Art and Design Foundation Studies Prepare You for a Creative Career

A career in the creative field of visual arts takes talent, skill and a strong foundation. In an effort to help you nurture your artistic talents and expand creative and practical skills, the Art and Design Foundation Studies program at Centennial College blends traditional and digital art courses. It also provides you with critical basics for a long-lasting artistic career.

The two-semester Art and Design Foundation Studies program expects students applying for admission to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. The other academic requirement is compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.

Once requirements are met, students participate in classes that expand their portfolio and prepare them for more specialized programs such as Digital Animation, Interactive Digital Media, Fine Arts Studio, Game Design or Graphic Media Design. The reason you are able to break off into such a wide variety of programs is because Art and Design Foundation Studies provides you with an idea of what its like to work in many aspects of the art world. Not only do you study a variety of traditional approaches in drawing but there are also introduction classes in digital imaging, animation and digital design. Courses range from Portfolio Development and Professional Practice to Colour Studio, 3D Art and Design Studio and Visual Design Fundamentals. This combination of topics helps with your creativity, but also enhances your practical skills. These practical skills are the base you need to grow as a professional artist.

Andrea Kuehne is a graduate of the Art and Design Foundations program. She says that deciding to enroll is one of the best decisions she ever made. “The staff are outstanding and strived to help me achieve my personal best,” she says. “The courses in the program exposed me to many different aspects of the art world and helped me to decide how I wanted to further my education. Not only did Visual Art Fundamentals help me build my portfolio, but, upon completion of the program, I was accepted into Advanced Standing at The Ontario College of Art and Design.” Andrea is just one of many students who have been inspired by this respected program.

As Andrea mentioned, staff members who teach the program are an impressive bunch. These professionals are leaders of the industry and a dynamic working relationship between them and students is encouraged. Employers who have built relationships with Centennial also inform staff what skills are needed to ensure that students’ education is current, practical and in-depth. Another impressive aspect of the program is that you’ll undertake your studies at the Centre of Creative Communications, which houses extensive art facilities. With training from the Art and Design Foundation Studies program, a creative career is only a step away.

Ensure the Safety of Drivers as an Alignment and Brake Technician

It’s a rainy day — the kind during which the rain goes from a fine mist to a downpour in a matter of seconds. Huge puddles form on the ground and the roads are slick. But you have errands to run, so there’s no choice but to hop in your car and head out. All you’re focused on is finishing what needs to be done and coming home to your warm fireplace. The last thing on your mind is the braking or steering systems in your car. That’s because you know the experienced Brake Technician at your dealership or local mechanic shop have ensured the brakes and steering wheel are in tiptop condition for this or any type of weather.

Alignment and Brake Technicians have the very important jobs of making sure that the braking system and steering wheels in vehicles meet the safety standards for a car to hit the road. And with vehicles becoming more sophisticated and complex, these professionals also have to be able to maintain and repair intricate systems of newer models. Specifics tasks of these technicians include: service which includes operating equipment such as grinders, brake lathes and bleeders, hoists, alignment machines, strut compressors, air guns, bearing packers, and installing brakes, shocks, struts and front end parts. They are also required to test drive customer vehicles. Alignment and Brake Technicians find work with: and parts manufacturers, dealers, garage retailers, governments, corporations with their own fleets and through self-employment.

Centennial College ’s Alignment and Brake Technician apprenticeship allows students to gain in-depth knowledge of the wheel and steering systems and their relation to vehicle control and stability. Also covered in this program are service and repair for a variety of types of braking systems. Taking three training periods of 1,800 hours with an employer and two eight-week college sessions completes the apprenticeship. During your time studying to be an Alignment and Brake Tech you may be eligible to qualify for income support through Employment Insurance Canada benefits or training allowance. This is especially helpful to those who have families to support. The in-school portion of the program is geared to on-the-job learning to ensure that you are well trained to get your dream job upon completion. Also helping you to obtain that perfect job are Centennial College’s professors, who have extensive and up-to-date experience in the industry. Lastly, the facilities in which you will study are state-of-the-art and house Ontario’s largest transportation training centre.

