Certificate in Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

The one-year, two-semester Veterinary Assistant Ontario College Certificate program provides you with a strong foundation of theory and practical skills necessary to provide quality care and support in the veterinary clinics and related animal care settings. Areas of study include animal handling and restraint techniques, surgical preparation, common diseases, animal behavior, laboratory procedures, grooming techniques, business procedures, client service skills. The development of strong interpersonal and communication skills is emphasized. The program relies on a variety of course delivery formats including traditional in-class labs and lectures, hybrid and off-site labs. The focus is primarily companion animal care, with additional information on large animal, shelter animal and laboratory animal care.

Employment opportunities for veterinary assistants are varied and may include veterinary clinics, animal shelter and rescue organizations, wildlife sanctuaries, research facilities, grooming and pet care businesses.

Computer Systems Technology Security is a three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma that prepares the students for significant roles in securing the integrity, critical data of a business, confidentiality, network infrastructure and transactions while developing the practical hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge to implement, recommend and solve various advanced security solutions and countermeasures.

During the course, the students learn to employ common techniques and tools used in investigations and digital forensics, deploy modern security countermeasures against threats to the IT infrastructure, explore how to participate in the investigation and incident response process effectively and how to validate and evaluate security controls. The curriculum also includes topics like Canadian/International laws, assess the technical aspects and risk levels of security solutions, privacy laws and compliance, ethical and social implications related to security, the legal process and proper evidence gathering procedures, analyzing and managing risk/threats, security and penetration tests and vulnerability assessments, designing effective corporate security policies and IT forensic concepts and tools

The graduates of the course may find jobs in various industrial, service, private and industrial sectors, public organizations (financial, healthcare), privately managed security firms, users of information networks, including government organizations; small, medium-sized and large business enterprises, ; law enforcement agencies (RCMP, OPP, local police forces) and associated security agencies (CSIS, CSE), primary communications carriers, information service providers, information technology consulting firms and security audit/penetration consulting firms.

The students may secure job positions in the Information Technology environment like that of a corporate information security or security administrator (junior to intermediate level); corporate information security manager/officer (junior to intermediate level); network security specialist (junior to intermediate level); IT/network security consultant (junior to intermediate level); IT/network security architect/designer (junior to intermediate level); security auditor/penetration tester (junior to intermediate level); digital forensic analyst/consultant/investigator (junior to intermediate level); IT/network security and compliance analyst/investigator (junior to intermediate level); technical support specialist - security (intermediate level); technical integration sales representative and support (intermediate level).

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Analyze and resolve information technology problems through the application of systematic approaches and diagnostic tools.
• Analyze, plan, design, and implement computer systems.
• Analyze, plan, design, and implement networking solutions.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, monitor, maintain, upgrade, and optimize computer systems.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, monitor, maintain, upgrade, and optimize networks.
• Use a variety of scripting tools and languages to automate routine tasks.
• Participate in the deployment and administration of databases within a networked environment.
• Plan, develop, and be responsible for data storage to ensure the integrity of information.
• Apply knowledge of security issues to the implementation of information technology solutions.
• Appraise existing security solutions with a view to on-going maintenance, development, and improvement of organizational security.

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

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.

The Environmental Management and Assessment Ontario College Graduate Certificate program adds depth to your existing expertise in the environmental management and assessment field. Highly skilled and environmentally aware professionals are constantly being sought out by employers in the field. This program enhances your knowledge of environmental sciences.

Gain essential knowledge and skills by studying a range of disciplines throughout this program, including:

• Ecological conservation
• Project management
• Environmental policy and reporting
• Contaminant control
• GIS and environmental map design

Take courses in hydrology, environmental modelling and environmental policies. Courses are offered on evenings and weekends.
Field experiences throughout the program give you integrative skills that employers of this expanding field are looking for.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term. Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability.

Graduates of this program may be employed in a number of fields including:

• Ecology research and reporting
• Water and wastewater monitoring
• Site assessments
• Cost proposals
• Pollution prevention and control
• Regulatory compliance
• Policy development

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.

International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document, International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is a mandatory part of an academic program. For more information, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.

Specialize with a challenging and inspiring career in human resources

Human Resources is one of seven majors that Business Administration students can select. In the second half of the three-year Business Administration Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, you select a major to specialize in. Prior to selecting a major, you develop a strong foundation various business skills.

The Business Administration - Human Resources program prepares you for a rewarding career in the field of human resources management.

Learn about various specializations of human resources management, including:

• Human resources planning
• Recruitment and selection
• Compensation and benefits design and administration
• Training and development
• Labour relations
• Occupational health and safety
• Employee and organizational research
• Employee relations
• The procurement, implementation, and maintenance of information systems
• Relevant human resources and organizational management legislation

Benefit from completing an optional 30-hour field placement in your final semester and apply your knowledge and skills in a real work environment.

