Centennial College’s Fast-Track Architecture Program Prepares You In Just Four SemestersThis is a featured page

Recognized companies such as Cassidy & Company, Architectural Technologists; Hunt Design Associates Inc., Viljoen Architect Inc., Romanov Romanov, Architects; and LaPointe, Architects, have all hired graduates of Centennial College’s Fast-Track Architecture program. In their roles, architecture technology professionals use state-of-the-art computer technology to prepare designs, construction drawings and specifications needed to communicate with clients, construction professionals and approval authorities. They are essentially the link between the architect’s design and the finish building, ensuring that the architect uses correct materials and that any planning and building regulations are compiled. These graduates’ positions include working with: architects engineers, builders, contractors, developers, construction material manufacturers and suppliers and municipal building departments.

Centennial College’s reputable fast-track Architecture program undertaking sees qualified graduates with a degree in architecture, including other than Canadian universities, gain direct admission into its third semester in order to receive their technology diploma in four academic semesters. During their time in the program, students prepare drawings for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional building types, as well as complex buildings and multi-use buildings. They are also introduced to building materials, construction methods, structural design, mechanical and electrical services, building codes, contracts, specifications and the business environment for providing design and construction services. This is facilitated through courses such as: Design and Computer Aided Drafting Project (students develop design and construction documents associated with a small commercial building); History of Western Architecture (through text readings, participation at illustrated lectures, and preparation of a research paper, students discover the links between history, culture, and building technology, which continue to influence our built environment); Architectural Graphics (students prepare illustrations based on floor plans and detailed CAD drawings. Emphasis is placed upon drawing skills and technique, in addition to, basic 3D computer modeling); as well as Environment, Building Code and Sustainable Qualification Preparation, and more.

The Architecture program holds two very important credentials. The first is the national accreditation status from Canadian Technology Accreditation Board. The second is recognition of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technologist Category. This certification may lead to membership with the Ontario Association for Applied Architectural Sciences, which is a stepping-stone to membership with the Ontario Association of Architects as a Licensed Technologist OAA.

Upon graduation from the Architecture program, the perks continue for students. Should they choose to attend further schooling, students may qualify for advanced standing in educational programs leading to professional careers through the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Syllabus.

In addition, graduates are eligible to join the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario and the Ontario Association for Applied Architectural Sciences. They may also apply to obtain a Building Code Identification Number and LEED status through membership with the Canada Green Building Council.

Applicants to the fast-track Architecture program must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a bachelor degree program in architecture. In addition a transcript and resumé review as well as English and/or math skills assessment may be required. Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Centennial College’s Practical Nursing Program is Dependable

Hospitals, long-term care facilities and community settings all have a need for practical nurses who have completed a practical nursing program and are confident in their abilities to care for a variety of patients. Although many of the patients that practical nurses care for are stable (as opposed to registered nurses who encounter more critically ill patients), these professionals must remain cool under pressure and in a wide range of medical situations. In practical nursing responsibilities include: providing both comfort and emotional support, offering basic bedside care, administering medications, completing charts, checking vital signs and keeping track of intravenous therapy. Did you know that now is a great time to get into the practical nursing field as a recent study commissioned by the Canadian Nurses Association predicts that this year, there will be a severe shortage of nurses. This shortage could mean that from 59,000 to 113,000 nurses will be needed.

At Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. you can obtain your education through the practical nursing program, which takes just two years to complete and results in an Ontario College Diploma. In those two years, students learn curriculum modeled from the College of Nurses’ Standards of Practice. Provided is a balance between lecture-based courses and hands-on practical nursing training. Students take part in Centennial College’s interactive simulation lab, which contains the most leading-edge medical equipment and life-like dolls that actually breathe and talk. In addition, students attend practical nursing courses such as: Practical Nursing Theory (provides an introduction to primary health care and health promotion for a diverse adult population); Practical Nursing Health Assessment (will enable students to complete a holistic nursing assessment with special emphasis on the changes that occur with the aging process, and on transcultural variances within a diverse cultural population); Practical Nursing Clinical Applications (consists of laboratory and clinical placements); and more. Speaking of the clinical placements, students gain real-life experience by participating.

