Diploma in Interactive Media Design

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

The two-year Computer Systems Technician - Networking Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a career in information technology with a focus on network and system administration.

You learn to set up, configure and maintain all components that constitute an effective network: computer hardware, operating systems, networking and virtualization technologies, security and task automation. In addition you develop problem solving skills and troubleshooting techniques to help support an IT infrastructure. Throughout the program, you also develop your oral and written communication skills, customer support, and ethics relevant to the information technology workplace.

As a student in this program, you have access to the latest software and equipment including Cisco and Aruba hardware labs, network-based operating systems, including Microsoft and GNU/Linux, as well as other industry-standard tools and resources.

This program offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience by taking part in back-to-back cooperative education (co-op) work terms (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.

You can work towards industry recognized certifications including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Linux+ and Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA). Upon successful completion of this program, you may transfer credit for the first two years of the Computer Systems Technology - Security three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma, as long as you meet its admissions requirements.

Upon graduation you may find employment opportunities in a wide range of sectors including government, private and public for entry-level positions or self-employment in:

• Network and systems administration
• IT infrastructure
• Installation, migration, and support
• Technical and customer service support
• Computer training and consultation

This one-year General Arts and Science - Pre-Trades Ontario College Certificate program lets you see what area of the trades you may decide to pursue as a career.
Explore six trades including:

• General machinist
• Building construction
• Cabinetmaking and furniture
• Sheet metal work
• Automotive
• Plumbing

The program provides hands-on experience, demonstrations and a basic understanding of the trades. Explore your interests and develop your skills. Clarify your career options and pathways, all in a post-secondary setting.

Completion of this program provides you with an Ontario College Certificate in General Arts and Science - One Year, with a concentration in Pre-Trades. The goal of the program is to prepare you for further study and success in other trade programs, rather than enabling you to move directly into your chosen industry.

When entering the workforce, you can demonstrate that you have well-developed skills and a general understanding in a variety of topics. Completion of this certificate confirms to potential employers that you have the ability to learn at a post-secondary level.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society.
• Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry.
• Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
• Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
• Employ basic vocational skills drawn from the areas of the Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences of Vocational Studies (Business, Technology).

Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), Dental Hygiene, Dental Hygiene is a three year Ontario College Advanced Diploma and is delivered over two and one-half years. The program strongly emphasizes on preparing graduates to function in a collaborative relationship with the community, healthcare providers and the client. 

The students, through the program, take up the role of a dental hygienist as an advocate, administrator, educator, researcher, clinician and health promoter and learn to offer dental hygiene care in a professional manner to their patients with complicated and diverse oral health needs. As members of a self-regulated profession, dental hygienists are responsible to the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario for their practice decisions.

The program lasts for two years and is delivered over 62 consecutive weeks and offers the students with the required technical skills and knowledge to carry out diagnostic procedures in the role of a Canadian and/or American Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and produce sonographic images.

The theoretical courses, the practical exposure, extensive clinical experience and simulation allows the students to acquire the ability to produce quality images of the internal structures of a human like the pelvic and abdominal organs, carotid arteries, superficial structures, fetal imaging and lower extremity venous imaging of the human body. The students work within an inter-professional healthcare team to deliver diagnostic and therapeutic skills and safe patient assessment consistent with best practice standards for diagnostic medical sonography.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is fully accredited, and on the successful completion of the national certification exams, a student is credentialed as an American Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and/or Canadian Generalist Sonographer 

All the international applicants who are eligible for the program need to complete preparatory courses (4-months in duration): Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS) and the students who complete the induction will then proceed to the original health program. Algonquin’s Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS) is curated to assist the international students in integrating into Canadian health studies as well as be successful in their future employment. 

The Regulatory Affairs - Sciences Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with the skills and knowledge to pursue an entry-level career in industry and government regulatory agencies in Canada.

The regulation of products in industries such as healthcare, biotechnology, food, industrial chemical and agrochemical is of international concern. The resulting increase in regulation has driven the demand for qualified individuals in regulatory affairs.

With a focus on protecting the safety of people and the environment, professionals in this field have a positive impact on the public good.

Understand the regulatory environment in Canada, including the socioeconomic aspects of:

• Regulations across industries
• How to interpret and apply regulations
• How to develop and manage regulatory submissions

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 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.

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 Computer Programmer Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a career in software development. The program also specializes in program development strategies (using object-oriented modelling), database design and database administration.

Use leading industry software products such as Oracle and CASE tools. Learn about programming languages such as Java, COBOL, SQL and PHP. Study object-oriented analysis and design, operating systems and coding in integrated environments, and learn how to debug, test, and maintain codes.

In your final semester, participate in a software development project working with external clients to gain real-world experience in the programming field.

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 work in a variety of different fields, as almost all sectors of industry require programmers. You may be employed as:

• A software programmer
• A web programmer
• A business programmer
• An application programmer

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 one-year Human Services Foundations Ontario College Certificate allows you to explore career opportunities within human services and prepare for the most appropriate academic and professional pathway for you. Human services supports individuals, families and communities to attain a higher quality of life. As a student, you examine how different human services professionals collaborate to contribute to a better society.

In this program, you develop core skills that are common to all areas of human services, such as relationship building, team work and stress management. You increase your own awareness of issues of diversity and inclusion in Canada and how social issues influence human and community development. You develop a strong understanding of client and community needs, and the impact that systemic barriers have on marginalizing specific populations. This exploration empowers you to select a population group and industry that you would like to focus on. You develop academic skills and career planning skills to support you through the next stages of your academic study.

This foundational training provides students with an introduction to more advanced human services programs including, but not limited to:

• Child and Youth Care
• Social Services Worker
• Community and Justice Services
• Early Childhood Education
• Developmental Services Worker