Graduate Certificate in Technical Writer

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

The two-year Business - Marketing Ontario College Diploma program provides learners with a strong theoretical marketing foundation and the opportunity to apply it through hands-on industry projects, assignments and simulation tools. You develop the knowledge and applied skills to succeed in a wide range of marketing and business roles. Additionally, you use computing technology in a collaborative learning environment to learn, develop and apply the technical skills that employers desire.

Learn about how marketing affects the operations of a business - from product conception to launch and delivery.

Explore concepts such as:

• Marketing to the consumer and business marketplace
• Product and pricing strategies
• Marketing planning and decision-making
• Global marketing
• Marketing communications and promotions
• Marketing research
• Professional selling
• Sales management
• Digital marketing and distribution

Complete hands-on assignments that involve case studies, simulation platforms, research assessments and role-playing. You also have the opportunity to work with industry clients in the program, including developing a full marketing plan for a local client.

Cooperative education (Co-op)
Cooperative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through 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.

Today`s global business environment requires students that have developed the ability to become technology professionals capable of creating and implementing information and communications technology solutions to achieve competitive advantages, productivity gains, and innovation. This four-year degree program prepares students for a career in business software systems development and technology management by providing skills and competencies in two closely related disciplines, technology and business. Our program curriculum provides the necessary key knowledge in software development and business technology management required by business and offers students the opportunity to use, develop, and research emerging business technologies such as mobile and wearable computing, artificial intelligence and agent technologies.

Students gain practical experience in technology project management, systems analysis and design, software development and implementation, data analysis, database technologies, operating systems, web applications and information security. When combined with knowledge of business principles, economics, accounting, internal audit and human resource management, students develop a unique skill set critical for strategic information and communications technology development environments.

Graduates have a unique blend of applied knowledge and skills in core competencies in software development and business, including the project management book of knowledge (PMBOK) and the business analysis book of knowledge (BABOK). Students gain significant hands-on experience through online, in-class, simulation-based learning experiences and experiential learning activities such as co-op work terms and interdisciplinary final year team-based projects. The combination of knowledge, skills and experience allows students to integrate quickly into the complex global technology and business workforce in entry level information communications technology positions.

The Bachelor of Technology (Business Systems Development) (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.
• Develop and improve business systems by applying accepted methodologies, theories, concepts and practices.
• Manage data using appropriate methodologies and standards to improve business processes and decision-making.
• Apply the Project Management Institute`s Body of Knowledge to business systems software engineering 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 software engineering.
• 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 processes.
• Apply business technology management skills to innovate in business systems development targeting new and existing local and global markets.
• Adhere to professional, ethical and legal codes and standards.
• Conduct and evaluate research to contribute to evidence-based practice in business systems development.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
• Leverage artificial intelligence and agent technologies to support short and long term business decisions

The two-year Building Construction Technician Ontario College Diploma program provides you with the opportunity to learn the basics of the construction industry, including techniques, industry trends, and safety. This diploma program is offered in a condensed 42-week format, allowing you to quickly get the education you need, so you can get moving into your career.

Hands-on from day one, learn various skills that give you the foundation to get started in the construction industry, including:

• How to safely work on a construction site
• Drafting
• Structure design
• Building of different structures in our modern lab setting
• Industry-standard computer applications such as AutoCAD

All practical classes are taught in the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) facility. ACCE is fully outfitted with up-to-date equipment and tools, which gives you the opportunity to learnboth traditional, as well as advanced technology used in today`s construction industry.

Approved by the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario and accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Respiratory Therapy Education, Respiratory Therapy is a three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program offered by Algonquin College. The program is well suited for all the students who have strong observational and analytical skills, possess an applied technical aptitude, are able to work effectively under stressful situations and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills while interacting with patients, their families and other members of the healthcare team. 

During the course, the students participate in multiple clinical simulations, learning to apply their theoretical knowledge to clinical practice and promoting critical thinking. Besides, the students also learn how to adapt themselves to situations and concepts to meet the needs of the patients and work in a professional tea, structure in a private or a public setting. 

The graduates of the course of the program can find jobs as staff therapists in hospitals in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, emergency departments and cardiopulmonary diagnostic units, etc., or in medical sales, dental offices, research, physicians’ offices and community care. The graduates may also pursue post-graduate studies in areas like cardiopulmonary perfusion, polysomnography and anesthesia assistant. 