To apply for this practical nursing, applicants must have completed, at minimum, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Secondly, academic requirements include: 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. In addition, non-academic requirements are as follows: 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

Journalism Program Offers Speedy Entry into the Workforce

Have you obtained a post-secondary degree or diploma but have become fascinated with getting the facts, interviewing sources and presenting the news? If so, then Centennial College’s fast-track journalism program within its journalism schools can get you into the field in just two years. Not only will you leave with interview skills and knowledge on how to write a story or produce a news segment, you’ll have the know-how to work at magazines, newspapers, TV, radio and even online.

At the essence of journalism is the need to report accurate, unbiased news to the public in an efficient manner. Journalism covers everything from politics and crime to local stories, entertainment, sports and more. It can be broken down into different sections and roles, but all journalists (whether they end up as editors, copy editors, chase producers, online coordinators or something else all together) must know how to tell the story and how to address the: who, what, where, when and why. In the magazine world, stories are written and re-written many times before publishing date, as many magazines are released monthly or quarterly. Meanwhile, at a newspaper, reporters work on deadline for the same day. This means interviewing over the phone, rushing to press conferences and filing by a certain time. Meanwhile, in TV and radio, the writing style is very different. It is more concise and conversational. Lastly, the newest sector of journalism is online reporting, which essentially means breaking stories as they happen and updating as soon as more information is available.

Centennial College’s fast-track journalism program requires applicants to submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program. Also considered will be applicants presenting a combination of partial post-secondary education (minimum of two years) and relevant work experience. In addition, there will be a four-part writing test as well as a portfolio and resume submission.

Once students are accepted, they will learn everything from how to conduct an interview to covering breaking news and exploring human-interest stories. The point of the program is to touch on all niches of the field so that students may discover theirs. This occurs through courses such as: News Reporting (designed to help students develop a basic proficiency level in journalistic reporting and writing techniques), Imagining: Journalism (designed to introduce the basic concepts of photography and imaging and expand on those basics, primarily pertaining to photojournalism); Magazine/Freelance Writing (emphasis is placed on finding market niches, winning assignments and carrying them out professionally); and many others.

Journalism schools find it very important to offer students real life experience so that they are able to handle themselves in a newsroom. One feature of Centennial College’s fast-track journalism program is the development of a portfolio. Students have the opportunity to be published in a real community paper called The East Toronto Observer and its online edition, The Toronto Observer. Once they have had a sample of what to expect from the field, they participate in a final semester placement.

Motorcycle Technician Training Puts You In The Fast Lane to a Successful Career

If you’ve ever driven a motorcycle or been a passenger on the back of one, you’ll know the free feeling as the motorcycle cruises effortlessly down the highway or the adrenaline when it gains speed. You’ll also know the importance of ensuring that the motorbike has been properly inspected for any electronic or electrical problems. Professionals who have obtained motorcycle technician training are responsible for working on everything from electric mopeds and motor scooters to dirt bikes and cruisers. Overall, they must: diagnose, repair and service electronic and electrical systems of these vehicles. More specifically, motorcycle technicians are responsible for: repairing or replacing parts, rewiring ignition systems, realigning breaks and replacing shock absorbers, mending a damaged body or fender. These people work at automotive or motorcycle repair shops, service stations, motorcycle manufacturing companies or dealers. And, with 100,000 motorbikes registered in the province of Ontario alone, there is a need for trained professionals. In fact, motorcycles are part of a growing trend in North America that is seeing an increased number of them on the road.

At Centennial College, students can undertake the Motorcycle Technician program, which is under the School of Transportation umbrella. This means that it is housed in Ashtonbee Campus, the province’s largest transportation training centre. The training centre includes fully equipped labs in which students work on actual motorcycles during the two eight-week college sessions. Also during the on-campus sessions of the motorcycle technician training, students attend lectures and are guided by experienced professionals who have worked many years in the motorcycle technician field. Topics include: engines, power trains, electrical systems, fuel systems and more. In addition, during the in-school motorcycle technician training, students may be able to qualify for income support through Employment Insurance Canada benefits or a training allowance. Once in-school sessions and on the job requirements are completed, students write a certificate to become a licensed motorcycle technician.