There are some perquisites to keep in mind when applying for the program. First, students must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent. They must also be employed as an apprenticeship. Lastly, students cannot apply directly to the college or ontariocolleges.ca for admission. To learn more about the application process, check out the Alignment Technician and Wheel Alignment Technician requirements page.

Create a Bright Future For the Next Generation as a Child and Youth Worker

If you're an emotionally stable, patient and organized person with a high level of energy, who doesn’t crumble under pressure and enjoys helping young people, then a career as a Child and Youth Worker may be ideal for you. Child and Youth Workers are the people who are integral in the growth and development of children, youth and their families within a wide range of therapeutic contexts.

Agencies that work with troubled youths and their families are in desperate need of professionally trained child and youth workers. These agencies include: residential, day treatment, community-based and young offender programs, hospitals, crisis centres and shelters as well as schools. Therefore, the demand is high and job options are plenty, with yearly salaries ranging between $32,000 and $43,000 right after graduation.

Upon finding employment, child and youth workers have a number of various job tasks. Their main duty is to develop and maintain therapeutic, yet professional relationships with clients that promote wellbeing and facilitate positive change. This is done by designing and implementing strategies that work physically, mentally and emotionally for the child and his or her family. However, there are also times when child and youth workers must maintain a safe environment via safety inspections, perform crisis intervention techniques and emergency procedures and identify signs of abuse. Teamwork is another aspect of the child and youth worker field. Professionals participate as members of a team by promoting and maintaining proficient conduct, resolving conflict, acknowledging individual and cultural differences and supporting their fellow team members. Lastly, child and youth workers have administrative duties such as documenting, keeping neat files of client records and testifying in court if necessary.

The Child and Youth Worker program at Centennial College prepares graduates to be comfortable in all the mentioned roles. Students are taught the principles, philosophies and characteristics of relational child and youth work practice such as co-creating relationships, working developmentally and understanding professional boundaries. And, with a different field placement during each year of the three-year program, Centennial College gives you the advantage of having experienced a multitude of job settings by the time you graduate. In turn, this gives you an idea of the type of child and youth worker career path that best suits you. Due to the sensitive nature of the Child and Youth Worker field, Centennial College requires students to have a vulnerable sector criminal check prior to field placement. Certain criminal convictions will disallow placement in these agencies and program completion may not be possible. Students must also possess a standard first aid and heart saver AED (C) certification. Lastly, for placement, a medical certificate of health is necessary to ensure freedom of communicable disease.

However, before students even apply to the program, Centennial College expects applicants to be holders of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required are compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent. As well, English proficiency will be considered and a program admission session will be required. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the Child and Youth Worker program.

Child and Youth Worker Program

Use Your Hands and Brainpower as a Motorcycle Technician

Motorcycles come in many shapes and sizes - from the notorious Harley Davidson cruisers to speedy sport bikes and all-terrain vehicles. They all, however, have one thing in common: motorcycles are part of a growing trend in North America that is seeing an increasing number of them on the road. Thanks to popular shows like American Chopper, the America Insurance Institute of Highway Safety notes that registrations of motorcycles in the U.S. increased by 51 per cent between 2000 and 2005. In Ontario, Canada, nearly 100,000 motorbikes are registered, with numbers continuing to rise. The volume means an increased demand for motorcycle technicians who are properly trained at motorcycle tech school, willing to get their hands dirty, and use their brainpower to properly service the various vehicles.