Registered respiratory therapists and the graduates who are working in regulated provinces need to be members of their Regulatory College, the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO). The successful completion of the National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies credential exam, conducted by the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC), allows the graduates to work in Canada.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Practice in a professional manner.
• Practice competently, safely and effectively in diverse practice settings.
• Communicate effectively with clients and health care team members.
• Participate as a team member to support clients` achievement of their health outcomes.
• Assess clients in a comprehensive manner.
• Collect and interpret information to plan, implement and evaluate outcomes based practice.
• Select and use a variety of respiratory modalities to support clients’ achievement of their health outcomes.
• Collaborate with clients and health care team members to develop,
• Implement and evaluate clients` learning plans.
• Integrate theory principles and concepts into respiratory practice.
• Incorporate research theory into practice.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

The three-year Game - Development Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to enter into the increasingly competitive profession of game development with confidence. This program provides you with hands-on learning and a team-oriented environment that simulates the work setting found in large game studios. Throughout the program, you learn the design and critical thinking skills needed to find employment in the game development industry.

As a student, you learn how to create games of strategy and skill in an applied setting. During your first year, you gain knowledge in basic programming syntax and game development software tools. You enhance your skills with courses in:

• Game design and development
• Traditional and digital imaging
• Authoring
• Animation
• Programming

For your final project, you work with your classmates to conceptualize, design and implement a complete 3D game title. After graduation, you have the skills to demonstrate you are ready to start your career in this highly-competitive field.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Analyze the differences in game genres in order to develop games that meet the needs of specific markets.
• Analyze the history of video games to compare various approaches to game development.
• Support the development of games by identifying and relating concepts from a range of industry roles-programming, design, and art.
• Contribute as an individual and a member of a game development team to the effective completion of a game development project.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the games industry.
• Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and codes of ethics.
• Apply conceptual game design elements to support the ongoing iteration, creation, programming, design, and development of games.
• Apply practical game design elements to support the ongoing iteration, creation, programming, design and developing of unique gaming environments, levels, characters, assets and props.
• Apply programming principles and techniques to create operational games or game components.
• Apply artificial intelligence and/or network implementation strategies to support real-time game environments and simulations.
• Utilize game engine functionality at an advanced level to support real-time games and simulations.
• Create original game props, characters and assets based on the concepts and requirements outlined in game design documents.
• Contribute to world building and level design, including using a game engine.
• Conceive, prototype, develop, test and evaluate procedures for the creation, design, programming, production and testing of games in a group environment.
• Test, debug and correct game components to ensure efficient and appropriate game functionality.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

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 two-year Interior Decorating Ontario College Diploma program develops your creativity and artistic flair in residential and commercial interiors. Recognized by the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada (DDA), this program prepares you with the essential design and client relations skills needed to succeed as an Interior Decorator.

Develop your creativity through hands-on projects using modern digital techniques as well as traditional skills. Create appealing atmospheres, discover current trends, choose effective colour palettes, understand complex kitchen and bath design, and manipulate elements such as furnishings, finishes and lighting. Work with individuals and/or businesses to improve residential and commercial spaces to enhance the users` experience.

The program provides an opportunity for you expand your real-world experience through competition and real community projects. Moreover, you are able to gain valuable industry experience and contacts as well as apply your skills during your 42-hour field/work placement during your final semester.

There are many career opportunities in the industry after graduation. Graduates may find employment as a:

• Residential or commercial decorator
• Kitchen and bath designer
• Set decorator
• Staging and colour consultant
• Exhibit designer
• Sales/product representative
• Window display and merchandising consultant for retail spaces or photo shoots

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 Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) – Interactive Multimedia and Design degree is a joint collaboration between Algonquin College and Carleton University; graduates of the program receive a Bachelor of Information Technology degree as well as an Interactive Media Development Ontario College Advanced Diploma.

The degree is designed to offer students programming centred around both a practical experience and a theoretical background. For more information about each of these unique collaborative degrees, applicants should visit bitdegree.ca

The two-year Office Administration - Executive Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a rewarding career as an administrative professional in the public or private sector.

Develop essential skills through extensive applied practice in a simulated office in the areas of human resources, social media, office management, domestic and international travel, event planning and finance. Enhance your MS Office suite abilities through document production, transcription, desktop publishing, accounting practices, and database and project management.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Conduct oneself professionally and adhere to relevant legislation, standards and codes of ethics.
• Manage the scheduling, coordination and organization of administrative tasks and workflow within specific deadlines and according to set priorities.
• Coordinate the collection, analysis, distribution and response to communications in the workplace to facilitate the flow of information.
• Operate and provide support related to the use, maintenance and procurement of office equipment and technologies.
• Evaluate, establish and administer a variety of records management systems* to ensure confidential, secure, accessible and organized electronic and paper records.
• Produce financial documents and reports by identifying and compiling relevant information and using accounting software.
• Prepare and produce a variety of business documents using available technologies and applying industry standards.
• Use interpersonal, leadership and client service skills to respond to diversity and to support the vision and mission of the organization.
• Research, analyze and summarize information on resources and services and prepare summary reports with recommendations.
• Select and use information technologies to support communication with internal and external stakeholders and to promote the organization.
• Organize and coordinate meetings, conferences, special events and make travel arrangements, including the preparation of related documentation.
• Support the implementation of projects by applying basic principles of project management.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

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).