To apply for the undertaking, one must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which is actually required for all apprenticeship programs. He or she must also be employed as an apprentice. However, it is not possible to 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.

Roy King, an instructor in the program, explains how registration works: “In order to enter the program, you must have a job at a motorcycle dealer. It is a restricted trade in the sense that in order to work on the products, you have to be licensed or be a registered apprentice. You’ll go through a certain amount of time (roughly three years) for an apprenticeship. And within that apprenticeship, on the job you’ll then be scheduled in by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities into one of our two sessions of the in-school portion of your apprenticeship.” For more information on the motorcycle technician school application process, check out the admission webpage on Centennial College’s site.

Attending Hotel Management School Can Result in a Number of Careers

Careers in general hotel management, human resources management, sales and marketing management, convention services or tour coordination, and cruise line management all fall under the same umbrella when it comes to the area of study. One must attend a hotel management school. At Centennial College, the Hospitality Management – Hotel and Resort program is the best fit within the hotel management school to gain the skills needed to succeed in these areas.

Now is a great time to attend the undertaking as Canada’s accommodation industry continues to expand and seeks qualified professionals to manage the 8,356 Canadian hotels, motels, inns and resorts — accommodations that employ 378,000 people and generated revenues of almost $18.8-billion in 2008.

This hotel management school program covers the full range of business practices in marketing, human resources, finance and industry operations as applied to the accommodation industry. In addition to lectures, students gain valuable hands-on experience through an individualized industry placement, which sees them working alongside hotel and resort managers as apply the knowledge they obtained at Centennial. To give you an idea of the specific courses students study within this program, let’s take a look at some of the topics that are covered. For example, Introduction to Hospitality Management provides an introduction to the various facets under the “Tourism Umbrella”, establishing tourism as not just an economic activity with constituent parts but as a human endeavour, but understanding the relationship between the various components of hospitality, with emphasis on the hotels and resorts. Meanwhile, Hospitality and Tourism Marketing sees students defining marketing, distinguishing between product and services marketing and demonstrating an understanding of consumer behaviour, market segmentation, the marketing mix and their application to the marketing plan. Other courses include: Special Events Practicum, Housekeeping and Facilities Management and Theory of Food.

At the end of two years of Hotel Management School study, students will have the skills to be successful managers if their chosen area. In their managerial role, they will know how to apply human resources, management, and leadership knowledge and skills to enhance their performance as an employee and team member. In addition, they’ll know how to apply basic cost control, revenue management and principles of financial planning, analysis and control to assist in making decisions at an operational level and to contribute to the achievement of financial plans of a hospitality enterprise. With their marketing training, they’ll also have the know-how to contribute to marketing and sales effectiveness to promote successful operation of a hospitality enterprise.

To meet the growing demand for hotel and resort managers, Centennial College admits students at three points during the year (September, January and May), allowing them to complete the two year program in 16 months. To apply for the Hospitality Management – Hotel and Resort program, students must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is a compulsory English 12C or U credit, skills assessment or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Paramedic Training Provides You With Critical Knowledge for the Field

In order to be hired as a paramedic, you must possess a few important abilities. First and foremost, you must be able to communicate and interact effectively and appropriately with patients and others. You will deal with many patients who are disoriented and you must be able to obtain important information from them. At the same time, you’ll have to assess patients using relevant theory and practices, and establish patients’ treatment and transport priorities based on assessment finding. Another important skill is the ability to implement preventive and therapeutic patient management strategies to maintain and promote patients’ well-being as well as integrate and perform delegated controlled medical acts in a simulated, clinical and field setting. Lastly, you’ll have ensure the operational safety and preparedness of an ambulance and its equipment, and operate an ambulance-type vehicle. All of these skills can be learned through paramedic training at Centennial College’s Paramedic Program.

