Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety (Co-op and Non Co-op Version)
Learn how to survey, monitor and control radiation exposure for a career in the nuclear industry.
- Enjoy a more personalized learning environment with our small classes
- Benefit from supportive and experienced faculty who are active in their industry
- Gain the latest and best industry-specific knowledge and skills to be career-ready upon graduation
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The two-year Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety Ontario College Diploma program is the only program of its kind in Canada. In this program, you learn to monitor radiation levels and implement preventive measures critical to ensuring the safety of employees and members of the public, and providing for protection of the environment.
Learn to effectively complete important tasks focusing on radiation safety, such as detecting and measuring radiation levels, mitigating contamination hazards and providing guidance and information to personnel to control contamination and minimize radiation exposure....(read more)
Overview
Learn how to survey, monitor and control radiation exposure for a career in the nuclear industry.
The two-year Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety Ontario College Diploma program is the only program of its kind in Canada. In this program, you learn to monitor radiation levels and implement preventive measures critical to ensuring the safety of employees and members of the public, and providing for protection of the environment.
Learn to effectively complete important tasks focusing on radiation safety, such as detecting and measuring radiation levels, mitigating contamination hazards and providing guidance and information to personnel to control contamination and minimize radiation exposure.
Gain theoretical and practical understanding of nuclear operations fundamentals, radiation detection and measurement, waste management, decontamination procedures and incident assessments. Learn how detection instrumentation operates and proper techniques for detecting radiation and contamination. Your courses focus on regulatory frameworks and compliance with internationally accepted radiation protection principles.
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 work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.
Graduates may find employment in:
- nuclear power plants
- nuclear-based research and development facilities
- decontamination/waste storage facilities
- uranium mines/mills
- radiation protection contract companies
- isotope production/refinement facilities
- hospitals that use radioisotopes
- universities with radiological labs
- the oil and gas industry concerned with naturally-occurring radioactive mat
Graduates may work in roles such as:
- contamination monitor
- radiation protection technician
- radiation surveyor
- health physics technician
- NORMs technician
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Perform well both individually and in a team environment.
- Possess strong critical-thinking and analytical skills.
- Use systematic approaches to problem-solve and to follow procedures.
- Have an appreciation for precise and accurate work.
- Possess excellent communication skills and interpersonal abilities.
- Possess strong mathematical skills.
- Value the importance of and take responsibility for safety in the workplace.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
DAT7669
Course Name:
Microcomputer Applications for Radiation Safety
Course Description:
Competency using a variety of computer applications is an essential skill sought by employers. Topics covered include the use of email, word... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
GED7666
Course Name:
Human Performance
Course Description:
Understanding how humans perform is critical for the safe and efficient operation of industrial facilities as it is a systematic means to en... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEP1001
Course Name:
Cooperative Education and Job Readiness
Course Description:
Students are guided through a series of activities that prepare them to conduct a professional job search and succeed in the workplace. Thro... + Read More
Hours:
18.0
Code:
MAT7709
Course Name:
Mathematics for Radiation Safety
Course Description:
Radiation Protection Technicians need to perform and provide accurate calculations and assessments to protect the health and safety of thems... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SAF7603
Course Name:
Instrumentation I
Course Description:
Radiation Protection Technicians require a firm understanding of radiation detection equipment. This ensures that Radiation Protection Techn... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SAF7605
Course Name:
Radiation Protection I
Course Description:
Radiation Protection Technicians need to recognize the biological risks associated with radiation hazards and to be able to protect themselv... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SCI7615
Course Name:
Sciences for Understanding Radiation Theory
Course Description:
Scientific concepts form the foundation on which nuclear and radiation principles are developed and applied. Students are introduced to the ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
WKT7108
Course Name:
Preparation for Work
Course Description:
Graduates entering the field of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Operations encounter behavioural based interviews as well as aptitude testi... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
ENL7777
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHY7016
Course Name:
Fundamentals of Physics
Course Description:
A conceptual understanding of physics is necessary to understand instrumentation, nuclear systems, and nuclear sciences. Students qualitativ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SAF7613
Course Name:
Instrumentation II
Course Description:
Radiation Safety Technicians need to accurately and efficiently perform radiation surveys for a variety of radiological hazards in order to ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SAF7616
Course Name:
Contamination Control
Course Description:
Radiological contamination is one of the paramount hazards in the nuclear industry and requires specially trained personnel to identify, con... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SAF7620
Course Name:
Radiation Protection II
Course Description:
Radiation Protection students need to understand and apply fundamental ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achievable) principles to protect workers... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SCI7617
Course Name:
Science for the Nuclear Industry
Course Description:
Radiation Protection Technicians must categorize the fundamentals of science attributed to the operations systems within a nuclear facility.... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
WKT7116
Course Name:
Co-Op Education Work Experience
Course Description:
For students who qualify academically, there is an opportunity to enhance their diploma with an officially recognized co-op designation. Thi... + Read More
Hours:
Code:
ENL7676
Course Name:
Technical Communication
Course Description:
Effective communication is an essential skill in the field of applied nuclear science. Students develop technical communication skills, whic... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SAF7604
Course Name:
Radiological Regulations and Requirements
Course Description:
The Nuclear Safety and Control Act provides the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) with the authority to regulate the development, pr... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SAF7640
Course Name:
Reactor Chemistry
Course Description:
Radiation Protection Technicians are responsible for radiological hazard assessments associated with reactor maintenance activities. Radiati... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SAF7643
Course Name:
Nuclear Systems and Components
Course Description:
The understanding of various nuclear system components is critical for the assessment of radiological and industrial hazards in a nuclear fa... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SAF7645
Course Name:
Industry Safety Certificates
Course Description:
Nuclear workers require a firm understanding of industrial safety fundamentals to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of others. S... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
GED1215
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SAF7617
Course Name:
Site Systems and Work Planning
Course Description:
Radiation Protection technicians require working knowledge of systems that may contain radiological hazards within a facility to ensure that... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SAF7618
Course Name:
Electrical Science and Systems
Course Description:
Identifying and understanding standard electrical theory is a fundamental requirement for thoroughly understanding radiation detection instr... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SAF7632
Course Name:
Radiological Sampling Methodology
Course Description:
Radiation Protection personnel need to perform numerous radiological measurements both inside and outside the facility. Technicians need to ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SAF7642
Course Name:
Radiological Waste: Disposal, Storage and Decommissioning
Course Description:
Radiation Protection Technicians are involved in the uranium fuel cycle as well as the generation of various forms of radiological waste. Ra... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SAF7644
Course Name:
Radiological Assessment and Scenarios
Course Description:
Radiation Protection Technicians must efficiently and accurately assess radiological hazards to protect the health and safety of themselves,... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
GED1215
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as contamination monitors, radiation protection technicians, radiation surveyors, health physics technicians, radiation safety officers, and NORMs technicians.Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