Motorcycle technicians come across a large variety of motorbikes in their day-to-day job. They have to be well prepared to work on everything from electric mopeds and motor scooters to dirt bikes and cruisers. That’s because, from diagnosing, repairing and servicing to working on the electronic or electrical systems, it is up to the motorcycle mechanic to ensure that a bike is ready to hit the road following proper maintenance. Basic hands-on duties of a motorcycle tech include: repairing or replacing parts, rewiring ignition systems, realigning breaks and replacing shock absorbers. Sometimes the motorcycle mechanic may be asked to mend a damaged body or fender. In other words, people in this field (who work at automotive or motorcycle repair shops, service stations, motorcycle manufacturing companies or dealers) have a huge responsibility on their hands - literally!

But how do you properly prepare for a career as a motorcycle technician? Aside from having an interest in the ins and outs of motorbikes, you have to be properly trained by qualified instructors. One popular option is attending Motorcycle Technician School, which offers a unique blend of in-class learning and hands-on garage training at state-of-the-art facilities. This type of motorcycle tech training ensures that you not only understand the theory of repair, but also that you experience fixing real motorcycles.

Also, as some mechanics service specific models of the company at which they are employed, many employers offer specialized motorbike tech courses so that skills can be updated and upgraded. It is important to remember that in such an evolving arena, with new bikes being designed all the time, ongoing Motorcycle Technician Training is essential. Although the motorcycle mechanic field does not offer any nationally recognized certifications, the training provided by apprentices and follow-up courses can be valuable to employment opportunities and future salary. Centennial College’s motorcycle mechanic training imparts learning in a way that guarantees every student, upon completion of the program, is confident and ready to diagnose and then completely fix a motorcycle. Theory, curriculum and hands-on training are all essential aspects offered by the Motorcycle Tech School that translate to success in the field.

To be eligible for this program you must be currently employed as an apprentice. Also, an OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) or equivalent is required for all apprenticeship programs. You cannot apply directly to the college or ontariocolleges.ca for admission to this apprenticeship program. For general information about apprenticeship registration, please contact the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/training.html

Help People as an Occupational Therapist Assistant/ Physiotherapy Assistant

If you are passionate about encouraging people and have the patience to understand that sometimes progress might be slow, you may be well suited for a career as an occupational therapist assistant/physiotherapist assistant. In this role, you will be vital in helping developmentally and physically challenged people to gain the skills they need to attain independence and a better quality of life.

Occupational therapy assistants and physiotherapy assistants work under registered occupational therapists and physiotherapists to support a variety of people. Whether the person has lost his or her ability to function because of an injury, the aging process, or a developmental or emotional disability, it is vital to help him or her attain a normalcy in life. Therefore, aside from being encouraging, occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) and physiotherapist assistants (PTAs) must possess some specific traits. First, they must be able to respect and care about the uniqueness of individuals. People in this profession may work with the elderly, who may not be as motivated to go on or perhaps with people who don’t speak the language or maybe even children who have had a traumatizing experience and are acting out. The assistant must respect these people and not lose his or her cool when treatment becomes difficult. This goes hand-in-hand with having the ability to communicate. Physiotherapist assistants and occupational therapist assistants must know how to effectively deal with a variety of people. Also, critical thinking and decision-making are required. You must make quick, informed decisions after critically assessing the situation and patient. Lastly, due to the nature of the profession, OTAs and PTAs must be able to tolerate regular physical activity.

Attending a diploma program, such as Centennial College's Occupational Therapist Assistant/ Physiotherapy Assistant program, helps you to attain such skills. The program prepares you for work in a wide range of settings such as: hospitals, nursing homes, seniors’ residences, schools, rehabilitation centres, and the private industry. This is done through training such as learning to document and complete client records, develop and implement strategies that will benefit clients and formulate exercise plans. Students also obtain a relevant knowledge of health sciences, psychosociological sciences and health conditions. Aside from in-classroom learning, students participate in a fieldwork experience that provides the opportunity for application of skills in a clinical setting with a range of clients.

Centennial College expects students applying for admission to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. In addition, students must also possess: Compulsory English 12C, or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Biology 11C or U or equivalent. There are also important fieldwork placement requirements, such as: CPR Level HCP (Health Care Provider) and standard first aid certification, a clear vulnerable police check prior to semester 2, immunization review form and completion of a mask fit test.