Centennial College ensures that student performance and confidence is enhanced through courses that provide an equal balance between classroom, clinical, field and practical learning in emergency simulations. The paramedic training covers emergency, medical, trauma and psychological situations. This training is facilitated through courses such as: Therapeutic Communications and Crisis Intervention (focuses on the utilization of effective communication tools when dealing with persons in crisis); Alterations of Human Body Function (provides knowledge of the various alternations in human body function from a variety of pathophysiological topics); Medical Directed Theraputics Paramedic Responsibilities (Students will apply concepts and principles from pharmacology, pathophysiology and pre-hospital care to make decisions and implementation of controlled or delegated medical acts); and more. In addition to in-school courses, students participate in a field placement during which they obtain hands-on experience.

Graduates from the Centennial’s Paramedic training program are eligible and prepared to take the Ministry of Health exam for Advanced EMCA. They have consistently scored above the provincial average on the Advanced EMCA certification exam. Ministry regulations require this certification for employment as a paramedic in Ontario.

In order to apply, Centennial College expects students to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. 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. Applicants must also not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude (clear vulnerable persons police background record searches are completed throughout the program); hold a Class “F” license, which is required for employment in Ontario (but not for program admission); complete a CPR Level HCP course (Health Care Provider) and standard first aid certification. For complete details on the requirements of this undertaking, visit Centennial’s Paramedic program admission page.

Become a Law Clerk and Contribute to Court Procedures

Aside from judges, lawyers and other legal staff, one professional needed in every courtroom is a law clerk. People in this profession perform a wide variety tasks within the courtroom, before the trail starts and after the trial wraps up. But before they are able to enter the field, would-be law clerks must attend a post-secondary program and obtain a law clerk diploma, such as the one offered by Toronto’s Centennial College.


Housed within the college’s School of Business, the two-year Law Clerk program is accredited by the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario (ILCO) and provides an excellent opportunity for students to acquire the skills necessary to practice in this field. Those who wish to apply and obtain an Ontario College Diploma must have obtained an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have completed 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. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.


As with other Centennial College programs, the law clerk training provides an ideal balance between academic lectures and hands-on experience. Through their courses, students work with computer legal software, hear guest lecturers and end their studies by attending a four-day-per week work placement in the final semester. This unique work opportunity allows students to apply what they have learned while working alongside law clerk professionals who can share their own experiences with the students.


Before they head out on placement, students participate in a wide range of courses that focus on career-oriented assignments. These courses include: Computers for Law Clerks (designed to build keyboarding skills and to familiarize students with introductory computer concepts such as microcomputer operating systems, file management and more); Civil Litigation (traces the steps in a typical civil action from the commencement of proceedings to the point of trial); Legal Research and Writing (students learn the basic steps required to carry out both legal and factual research); and more.


In order to graduate and become a Toronto 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. Upon graduation, most Toronto law 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. Appellate law clerks are responsible for researching and analyzing complex issues in civil and criminal appeals. Meanwhile, 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.


Emma is the author of this piece about Centennial College’s Law Clerk. Law Clerk program, which results in a Law Clerk Diploma.

Centennial College’s Aviation Program Prepares You for the Workforce in Two Short Years

The aviation industry sees aircraft maintenance technicians servicing, repairing and inspecting airplanes for commercial airlines, private firms, and the military. Training can be obtained at Centennial College.

In order for a plane to be cleared for takeoff, it must be inspected to ensure that all parts are working and safety procedures have taken place. This involves aircraft maintenance technicians who service, repair, and inspect airplanes for commercial airlines, private firms and the military. These professionals must have knowledge of all parts of airplanes, including engines, propellers, landing gear, hydraulic equipment, radio and radar instruments, and bodies.

Crews that work at airports make quick repairs on planes that are scheduled to take off. Major repairs are handled at an airline’s overhaul base, where aircraft maintenance techs are usually more specialized. They may work on only one part of their companies’ planes, such as the engine or the landing gear. At smaller airports, airplane charter services, and general aviation repair shops, aviation technicians work on all parts of planes. Other aircraft mechanics work in plants where planes are manufactured. Sometimes they go on test flights to discover and correct any problems that new aircraft may have.