1. Operate radiation survey equipment to accurately monitor, detect and measure radiation fields and contamination.
2. Interpret and follow radiation safety plans and procedures consistent with current research, regulations and industry standards.
3. Anticipate and assess radiological and operational hazards in order to recommend and apply evidence-informed mitigation strategies and work
planning for radiological protection and occupational safety.
4. Respond to changing radiological conditions in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry standards and best practices.
5. Apply industry standard communication and documentation practices to support effective and accurate communication of radiation hazards and
safety information with a variety of stakeholders.
6. Use industry standard, evidence-based models to assess the health
risks attributed to internal and external radiological exposures.
7. Resolve radiation protection issues through the application of scientific principles and practices to maintain or restore optimal safety for workers the public and the environment.
8. Analyze industrial system designs and components to support the safe operations of reactors, reactor systems and licensed nuclear activities.
9. Apply regulatory requirement and industry standard practices to ensure accurate function and operation of radiological detection and safety
systems.
10. Apply the principles of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) to all work in accordance with established regulatory and industry radiation
protection standards.
11. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic
commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program-related expenses include:
- Books and supplies cost approximately $1,000 for the program duration and can be purchased in the campus bookstore.
- In addition, students are required to have their own electronic device such as a hybrid tablet, which will cost $600 - $900.
- Students are also required to take 10 online Industry certificates with approximate cost of $550 for all 10 industry certificates.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a 60% or higher.
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C equivalent) with a minimum grade of 65%.
- Physics, Grade 12 (SPH4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher OR Chemistry, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES). IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading: 22; Listening: 22; Speaking: 22; Writing: 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.
Application Information
APPLIED NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND RADIATION SAFETY (CO-OP AND NON CO-OP VERSION)
Program Code 1215X03FPM
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
1 College Way
Pembroke, ON K8A 0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Toll-free 1-800-565-4723 TTY:
1-866-620-3845
Fax: 613-735-4739
https://www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke
Additional Information
Program Resources
All applicants apply directly to the co-op version of this program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. Applicants not wishing to pursue the co-op version will have the opportunity to opt-out after being admitted to the program but prior to the first co-op work term.
Co-operative 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 course, readiness activities and 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 College and other Canadian and international colleges and
universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and guides 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 relocate 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. For more information on your program`s co-op level(s), visit the courses tab on your program`s webpage.
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 part of an academic program. The Co-op/Internship Work Permit does not authorize international students to work outside the requirements of their academic program.
For more information on co-op programs, the co-op work/study schedule, as well as general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, please visit algonquincollege.com/coop.
For health and safety reasons, agencies may have restrictions on accepting pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.
For details on study-work progressions for specific programs, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.
Prior Work Experience
Applicants with prior education or industry experience related Nuclear Science and/or Radiation Safety can apply for advanced placement (course credits) through the Algonquin College Office of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This Office utilizes assessment standards of the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA). The requirements for PLAR course credits vary from a challenge exam to a complete portfolio relating experience and other training to the relevant Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety Ontario College Diploma course learning
objectives. PLAR course credits can be awarded for up to a maximum of 75% of program hours. See more at: http://www.algonquincollege.com/plar/
Advanced Standing
Graduates of the Radiation Safety Ontario College Certificate program within the last five years are eligible to apply for advanced standing for up to 13 courses. Please note that advanced standing towards the diploma may be granted for courses completed with minimum of 70% in the Radiation Safety Ontario College Certificate.
Industry-related certifications
Students will be required to complete 10 certifications, by no later than April 30th of their last year of study, 6 of which are compulsory and 4 are based on student interest. All are taken from a master list of certifications which will approximately cost $550 for all 10. If students have obtained certifications prior to entering the program and those certifications are valid, they will count towards the required 10.
Additional Notes
A Criminal Records Check (CRC) may be required by certain agencies. You are required to supply information for the facilities to complete their own CRC and security clearances. In some cases, you are responsible for obtaining a CRC from your local Police Department.