Upon graduation, students are ready to work as a physiotherapist assistant or an occupational therapist assistant. Both jobs include shared tasks such as: conducting initial interviews with patients, carrying out observations, updating client records, supporting clients in reaching their goals, assisting with physical activity and exercises, and keeping work areas tidy. But what is the difference between the two professions? Occupational therapist assistants deal with treatment that helps individuals improve their ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing or feeding themselves. Physiotherapist assistants focus on the large motor functions such as strength, balance and range of motion. Of course, both jobs have the same rewarding outcome of helping people to gain independence.

Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant

Nurturing a Nursing Education Through Centennial College

With the need for nurses on the rise and predictions estimating that by the year 2011, 59,000 to 113,000 nurses will be needed in Canada, nursing programs are being designed to meet the demand. Ranging in length and credentials, the nursing programs are helping to train professionals who will make a difference in the medical field.

Before you apply for a nursing program, you should know that you're entering a challenging, but rewarding field. In some cases, nurses are even critical in saving lives. Therefore, there are some common skills among all levels of nursing that are essential. First, you must be compassionate, yet professional. Some patients will be distraught, but you must conduct yourself professionally to ensure that they are properly cared for. Nurses must also be alert, patient, possess the latest medical knowledge and time management skills as well as be highly organized, because they deal with a variety of patients all requiring different medications and treatments. All of these essential skills are gained through nursing programs that range from 400 hours to 8 semesters. Let's take a look at the nursing programs offered at Centennial College and the differences between them.

The Practical Nursing and Practical Nursing (Flexible) programs are very similar. The Practical Nursing program focuses on the newest skills in the field. Students have access to well-equipped labs and professionals who teach the theory component. At the end of their training, students are deemed Registered Practical Nurses and take care of more stable patients. They often work in settings that include operating rooms and clinics. The curriculum for the Practical Nursing (Flexible) program is the same, except that it is offered in a six semester, three-day-per-week flex format. This allows you to meet personal and other commitments and is ideal for those already working part-time in the work force.

The next three nursing program options at Centennial are the "bridging" offerings. The first is Bridging to University Nursing and takes two semesters to complete. This area of study is geared towards Registered Practical Nurses who want to obtain a BScN in about three years. As with all programs in the field, curriculum is based on the College of Nurses' Standards of Practice for Nursing and Entry to Practice Competencies for Ontario Registered Nurses. This ensures that theoretical knowledge is combined with clinical setting and that courses emphasize ethics, professional practice, health assessment and more. A unique aspect of the Bridging to University Nursing program is the focus on caring for individuals, groups and communities in both the acute mental health and community settings. The second option is the Bridging to University Nursing (Flexible) program, which adds an extra semester to allow for a slower learning pace. The last bridging option The Bridging to University Nursing — IEN program for internationally educated nurses.

Another option is designed as an academic pathway to meet the needs of internationally-educated nurses who are interested in working as Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) in Canada as well as RPNs who hold a certificate but wish to upgrade to an Ontario College Diploma or RPNs who have been out of practice for 10 years or less and need a refresher. This option is called the Practical Nursing Fast-track Bridging Program for Internationally-Educated Nurses. It is three semesters in length, including 15 weeks of consolidation experience.

There are two final nursing program options at Centennial College. They are the respected Nursing (BScN) program, which is 8 semesters and earns the student a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the PR – Perioperative Nursing program, which is 400 hours and results in an Ontario College Graduate Certificate. The BscN option is offered in collaboration with George Brown College and Ryerson University. You will complete studies at both the college and university levels. Meanwhile, the Perioperative program prepares students to be practitioners.

With the wide range of nursing program options, it is essential to check out the prerequisites required for admission. That information can be found on the Centennial College website.