The one-year Advanced Care Paramedic Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is accredited by EQual Accreditation Canada and adheres to the National Occupation Competency Profile for advanced care paramedic practice. It is designed to train current Primary Care Paramedics (PCP) in all aspects of advanced care paramedicine.

Build on your existing knowledge and skills to develop greater critical-thinking processes, increased leadership qualities, and master advanced skills in respiratory care, cardiac care, pharmacology, trauma care, obstetrics and pediatrics care and medical emergencies.

The program is comprised of three components:

• A didactic and scenario practice portion which is scheduled three days per week for 14 weeks;
• One hospital clinical practicum which is approximately 200 hours spread over the second and third semesters; and
• A preceptorship (672 hours paramedic practicum) which is scheduled over a 17-week period. Students must take a comprehensive written examination and oral board examination with the program medical director at the end of the practicum.

The authority to practice as an advanced care paramedic student (ACP) is contingent on being in good standing with a Paramedic Service (if applicable) and upon certification by a medical director.

The one-year Marketing Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate prepares you to thrive in today`s marketing industry. Analyze consumer attitudes and behaviours in regards to products and services in our rapidly changing world. Through a creative, flexible and customer-focused approach, develop an understanding of both domestic and international marketing issues.

Among other topics, you develop a critical understanding of the competitive and customer-oriented demands of a business, its product and service operations and its marketing processes and resources. Acquire creative, procedural and critical marketing expertise to generate, implement and evaluate marketing programs that satisfy customer requirements.

Act as consultants and complete an industry project where you apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world situation by developing a marketing plan and strategy for a local organization.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Develop a promotion mix for marketing a product or service based on an identified target market within conventional and digital media spaces.
• Develop domestic and global pricing strategies which take into account perceived value, competitive environment, and corporate objectives.
• Develop strategies for efficient distribution of products and services.
• Design and modify strategies for developing a new brand or product portfolio or improvise an existing brand or product in the context of marketing objectives and evolving market trends.
• Analyze the Canadian and global marketing environment, segment and target markets, position products, develop lifecycles and evaluate marketing results with respect to costs, sales and profits.
• Formulate a comprehensive marketing plan including marketing research, competitive analysis, target market, marketing objectives, marketing mix, marketing strategies and evaluation criteria in both Canadian and International markets.
• Create and convey a marketing communications plan integrating various aspects of traditional and digital communications.
• Conduct primary and secondary research using both qualitative and quantitative methods on internal and external environmental factors in order to evaluate the current situation and draw a future marketing roadmap for an organization or a particular product or service.
• Create personal professional development strategies and plans to enhance leadership knowledge, human resource management skills, and marketing expertise in order to improve individual and team performance within the marketing function of an organization.
• Employ marketing management techniques in the planning, directing, and controlling of an enterprise.
• Develop strategies to establish, enhance and maintain working relationships with clients, consumers, customers and stakeholders within conventional and online domains.
• Recognize and address ethical dilemmas and corporate citizenship, applying ethical and organizational values to marketing situations.
• Apply the key constructs in consumer behaviour to marketing a product or service in Canadian and international markets.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

This one-year Design foundation Ontario College Certificate allows you to develop fundamental design skills and to explore a range of design-related disciplines, in order to discover where your strengths and interests lie.

Throughout the program, you develop foundational knowledge and skills used in a variety of design elements such as:

• Principles of design and layout
• Typography
• Drawing and sketching
• Perspective
• Colour theory
• 3D structure
• Time management
• Web design
• Industry-standard software.

You explore your own aptitudes and interests through research and a speaker series of professionals, to help determine which area of design best suits you. Your work accumulates into a portfolio that represents your best design and artwork, which can be used to apply for future programs of study. An annual showcase provides an opportunity to exhibit your portfolio and interact with industry professionals, peers and the community.

Take an international view with a challenging and rewarding career in global supply chain management

With a focus on global business, the Supply Chain Management - Global Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for careers in the fields of logistics, procurement, and supply chain and operations management.

Businesses look to global supply chains to extend their entry into new markets and to expand their access to a wide range of resources beyond the local market. In this program you explore ways to integrate end-to-end supply chain functions from raw material suppliers to the final customer and align them with companies` product and service strategies. Topics include procurement and purchasing; transportation and logistics; and business analytics and process improvement.

Benefit from the experience of and engagement with industry professionals as you explore real-world scenarios and case studies related to online retailer value chains and sustainable product life-cycles. Gain the skills and experience necessary to be successful in a high-performing team environment including leadership, communication and continuous improvement.

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.

As a graduate of the Supply Chain Management - Global program, you may find employment in private, public and non-profit organizations such as:

• Warehousing and distribution centers
• Online and traditional retailers
• Freight transportation and logistics
• Third-party logistics (3PL)
• First mile and mid-mile logistics
• Manufacturing

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.