Before they can enter the field, professionals must attend an aviation program, such as Centennial College’s Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance. The program’s credibility is ensured through its Transport Canada approval and Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council certification as a recognized aircraft maintenance training program. In order to attend, students must complete the application process, which includes being able to present, at minimum, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or General Education Development or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Applicants must also possess compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent.

Taking two years to complete, this aviation program emphasizes the repair of a wide range of electrical and mechanical systems within an aircraft, including: hydraulics, fuels, environmental systems, engines, surface controls and undercarriage systems, and the aircraft’s frame and external skin. This occurs through courses such as: Safety and Human factors (prepares students with an awareness of the importance of workplace safety and the impact that human factors play in aircraft incidences); Aircraft Applied Mathematics (students will learn basic practical mathematical applications used by aircraft maintenance technicians in the industry, focusing primarily on aircraft weight and balance procedures); Hangar – Maintenance Practices (this lab course provides students with an introduction to the hangar environment, including basic aircraft maintenance tasks allowing students to start building and practicing the skill sets required in the aviation industry); and more. Woven into many of the courses is hands-on training that sees students working in labs fixing aircraft engines, performing flight-line activities as well as conducting aircraft and component inspections.

Before students can graduate from the aviation program, they must complete over 200 maintenance tasks. Also required for Aircraft Maintenance Technician graduation is a minimum C grade in all courses. Transport Canada accreditation requires both a minimum B grade in every course and an absentee rate of less than five per cent of the total program hours.

Payroll Management Program Offers Both Accounting and Business Skills

Payroll management professionals are employed in every sector of the Canadian economy in positions such as: Payroll Clerks/ Officers, Payroll and Benefits Clerks/ Administrators/ Payroll Accountants. Their roles within a company are extremely important as they ensure that the day-to-day financial operations that affect employees directly are carried out in an efficient manner. Not only do these payroll management professionals remunerate employees, they also provide data or reports to company heads, distribute other funds such as petty cash, and keep extensive records of hours logged by employees. Let’s take a look at the role of a Payroll Clerk for example. This person records the earnings owed each employee on a computer, calculates deductions from the employee’s payroll, pays the employee either by a company check or by electronic fund transfer, and records commissions and bonuses for the employees. Meanwhile, a Benefits Administrator administers the company’s benefits program. This can include offering workers health, dental or vision insurance, retirement plans and flexible spending accounts. The benefits administrator has to know the ins and outs of all the benefits choices the company is offering, and may be in charge of choosing the benefits the company will offer.

In order to obtain one of these Payroll Management positions, students must attend a post-secondary program such as the one offered at Centennial College. It is a post-graduate program that takes eight months to complete and results in an Ontario College Graduate Certificate. This undertaking is designed to both develop and enhance crucial skills in a number of key areas. This is facilitated through the use of case studies, simulations and project-based learning, with a focus on developing project management, teamwork, report writing and presentation skills. This Payroll Management program also places emphasis on emerging trends and issues in payroll management, such as the use of promising technologies and changing legislative requirements. Therefore, payroll system training is taught using an SAP application.

The in-depth curriculum of the Payroll Management program is delivered in partnership with the Canadian Payroll Association. It includes courses such as Human Resources Management in Canada (presents a survey of the major functional areas of human resources management, highlights key issues, and introduces students to a variety of best practices currently in use in high performance organizations), Strategic Compensation (helps students to develop a solid understanding of the strategies, issues, process, and techniques involved in developing and administering a compensation system), Pensions and Benefits (introduces students to the varied and complex area of pensions and benefits); and more.

Qualified students are eligible to earn the professional designations of Payroll Compliance Practitioner and the Certified Payroll Manager that are granted by the Association (please note that registration in this will incur costs in addition to tuition).