Centennial Prepares Students In Registered Practical Nursing

With a shortage of nurses predicted for 2011 by the Canadian Nurses Association, now is a great time to enter this important medical field. According to the Association, the shortage could mean that from 59,000 to 113,000 nurses will be needed. Although there are varying levels of nursing, depending on attained education, one important area is Registered Practical Nursing. These nurses obtain two years of training and graduate with a college diploma from institutions such as Centennial College, which boasts a reputable Practical Nursing Program.

With its College of Nurses’ Standards of Practice-based curriculum, the program at Centennial teaches theoretical knowledge in clinical settings under the direction and facilitation of faculty who are experienced in the field. Graduates will learn to: practice in a professional manner, sustain therapeutic relationships and communicate effectively with clients, participate in a team as well as integrate theory principles and concepts into the nursing practice. One of the standout aspects of Practical Nursing training at Centennial is the school’s interactive simulation lab, which contains all the latest medical equipment used in the field. With this technology, students receive the most up-to-date knowledge. Classroom and lab instruction is also supplemented by independent study and multimedia support.

Because of the serious nature of the Practical Nursing field, Centennial College wants to ensure that applicants are devoted to their study. Therefore, there are many program prerequisites. First, Centennial College expects students to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required are: Compulsory English 12C or U or equivalent, Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or equivalent, Biology 11C, or U, or 12C, or U, or equivalent and one of the following sciences chemistry or physics 11U, or 12C, or U, or equivalent. There are also non-academic requirements such as English proficiency, official transcripts of upgraded courses (if required), Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR), where applicable; Canadian citizenship, permanent residence of Canada or authorization under the Immigration Act (Canada); no criminal convictions including those under the Narcotic Control or Food and Drugs Acts; no subject of proceedings, with respect to professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity in another health profession in Ontario, or in nursing in another jurisdiction; no suffering from a mental or physical disorder that makes it desirable in the public interest that you not practice; annual clear vulnerable police check prior to clinical placement, a completed immunization review form; successful completion of a current recognized course in CPR Level HCP (Health Care Provider) and standard first aid and a mask fit testing.

Once the requirements are met and the student completes the Practical Nursing Program, he or she will be prepared to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities and community settings. Registered Practical Nurses normally deal with patients who are in more stable condition, as opposed to Registered Nurses who encounter more critically ill patients. However, tasks are mostly the same for both professions. RPNs provide both comfort and emotional support to patients while administering to their practical needs. In addition, they offer basic bedside care (such as applying dressing or treating bed sores), administer medications, complete charts, check vital signs and keep track of intravenous therapy. The most successful Registered Practical Nurses are those who have a genuine interest in helping people, a caring and compassionate attitude, good communication and strong interpersonal skills as well critical thinking abilities.

Document History as Part of The Journalism Field

Those who document historical moments, people and current events become just as important as the events that they are covering. The field of journalism puts you right in the pages of history as you document everything from press conferences with politicians and groundbreaking developments to outrageous celebrities and sporting events. Not only is journalism one of the most exciting professions, it also allows for many career paths including: magazine, newspaper or TV reporting (in a variety of areas), online journalism, radio broadcasting, and editing. However, before you can think of embarking on an exciting and fast-paced career in this field, you must obtain a degree or diploma from one of Canada's respected Journalism Programs.

Whether your preference is the speedy online world where updates are added to articles right as they happen or the magazine platform, which requires more of a literary style of writing or perhaps the action of live radio or TV broadcasting, training starts with the same basics. First and foremost, students begin journalism school by taking reporting, research and editing courses, which allow you to understand journalistic structure and theory. In addition, at Centennial College, journalism students also receive extensive hands-on training, which, in this field, is just as important as theory. You will apply your research, interview and writing skills by being an active journalist for a community newspaper and an online publication. These experiences guarantee that you understand the inner workings of a newsroom and the procedures taken to ensure that stories are factually accurate, concise, consistent and conversational so the public may easily relate. Centennial's Journalism School also does an amazing job of helping students to develop new multi-platform and online skills, as much of today's news is being produced for online avenues. Another important aspect of the journalism program is its field placement, which puts students into the newsrooms of some of the most respected newspapers, magazines or news stations. The real-life experience allows you to build your portfolio, which is essential to any journalist seeking employment.

