assessment findings.
• Implement preventive and therapeutic patient management strategies to maintain and promote patients` well-being in compliance with current legislation, regulations, standards, and best practice guidelines.
• Integrate and perform delegated controlled medical acts in a simulated, clinical, and field setting.
• Evaluate in an ongoing manner the effectiveness of patient management strategies used and adapt or change strategies to provide optimal care for patients.
• Report and document patient information completely, accurately, and in a timely manner, in compliance with current legislation, regulations, standards, and applicable policies and procedures in a simulated, clinical, and/or field setting.
• Ensure personal safety and contribute to the safety of partners, patients, and others.
• Ensure the operational safety and preparedness of an ambulance and its equipment and operate an ambulance-type vehicle in a simulated setting.
• Collaborate with a broad range of personnel such as first responders, paramedics, emergency services personnel, health care professionals and other allied health care workers.
• Integrate and meet legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities while providing optimal care for patients.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

The Social Service Worker (Intensive) program, comprised of three terms, is an accelerated model of the two-year Social Service Worker program. This program is available for students who have completed prior post-secondary education in a related field (six courses in psychology, anthropology, and/or sociology).

Through theory and practical experiences, the program prepares you to support a wide range of client groups and communities who are in the process of change or growth, including those impacted by issues such as:

• loss and separation
• family crisis
• poverty
• violence
• homelessness
• addiction
• disability
• unemployment
• oppression
• resettlement issues

As a student, you complete one field placement experience totaling more than 350 hours. You identify, practice and incorporate theoretical knowledge at a level that provides top client service. As well, you strengthen the bond between yourself and the community by participating in various applied research projects and direct practice opportunities. With these opportunities, you are ready to work on the front line of social services.

Graduates may secure employment as Social Service Workers in provincial, municipal and private social service agencies including:

• drop-in centres
• employment services
• addiction and mental health services
• schools and youth services
• community health and resource centres
• shelters
• residential treatment programs

The one-year Scriptwriting Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with the knowledge, writing experience and hands-on skills necessary to become a writer in the ever-expanding fields of film, television, theatre, video and digital media content.

Discover your style and voice, as well as how to develop characters and write stories for any audience. By the end of the program, you possess an extensive professional-quality portfolio of work.

By analyzing issues and trends in film and media, you learn how to market your skills effectively and work professionally in our industries . Faculty are up-to-date, experienced professionals who help guide your projects. Guest speakers are regular visitors to your class and provide tips and advice on your potential career path.

At the end of the program, you have the opportunity to travel to Toronto and pitch your film or TV series ideas at major broadcasting and production companies. You also meet agents, distributors and accomplished screenwriters, and attend industry events during your three-day stay. It is a great opportunity to connect with important players in the industry and get their feedback on your projects.

You also expand your real-world experience with a 40-hour work placement. These placements are generally non-writing positions that allow you to learn more about how the production process works, make industry contacts and broaden your skill set.

Another opportunity that you may choose to participate in is the Hothouse Reading Series, which showcases short excerpts from students` plays read by professional actors. You receive feedback from the audience that provides you with invaluable insight to strengthen your writing.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Conceive, write, edit, revise and rewrite scripts using industry standard formats and technology.
• Function effectively as part of a writing and/or production team in the delivery of scripts.
• Apply production and business management skills to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines in the workplace.
• Critically evaluate the quality of product being presented for production.
• Develop strategies for personal and professional development by analyzing issues and trends in target industries.
• Ensure that all work is completed in compliance with applicable laws, statutory obligations, regulations, and industry principles and practices.
• Apply creative techniques for writing for a variety of media and styles.
• Work in a professional and ethical manner, maintain professional relationships, and communicate effectively with clients, co-workers, supervisors and others.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

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

Get the technical skills required to repair and modify automated equipment

The two-year Electromechanical Engineering Technician Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for many different career pathways. Industry professionals teach you the skills to repair and modify automated equipment in many different sectors.

In this program, you experience both classroom and lab-based hands-on learning. You develop team building skills and collaborate on class projects.

As a student in this program, you learn about:

• Electronic circuits
• Industrial pneumatics
• Computer-aided design
• Microcontrollers
• Digital logic
• Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
• Motor controls and machine tool operations
• Industrial robots
• Mechatronics  

The two-year Electrical Engineering Technician Ontario College Diploma program provides you with the essential knowledge and skills sought by employers in the industry. Develop skills in the design, installation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems from cable loops, phone and fire suppression systems to robotics and machinery.

Through a series of theory courses and extensive practical labs, you learn to use scientific and engineering principles, including:

• Foundation of electrical principles, codes and regulations
• How to design, install and troubleshoot electromagnetic controls, electrical machinery and programmable controllers
• The different instrumentation options available and the applicable use for them
• An understanding of robotics and controls as well as industrial telecommunications
• Critical thinking skills and an understanding of the environmental impact of technology
• AutoCAD and applications
• The different infrastructure requirements of distributed electrical systems or fire alarm system codes and standards, installation and maintenance
• Fundamentals of mathematics, calculus, technical communications for engineers, programming and computer applications
• Project management and leadership skills

OACETT (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists) recognizes this program as meeting the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Technician (C.Tech) category. While a student, you are encouraged to register as an Associate member of OACETT.

Graduates of the Electrical Engineering Technician program may pursue the Electrical Engineering Technology Ontario College Advanced Diploma to further open career options in the electrical engineering field. The advanced diploma also creates an opportunity to transfer into year 3 of the Electrical Engineering program at Lakehead University.

This program prepares you to work in a wide variety of careers in the electrical industry, including in areas such as electrical testing and maintenance, manufacturing and electrical automation.

Graduates may work in the electrical engineering field as a(n):

• Electrical designer
• Electrical technician/technologist electrical engineering technologist
• Robotics technician
• Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) technician
• Automation engineering technologist
• control/automation technician
• Instrument Technician