To apply got Payroll Management, students must present an official transcript that demonstrates proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree program. In addition, they may have to go through an interview process during which a transcript and resume review may be required. English proficiency will also be considered. Please note that if students are able to present a combination of partial post secondary education and relevant work experience, they may be considered. That is open to all disciplines.

Centennial College Offers Degree Programs to Get You Ahead

Imagine attending a college program and obtaining a degree. At Centennial College you can do just that via its degree programs, which take four years to complete. These undertakings are designed to impart both the practical skills you need to win the job you want and the theoretical background to give you the extensive subject knowledge employers are looking for. Therefore, you obtain the technical strengths of a college and the theoretical foundations of a four-year bachelor degree. Centennial's college degrees meet rigorous Ontario Ministry standards (provincial standards) and open doors to even better learning and career opportunities.

Unlike universities, the classes within Centennial College's degree programs are small, which allows for more one-on-one time with instructors. In addition, this allows for discussion among peers, which can result in networking. As with all of the college's programs, the degree programs feature many hands-on components. You obtain real life experiences before you even graduate, which gives up an edge on the competition that comes for a strictly theoretical background. In addition, you will interact with instructors who have considerable industry experience and can help to impart their first-hand knowledge on you.

Centennial College offers two college degree programs, as well as joint programs with a university. The first of these two is Computer and Communication Networks. The program offers a unique blend of technology and business subjects, creating an innovative balance between the practical and the theoretical backgrounds for which employers are looking. Students participate in courses such as: Fundamentals of Business and Information Systems, Logic and Problem-solving Strategies, Computer Architecture, Financial Analysis, Marketing of Services, Network Operating Systems and much more. Upon graduation, students go on to work as: Project Management Analysts, IT program managers, Technician Account Managers, Business Account Managers and much more.

The other degree program option that students have at Centennial College is Software Systems Design. The only of its kind in the province, the program has a unique focus on system design, a blend of technology and business subjects as well as industry placement. It also provides specialization in mobile application development or service-oriented architecture and cloud computing. Lastly, the college degree program includes three software development projects. These real-world business applications will require students to utilize all the technical, systems and business skills acquired during their studies to build higher quality software. Upon graduation, students go on to work in software development, software engineering, systems analysis, business analysis, web application development and more.

Centennial College also has agreements with Ryerson University and University of Toronto to offer college degree programs during which students spend time at both the college and university level. With Ryerson, students can participate in a Bachelor of Science Nursing program. Meanwhile, the college degree programs offered in collaboration with UofT include: Applied Microbiology, Environmental Science and Technology, Journalism, New Media Studies and Paramedicine.

Communication Programs Provide Career Variety

Marketing account managers, promotions and event managers, book and magazine publishers, communications specialists, media relations practitioners, advertising account managers, public relations consultants, reporters, magazine editors, producers, web interface designer, online game interface designers, and interactive designers all fall under the umbrella of communications specialists. Before any of these professionals can enter their respective fields, they must attend post-secondary communication programs. If you’re interested in a communications program but are seeking a shorter, relevant program that complements your previous education and experiences — whether from other countries or within Canada — then Centennial College might be the school for you.

Offering a wide range of communication programs, Centennial College also allows qualified students the chance to get into their desired field quickly through its six fast-track communication programs. By attending one of these speedy communication programs students: receive a Canadian credential (certificate or diploma), obtain Canadian experience in as little as eight months, become a professional worker in any industry, and belong to a college that will help meet the challenges of the global economy.

The first two communication programs are Advertising Media Management and Advertising Account Management. The latter of the two prepares students to become specialized account managers and offers them the opportunity to learn the full scope of advertising tactics so that they can manage integrated communication plans from inception to final production. Creative, strategic and business skills are combined to develop and coordinate advertising, sales promotion, event marketing, interactive or direct marketing. Meanwhile, the former communications program helps to develop students’ expertise in reaching target audiences with a creative message and builds their business and negotiating skills so that they may negotiate on behalf of advertising clients to achieve strategic results. Upon graduation students enter the field of strategic media planning and buying.