To apply for Centennial's journalism program, students must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. There is also a compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent requirement. During the admission process, students must complete an editing test and a current affairs questionnaire and write a short essay (topic provided). English will also be considered in the admissions process for journalism school.

Upon graduation, journalism jobs are available across Canada, whether in small town newspapers or big city radio and TV stations. Journalists must be willing to move where the job takes them, as many journalism positions are temporary with a possibility of leading to full time. Some journalists choose to freelance for a variety of publications. This allows them to build their portfolios and gain experience in a variety of areas such as local and international news, crime briefs, lifestyle and entertainment, arts and culture and much more. Those who choose the broadcasting option often start out as "chase producers", setting up interviews for the reporters and eventually moving into the reporter or anchor roles themselves. With Canada’s respected and objective view of today's current events, journalism is a great industry in which to find a long-lasting career.

Social Service Workers – A Ray of Hope for the Community

Compassionate, caring, selfless, patient and helpful. These are some of the words that come to mind when describing a social service worker. These professionals, with a strong desire to improve people’s lives, do so by helping them cope with and solve everyday issues. The problems social workers help people to tackle range from family and personal disputes to issues stemming from romantic relationships. No matter the situation, the social services worker remains professional, yet understanding.

In the U.S., the employment of social service workers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. These statistics indicate an increasing need for trained professionals. That education needed to become a social worker must be acquired through a college, as organizations that hire these professionals require them to possess a post-secondary diploma. Centennial College’s two-year Social Service Worker program prepares students for entry-level positions with organizations ranging from shelters and community centres to group homes and advocacy coalitions. During the program, students learn a variety of skills that are needed to successfully help people in need. First and foremost, the development and maintenance of professional relationships with clients is taught. It is okay for a social service worker to be compassionate, but lines must be drawn that both parties adhere by based on legal and ethical standards. The skill of keeping relationships professional also helps social workers as they recognize diverse needs of community members, advocate for appropriate access to resources, develop relationships with colleagues to ensure a healthy environment for clients, and support the growth of individuals. Students also learn to: identify strengths and challenges faced by those whom they help; recognize current social policy, relevant legislation and political, social and economic systems; develop strategies for clients’ self-care and improved job performance; work to advocate for change that promotes social and economic justice.

Before considering the Social Worker diploma program, students must first present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Students must also possess compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. Non-academic requirements such as a program admission session and English proficiency are also considered. As the Social Service Worker program has a field placement component during which students obtain “real-life” experiences, a criminal reference check might be required. Certain criminal convictions may disallow placement in an agency and program completion may not be possible.

Upon graduation, students of Centennial College work with varying populations that include youth, seniors, people with mental illness or developmental disabilities, assaulted women and children, the homeless and under housed. Specific examples of tasks that professionals in this field undertake include: offering guidance and counseling to people in crisis, arranging foster homes for children, obtaining government funds for clients and beginning legal action in cases of child abuse. During the execution of these tasks, the social worker takes certain steps. First, he or she contacts each client after being assigned a number of cases to determine the scopes of the situation. Clients are then counseled and provided with resources to meet their needs. During this process, the social worker maintains meticulous notes for documentation purposes. He or she also works with other agencies to provide the best services. Although tasks vary by where the social service worker is employed, there are some things that remain the same. The most important of which is confidentiality. Social workers are seen as confidants who look out for their clients’ best interest and only share information with other professionals who are also there to help.

With the proper education, right attitude and a level head, a social worker is successful in helping those in need. This, for someone who is so selfless, is the best reward for entering this field.

Social Service Worker Program

Paramedic Program and Paramedic Training at Centennial College

If your elderly neighbour falls and breaks his hip or if there's a car accident at the intersection near your home, the first people on the scene are paramedics. These all-important medical care professionals are the ones who initially help you at the time of the emergency or accident. Upon arriving at the scene, paramedics assess the patient's condition, start the necessary treatment and are essential in making life-saving decisions.

The job of a paramedic is challenging but extremely rewarding. The person who takes on this career must be compassionate yet assertive, physically in good health and levelheaded. Using his or her paramedic training, the personnel decides whether the patient needs to be transferred to a hospital or be taken care of with the ambulance's high-tech equipment and necessary drugs. The medic must also deal with family members or the public, some of whom may be hysterical or aggressive. If a patient is transferred to a hospital, it is the paramedic’s job to communicate with the doctor on staff to ensure that he or she is well aware of the patient's condition and what medical procedures have been applied. Paramedics also often work alongside the police and fire department.

Paramedics are based at ground and air ambulance stations, large hospitals, and private ambulance companies. Depending on the location, they work in shifts that include evenings and weekends and range from 12 to 24 hours. In Canada, these long hours were rewarded in 2005 when paramedics were granted status, federally, as a "public safety occupation", which means that they are now eligible for early retirement.

Centennial College offers Paramedic Training that prepares students to handle the stresses and challenges of the field. Hands-on training is taught by certified advanced care paramedics who are actively involved in the medical arena. The training is provided at state-of-the-art facilities and includes emergency cases such as medical, trauma and psychological situations. Paramedic program students also learn to use relevant theory, communication techniques, preventative and therapeutic patient management strategies, as well as ensuring the operational safety of an ambulance and its equipment. Students who have chosen the Paramedic Program have had a high rate of job absorption in the market.

Due to the challenging nature of this field, there are perquisites students must consider when applying for admission. Centennial College expects students to hold at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Academically, the applicant must also possess, compulsory English 12C or U or equivalent, math 11M or U, or 12C or U or equivalent, Biology 11C or U, or 12 U or equivalent; and one of the following sciences: chemistry 11U, or 12C or U or physics 11U or 12C or U. There are also medical requirements such as a medical doctor's statement, certifying a standard of health that is acceptable to Centennial College, clinical and affiliated EMS agencies. The applicant to the Paramedic Program must also meet the following:

1. Not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude (clear vulnerable persons police background record searches are completed throughout the program).
2. Hold a Class "F" license, which is required for employment in Ontario (but not for program admission).
3. Complete a CPR Level HCP course (Health Care Provider) and standard first aid certification.

Before taking the paramedic program, applicants should also be aware that under the provisions of the ambulance act, employment as a paramedic is prohibited to anyone who in the past year has: received six or more demerit points on his or her diving record, has his or her diver's license suspended in the previous two years; has been prohibited from driving under the Criminal Code of Canada within the part three years or has been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude for which he or she has not been pardoned.

For complete details on the requirements of this rewarding program, visit Centennial’s Paramedic Program Admission page.

Get Hands-on Experience with a Spa Management Certificate

Imagine lying on a comfortable bench, listening to soothing music with cucumber slices on your eyes while a friendly spa technician performs a much-needed facial or perhaps massages your tense shoulders. These relaxing experiences can be quite a treat in our hectic lives. Not only do they provide relaxation but, increasingly, spas are also offering stress relief via deep tissue massages and other such treatments. However, the spa experience would not be as relaxing were it not for experienced spa managers who ensure that every moment of your visit is perfectly planned. Spa managers are responsible for running day-to-day operations, with a focus on financial accountability, budgets, team leading and building, customer service (such as designing treatment packages) and networking. With an increase in the popularity of spas, management has become a lucrative career option in the wellness business.