Another option within these communication program choices is Interactive Digital Media. A post-graduate, collaborative and project-driven program, it prepares students for today’s world of technology, media and innovation. This is achieved through training in both in-class and in studio environments, where students become competent in producing interactive and rich media content for online, web design and development, mobile, social networks, hybrid media, games, e-learning and interactive installations. Resulting jobs include: online producer, interactive project manager, interactive visual designer, interactive media art director, and interactive marketing specialist.

Finally, the last options for communication programs all revolve around the publishing world and the media. First, Book and Magazine Publishing, which was established in 1974, is an award-winning program that teaches students the ins and outs of book and magazine publishing. It promises a career of innovation, stories and culture that integrates your creative, marketing and business skills. If you’d rather be the person writing the pieces published in magazines and newspapers or broadcast on TV and the radio,Centennial College offers a communication program in Journalism. This undertaking revolves around understanding how to cover breaking news, explore human interest stories, interview the newsmakers and examine the issues of our times. Lastly, Corporate Communications teaches students how to create communications strategies that influence employee attitudes, shift stockholders’ opinions and tell an organization’s story to the media.

Biotechnology College Programs Prepare You For Many Sectors of the Field

Biotechnology Technicians (also known as bench technicians) have the distinct job of assuring quality control in areas of manufacturing such as food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. These areas in which humans consume or use products are very important and require the utmost attention. Therefore, biotechnology technicians must attend a biotechnology college program before entering the field.

If the field sounds like one in which you may have interest, Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. offers a two year Biotechnology Technician – Industrial Microbiology program. Students are provided with thorough practical training in industrial microbiology as well as chemistry (analytical and organic) and biochemistry. As with all Centennial College programs, there are prerequisites to attending. First, students must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is completion of compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. Students are placed in appropriate English level based on skills assessment results. Lastly, students who test at an advanced level may be accelerated directly into MATH-176 in semester 1 and MATH-186 in semester 2. Those taking MATH-140 will have the opportunity to complete MATH-186 between semesters 2 and 3.

The first thing to note about this biotechnology college program is that it is nationally accredited by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists, which has deemed it as having met the national technology accreditation requirements. In addition, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists recognizes the Biotechnology Technician - Industrial Microbiology program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technician Category. These national accreditations support program quality and provide mobility for graduates.

Within the program, students obtain practical training from professionals with experience in the field. These faculty members are able to bring a special perspective to teaching the biotechnology technician courses, which include: Intro to Biological Systems (students study various levels of complexity in living organisms from the molecular level to the whole organism and the relationship to physical and chemical science); Microbiology (students are introduced to the basic principles of microbiology); Inorganic Chemistry for Microbiology (emphasis is placed on inorganic reactions and phenomenon present in microbiological systems); and much more. In addition, woven into these courses are lessons on appropriate safety procedures, biotechnology technician projects, and independently designed microbiology tasks that enhance problem solving and research skills.

Upon graduation from the Biotechnology College program, bench technicians have a number of responsibilities. First and foremost, they isolate, enumerate and identify microorganisms from many types of samples (water, soil, air, your body, and food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products). This is a key component of the job, as is preparing specimens for staining and using a light-microscope. In addition, biotechnology technicians handle materials and instruments such as pH and BOD meters, Gas Chromatographs, spectrophotometers (regular/IR/UV), HPLC’s etc. Lastly, they prepare microbiological media and reagents; culture pathogenic microbes; and design and perform their own microbiology experiments.

Attend One of Ontario’s Most Reliable Graphic Design Programs

A testament to the success of a post-secondary program is what graduates who have moved onto lucrative careers have to say about their experience. Arash Giani, a graduate of Centennial College’s Graphic Design Diploma program, now works as a production artist/coordinator. Here’s what he had to say: "Graphic Design – Media gave me all the tools and skills I needed without dictating to me ‘what to think’ but showing me ‘how to think like a great designer.’ I got my internship immediately and got hired in the same place as soon as my internship ended. I was ready! I knew my job and my co-workers were amazed with the skills I earned in only two and half years. The atmosphere of classes was very friendly and we all learned from each other and always competed to be the best. The instructors are very dedicated and knowledgeable. They’re always there when they’re needed. This program was an amazing start for me and I recommend it for everyone. Thank you Centennial."