According to PKF Consulting, a Canadian management-consulting firm, the spa business continues to grow and evolve in Canada. From 1996 to 2006, the spa industry experienced cumulative growth of 329 per cent, which resulted in it surpassing the billion-dollar revenue mark in 2005. There were over 2,300 spa locations in Canada as of March 2006 with the majority being day spas (74 per cent), followed by resort/hotel (19 per cent), medical, destination, club, and mineral spring spas. With such positive statistics, the opportunities for spa management are numerous.

The popularity of the Spa Management graduate certificate program at Centennial College reflects the high demand for qualified professionals to manage and operate spas. During the spa management training program, you will study operations such as business practices and human relations. You will also investigate how the industry is positioned within the sectors of health, business and hospitality.

More specifically, you will learn to present yourself to customers and effectively lead other employees, as the tempering of feelings is essential to a relaxed spa environment. Spa management also conveys the message of "service is the key" and Centennial's program does a great job of teaching students how to assess, predict and construct spa service menus as well as design a spa layout that allows of effective customer comfort. The other important aspect of the management of spas is strong business knowledge. Students of the program, create analyze and interpret financial statements, conduct market research and focus on current business trends. Graduates of Centennial College's Spa Management Training are confident, and therefore, employable upon graduation.

Applicants to the program must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program in the following fields: health or community services, business (such as management, human resources) or hospitality. A resume demonstrating five years of work experience in the fields listed above and fluency in English are also required.

For customers, a spa experience is calming, enjoyable and sometimes, essential. For those in the spa management field, the business is also enjoyable but comes with a great responsibility. Whether working in a day spa, on a cruise or at a retreat, a manager must possess a balance of customer service and business skills that can only be obtained with proper Spa Management Training at institutions such as Centennial College.

Become a Toronto Law Clerk by Obtaining a Law Clerk Diploma

What is the job of a law clerk? It's a question to which many of us have a partial answer. But one thing is for sure, there is much more to this legal profession than clerical tasks. Skilled law clerks are actually imperative in collaborating with judges throughout the entire litigation process and assisting them in making informed decisions. The position is one of the most sought-after careers in the legal industry. However, before a job can be attained, a Law Clerk Diploma is essential. Upon graduation, most Canadian clerks begin their careers by applying for judicial clerkships. Provincial superior and appellate courts hire at least one clerk for each judge. The term typically lasts a year and is a great way to enter the field.

Centennial College offers an extraordinary opportunity for students to obtain a highly respected and sought-after Law Clerk Diploma. The wide range of law courses that emphasize career-oriented assignments, in conjunction with computer legal software courses, will give you the skills to make you employable in this legal profession. In addition, there is a four-day-a-week work placement in a law, corporate or government office during the final semester of Centennial’s Law Clerk diploma program. Lastly, faculty members are lawyers and other law office professionals who can share anecdotes and personal experiences.

Centennial College expects students applying for admission to this diploma program to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Academic requirements include compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11C, M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent. In order to graduate, law clerk students must achieve: an overall minimum GPA of 2.0, a minimum C grade average, a minimum C grade in COMM-170 and a minimum keyboarding speed of 40 words per minute.

But what specific skills must a Toronto Law Clerk possess and what tasks does he or she perform? In general, a solid understanding of diverse areas of the law, court procedures, jurisdictional rules and the court system is required. On a daily basis, law clerks research and analyze complicated issues in civil and criminal courts, assist judges in courtroom proceedings and manage exhibits submitted into evidence. They must also be strong communicators to interact with chambers staff, court personnel, litigants and the public.

There is, however, a difference between a trial and appellate law clerk. Trial law clerks help judges with settlement conferences and discovery disputes. They also review briefs submitted by the parties, perform legal research, verify cited legal authority and draft a variety of legal documents. Therefore, superior writing skills are required. On the other hand, appellate law clerks research and analyze complex legal issues in civil and criminal appeals. They also educate the judge and legal staff on the legal issues of a case prior to oral arguments. Law clerks, in general, have great power because they make recommendations regarding the disposition of appeals and may heavily influence a judge’s decision.

For more information visit Centennial College's, Toronto Law Clerk page