If that’s not enough to convince you that this is one of the most reliable Graphic Design Programs in Ontario, here’s more information. The undertaking is formally recognized by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario), which represents more than 3,000 graphic designers, managers, educators and students across Ontario. It is designed to seamlessly integrate academic learning and hands-on experience throughout courses that cover both creative and business topics. These courses include: Two-Dimensional Design + Typography (students use principles of composition, typography and colour together with graphic communication methods to create strong visual solutions in two-dimensional space); Intro To Advertising + Copy Writing (building on previously acquired image development and process knowledge, students learn how to conceptualize); Illustration Workshop (through completing a series of illustrations, students will get the opportunity to develop a personal style, while applying all stages of design process from initial sketches to presentation); and more.

By way of these courses, students end up with the ability to: integrate knowledge of visual graphics with creative communications strategies for print publications, packaging and illustration; develop and implement solutions to problems encountered in all phases of the graphic design process; apply typographic skills and knowledge to create effective visual communications; communicate effectively, credibly and accurately with clients, supervisors, coworkers and target audiences by using a variety of media; and more.

To apply, students must possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or being 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have the compulsory English 12C or U credit, or skills assessment, or equivalent. Lastly they will have to submit a portfolio that contains up to 15 pieces of original work in art and design. It must demonstrates an ability and interest in graphic design, colour integrated designs created in digital illustration and digital imaging applications, and a short research paper about their design philosophy and field of interest. For more portfolio requirement information, visit the Graphic Design Programs’s admissions page.

Upon graduation, Centennial College students work in: packaging design studios, marketing and communications agencies, magazine design firms, newspaper and TV departments and much. Their titles include: graphic designer, art director, creative director and production artist.

Aircraft Technician Training Will Give You The Wings You Need to Soar

Think back to the last time you traveled somewhere on a plane. Do you remember what you thought about? Most likely, you hoped the flight would take off on time. You probably thought about the weather at your final destination. Also, you may have wondered what sort of refreshments would be offered in-flight. What you probably weren’t thinking about was the safety of the plane. That’s because we trust experienced aircraft technicians to do that sort of thinking for us.

These highly skilled technicians work in a variety of aircraft industry sectors that include: airlines, manufacturers, aircraft maintenance companies, and other Canadian aviation operations. These areas come with a wide range of responsibilities, including: checking for corrosion, distortion and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail by using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment; cleaning, refueling and changing oil in line service aircraft; using hoists or forklift trucks to remove or install aircraft engines; inspecting completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft is ready for operation; maintaining repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance; and much more.

In order to become an Aircraft Technician , post-secondary training is required. At Centennial College, students can study for two years in the Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program. This trusted undertaking is both Transport Canada approved and Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council certified as a recognized aircraft maintenance-training program. It results in an Ontario College Diploma.

The focus of this Aircraft Technician Training revolves around: aircraft maintenance, power plants, structures, inspections, troubleshooting, mechanical, electrical and electronic skills as well as other sciences that are related to the aircraft maintenance industry. This focus is achieved through courses such as: Theory of Flight, Aircraft Applied Mathematics, Electrical Fundamentals, Turbine Engines, Hangar – Maintenance and Procedures, Rotary Wing Controls and many others. However, it should be noted that these courses are not just lecture based. Many see students working in labs fixing aircraft engines, performing flight-line activities as well as conducting aircraft and component inspections.

Before students can graduate from the Aircraft Technician Training , they must complete over 200 maintenance tasks. Also required for Aircraft Maintenance Technician graduation is a minimum C grade in all courses. However, Transport Canada accreditation requires both a minimum B grade in every course and an absentee rate of less than five per cent of the total program hours.

Centennial College expects students applying for admission to this Aircraft Technician Training to present, at minimum, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or General Education Development or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Applicants must also possess compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent.