Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Financial Planning Certification Exposes You to Multiple Career Choices

Becoming a financial planner is the most relevant career option if you have a love for figures, budgets, calculations and taxes, etc. Some individuals take up a financial course to manage personal finances and offer one-on-one consultations to neighboring families whereas others do it to build a rewarding career in this field. Apart from this, anyone dealing with debt or saving for retirement can consider this program.

This two-semester financial planning program, in either of scenarios, makes a great choice. While there is no shortage of DIY finance books online, a full-time regular will help you build strong fundamentals in
  • Accounting
  • Tax planning
  • Estate planning
  • Risk management
  • Retirement financial planning
  • Marketing
  • Corporate credit management
  • Crafting and executing strategy
  • Ethics and stakeholder management, regardless of what you intend to do after completing the certification.
The course offers much more to those who are looking to build a rewarding career in the field of financial planning. The one year financial planning certification helps you prepare for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam, CSC (Canada Securities Course) and Wealth Management Essentials (WME). The program also gives you the opportunity to obtain a Graduate Certificate in the field of financial planning. However, remember that license fees for these courses and examination fees are mandatory and are in addition to the regular tuition fees.

On successful completion of this one-year course, you can also participate in articulated programs with universities, institutes or other professional associations for further study.

The financial planning graduates can also find employment with financial institutions such as, banks, financial planning companies, credit unions, life insurance companies, investment dealers and mutual fund companies.

Benefits of a Financial Planning Certification in Day-to-Day Life
  • Along with gaining basic understanding in different aspects of financial planning, you will be able to
  • Make informed decisions as far as your finances are concerned
  • Compare different financial products and services and choose the best from the available ones
  • Effectively utilize your personal and family finances
  • Work out discrepancies in budget
  • Plan effectively for meeting long term financial goals
  • Effectively market financial products if you're working as a freelance marketing professional or with some company
  • Recognize legal implications of a certain financial situation
  • Plan your taxes well
  • Save for your retirement
  • Help friends, colleagues and relatives in managing their finances, debts and taxes

The one-year financial planning course is a graduate certificate program. You will need to have a university degree or college diploma in any discipline, proof of English proficiency and certain numeracy skills.
Having a relevant work experience is an added advantage. The college may also review your resume and transcript. The best part is that you don't need to be a financial graduate for being able to apply for this course.

If you are planning to study financial planning and enroll in a graduate program in Canada, you can apply with public colleges. The applications are accepted both online and in person. Another important point is that you may be eligible for a program transfer if you have previously attended the same college. Your offer of admission will be confirmed online if your qualifications and work experience meets their eligibility criteria.

Expand Your Skills with Distance Learning and Make Yourself Employable!

Continuous learning is a good concept to practice as it enables you to develop your skills and abilities, making you a better individual in personal and career contexts. Whether you want to extend your past studies or enter a new area of expertise, enrolling in a continuing education program can have its benefits. Additionally, your studies can work with your preferences through distance learning.

This non-traditional method of studies is a good match for many busy individuals, including:
  • A student who would like to continue with his or her studies, while looking for other opportunities, such as employment, internships, and volunteer work
  • A part-time employee, with fixed hours, shift work, or irregular working hours
  • A full-time employee, looking to go back to school while continuing the full-time job hours
  • A part-time or full-time parent/guardian, with family and household responsibilities
  • Anyone who would like to further their education, complete an unfinished program, or enter a new career
  • Anyone who would like to advance their careers, either by studying a similar discipline or venturing to a new area
Time, place, and technology do not have to obstacles with your studies. Distance learning provides students with the opportunity to schedule their studies in any way that best suits them, whether they choose to learn at their home, in the middle of the night, or at a faster or slower pace than regular programs.

The School of Continuing Education at Centennial College offers Distance Learning programs to local and international students. The programs are diverse and spans from the fields of Business to Information Technology to Community and Health Studies. Delivered in different formats, Centennial ensures that they cater to student needs and preferences:
  • Online programs: completed online, through live and recorded video lectures, computerized tests, and digital textbooks and course materials
  • Print-based programs: textbooks and other program resources are couriered to the students, in which they can study with tangible course materials and complete assignments by submitting them through the postal service system
  • Monthly courses:a block of courses instead of a whole program are offered either through distance correspondence or online learning
Through the flexibility and efficiency of distance learning, students benefit largely in this new way of schooling. Here are some advantages that learners can enjoy:
  • Convenience of studying an completing assignments at their own pace, whether they need more time to dedicate to a certain topic or lengthen the study period to make time for other commitments
  • Saving commute time, giving students more time to spend on their studies and other responsibilities
  • Work-life-school balance, where students can allocate school time around their work schedule and personal lives
  • Ability to control study environment in which students can work from home, in the local library, or another place where students learn at their best
  • New learning and networking opportunities from peers across the country and around the world
Centennial College creates an accessible and inclusive environment with these continuing education courses and programs. Its belief in a collaborative environment is seen through the classes, as students from all parts of the world connect with one another and exchange ideas. Distance learning paved way to a new education system, where anyone can pursue an education, no matter where people are with their lives.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

A Quick Guide to Postsecondary Recreation Management Courses in Canada

Recreation and leisure services programs often incorporate fitness, wellness, child and youth development, lifestyle management and recreation management and marketing. Students gain understanding, knowledge and skills necessary to establish and promote recreation and leisure programs, prepare budgets, conduct market activities, recruit and train the team of volunteers and delegate them responsibilities.

Recreation and leisure industry in Canada and rest of the world is continually evolving. With no signs of slowing down, it's opening a wide range of career opportunities for individuals who have qualifications, skills and experience in any of the fitness or amusement facets. This could be one of the most handsomely paying industries in future.

Educational Prerequisites

In order to build a rewarding career in recreation and leisure industry, a postsecondary diploma or equivalent is typically required. Some jobs may also require additional requirements or a recreation management degree, but they are either managerial level or therapeutic level jobs.

However, for entry level jobs, a two-year diploma in recreation and leisure services is required. The program typically includes classroom theory sessions and extensive supervised field placement allowing students to gain much required practical skills.

Admission Requirements

To apply for a postsecondary recreation management diploma program, you need:
  • Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
  • English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
  • Volunteer work in related field - recommended not mandatory
After admission, you need to submit :-
  • Clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
  • Proof of immunization
What Do Recreation Management Courses Cover?

Recreation management courses at Centennial College typically run for four semesters, focusing on theory, practical training and current trends in recreation industry. During the first semester, the focus is on developing interpersonal skills while exposing them to principles and concepts of recreation programming, gerontology and wellness and child and youth development.

During the second semester, the aim is to teach students about group dynamics, therapeutic recreation and advanced computer applications both theoretically and practically. Field seminars and placements are important features during this semester.

Students learn about healthy lifestyle management, festivals and event management, community development, recreation management and marketing during the third semester. Practical training is also carried out through filed seminars and placements.

The focus during the fourth semester shifts to cultural awakening, business of recreation, report writing for leisure and recreation services. Students also undergo extensive field training and learn to contribute to the safe and effective management of recreation venues. They get to apply administration skills to manage the venues and marketing skills to promote recreation and leisure services.

Popular Career Options

A diploma in recreation and leisure services qualifies graduates for entry level positions with
  • Municipal community recreation centres
  • Youth focused organizations
  • Hospitals
  • School-aged childcare centres
  • Rehabilitation centres
  • Long term care settings
  • Sporting organizations
  • Community centres
  • Outdoor leisure companies
  • Fitness centres
Continuing Education

After the course completion, the graduates can choose to either work or continue further education. The colleges allow students to use the credits earned during the diploma program to secure admission in a degree program in recreation management with the associated or partner universities.

Becoming an Energy Systems Engineering Technician

The utility sector is undergoing a drastic shift from traditional methods towards greener and more environment friendly ways of producing energy. Small innovative energy projects are being established using small scale sources, such as hydro, wind, solar, fuel cells and gas turbines to meet electricity needs of households and businesses.

Due to this, the manufacturers have come up with new and advanced products to implement energy control in residential and commercial structures. In addition, the construction industry is also adopting these initiatives while constructing new buildings.

This has resulted in acute shortage of qualified and skilled energy systems technicians to work on such projects. The engineers who are currently working in this field are those who have gained experience in energy-related technologies over a period of time by working on several projects. There is a huge demand for technicians who possess specific knowledge in the field and can easily work on state-of-the-art energy systems.

A diploma in this field can open doors to many career opportunities for students. You can work
  • In power plants
  • With construction and architectural companies to integrate modern energy technologies in new buildings
  • With energy companies to implement energy solutions for residential and commercial buildings
  • With other companies that design heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration units
In addition, you can also apply your knowledge in moulding and casting, integrated circuit packaging, petrochemical processing and heat exchanger, boiler designing and manufacturing.

Energy Systems Engineering Programs

Specially designed energy systems engineering programs teach students the fundamental skills to understand the modern energy projects. Students also gain technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills necessary to build a rewarding career in this field.

The energy systems engineering course combines mathematics, physics, statistics, chemistry and mechanics to help students gain well-rounded knowledge that can be applied across mechanical, electrical, automation and electronic engineering fields.

What Does the Course Cover?

The energy systems engineering course covers a variety of subjects including computer aided drafting, electric circuits, fabrication and installation, chemistry applications and climate, electronic devices, digital and power electronics, renewable energy systems, ethics in technology and environment, fluid mechanics and dynamics, wind and solar energy and power engineering.

Along with classroom learning, a strong focus is placed on practical training. The curriculum includes project development to promote innovation and project management skills. A good program also offers opportunities to work on state-of-the-art energy systems.

On successful completion of the program, you can either choose to work or continue to study further. You can enter year three of the energy systems engineering technology program.

Enrolling in Energy Systems Engineering Course

The two-year post secondary energy systems engineering course is relatively new. Not all colleges offer this program. Some reputed public colleges in Canada offer a nationally accredited program in energy systems engineering. So, the competition is fierce. It’s ideal to collect all the related details well in advance and apply for the course in time.

A secondary school diploma, English Grade 12 C or University and Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University certificate or score will be required to apply for the course.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Career Prospects for Personal Support Worker Courses

Personal support workers (PSWs) assist people in their day-to-day activities such as taking medicines, getting out of bed, ensuring personal hygiene, bathing and dressing, arranging social outings and recreational activities. Their duties may also include home management such as, shopping, cleaning and laundry and taking care of children. They are also expected to bring positivity in the lives of their patients by talking to them, listening to their concerns and reading them a book.

The precise job roles and responsibilities depend upon the organization or setting they work with. Typically they are employed with residential facilities, long term care institutions, community support agencies, nursing homes, chronic care facilities, hospitals, schools and in private settings such as clients within their homes.

Career Prospects for Personal Support Workers

The demand for personal support workers is anticipated almost double in the next decade. The reason for this is dramatic demographic shift - aging baby boomers generation. The shortage of PSWs in Canada is already being experienced. The coming years may widen the gap between their demand and availability.

Healthcare facilities are now keen in hiring qualified professionals who have undergone a formal education and hands-on-experience to improve their patient care services. The demand for trained professionals in personal support is more than ever with a new emphasis on non-institutional care.

Becoming a Personal Support Worker

Students having a keen interest in serving people and community may choose to become trained personal support workers. You can enroll in a personal support worker course if you want to make difference in the lives of countless people in need - especially seniors, physically and mentally challenged children and anyone suffering from serious illness.

A personal support worker program typically runs for one year and can be taken up by interested students after completing their secondary school education. The program aims to prepare you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and assistance to people in need. You get to learn about complete home and health related services required by clients with disabilities, cognitive impairment, chronic illnesses and elderly people.

You are taught to assist these people in leading active and fulfilling lives. The course provides foundational knowledge on anatomy, personal support, communication, mental health and development stages and alterations in health in the first semester.

In the second semester, you are taught how to provide support to clients in palliative care. You also undergo extensive practical experience for 15 weeks working in hospitals or long term care institutions. You not only get to learn latest practices and policies in the field but also gain an understanding about how to work with people and assist them.

In order to enroll for the course, you need a secondary school diploma, English Grade 12 C or University, annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening and completed immunization requirements.

The job of personal support workers is very challenging and may require attending 8-10 clients a day and travelling to their homes. Only those students who are genuinely interested in community service should go for it.

Want to Build a Career in Public Relations - Heres What You Need

Working as reputation advocates for organizations and helping them build and maintain positive relationships with public sounds fascinating. But the truth is that it requires a lot of hard work, smart decision making, strong interpersonal skills and thorough knowledge of business environment and law. 

PR professionals are some of the most talented people around who know how to build relationships, handle controversies and promote businesses. They handle a variety of organizational functions including consumer relations, government relations, investor relations, employee relations, media relations, conflict mediation, promotional campaigns and many others.

They are generally employed with public relations agencies, digital marketing companies, corporate houses, investor relations departments, corporate communications departments, non-profit organizations and any other business for that matter.

Being a public relations secretary or manager or playing assistant to PR managers or working in this field at any level definitely has its own perk. But it’s not for everyone. It is for those who have an in-depth understanding of the complex world in which businesses operate and skills to navigate through criticism and critical rapport-building skills.

Building a Career in Public Relations

If you have a strong desire for building a career in public relations, you need to begin early. Enrolling in a public relations degree after completing high school marks the beginning of your career in this field. However, it’s not as simple as it seems. Competition is fierce.

In order to enroll into a bachelor of public relations program in Toronto, you need to
  • Fulfill minimum eligibility requirements
  • Complete a writing test
  • Provide a resume detailing relevant work experience
  • Submit a letter of intent explaining the reason for applying

The minimum eligibility criteria for applying for PR programs Toronto include:
  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma
  • At least six Grade 12 U, Grade 12 M or OAC credits with an overall average of 65 percent or higher
  • English Grade 12 U with final grade 70 percent or higher
  • Math Grade 12 U with final grade 65 percent or higher

You will also need to complete a writing test if you are found eligible for the program. This will be a decisive factor.

Choosing the Right College

There are many colleges in Toronto that offer public relations courses. The basic curriculum of the programs remains the same. However, you may find a difference in application procedures, hands-on-experience and field placement opportunities.

Not all public relations programs offer you the required industry exposure, opportunities to manage real world projects and chances to work with companies. It’s really important to choose the right college that offers more targeted education and practical experience.

A program in public relations helps you
  • Develop thorough understanding of public relations industry
  • Build critical skills for professional writing
  • Learn key business skills to gain a competitive edge in the industry
  • Understand the concepts of global citizenship, Corporate Social Responsibility and Media Communications
  • Learn skills to navigate digital world

You are prepared to work in diverse range of careers in different industries. The job of a PR professional is extremely demanding. You can build a rewarding career if you have a desire to learn continuously and an ability to adapt to changes quickly.

Serve Community Better with a Developmental Service Workers Program

Developmental service workers assist individuals with intellectual disabilities in their day-to-day living. They are able to understand the nature of disabilities, identify personal support requirements of individuals and facilitate the development of everyday skills by providing them the support required.

The professionals are expected to fill a variety of roles, such as residential support workers, support workers, education assistants, family supporters, integration facilitators and employment support workers. 

Their job is really challenging as professionals have to deal with people with intellectual disabilities, work in shifts and provide emotional support to clients. Only those students who are genuinely interested in serving the community should consider building a career in this field.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required to assume the role of a developmental service worker, as you’re expected to interact with clients and understand their needs most of the times. Other skills including critical thinking, problem solving, in-depth analysis, leaderships and managing change are an added advantage. With all these in your arsenal, you also need to be patient and emotionally strong yet sensitive when dealing with the clients.


Although there is an increasing demand for service workers in this field, but employers are keen in hiring only those individuals who have undergone a formal education and possess relevant experience in community service. Students interested in building a career in this field can enroll into a postsecondary program that covers all aspects of community service.

The two year program covers diverse subjects and emphasizes on supervised field placements. It helps you gain an understanding in social psychology, health promotion and personal well being, pharmacology, valued social roles, disability issues, building responsive communities, teaching skills and policy and social welfare systems.

The program also combines field observation, projects, preparation for practice, community observations, report presentation, field seminars and supervised field placement. Emphasis is also placed on internet searches, teamwork and electronic communication.

After the completion of the program, you are able to

  • Provide support to clients in day-to-day living with respectful and empowering approaches
  • Facilitate development of everyday skills
  • Display patience, maturity and sensitivity when interacting with clients
  • Support promotion and maintenance of health and well being
  • Identify disability issues and provide required support
  • Help bring positive change in attitudes of clients

Enrolling in a Program

Various colleges across Canada offer such courses helping students build a career in developmental services. But there are some colleges that place equal emphasis on field work as that in classroom learning. It’s crucial to conduct a research and enroll in a good college that fulfills your specific goals and offers necessary industry exposure.

To apply for the program, you need secondary school diploma or equivalent and English Grade 12 C or University scores. Once you get admission, you will also require a criminal reference check. Students still attending high schools can also apply for the course. Their final grades will be automatically transferred to the college.

On graduation, you’re also eligible to participate in programs with universities and institutes and apply your academic credits for further study.

Script Writing Program Helps You Learn How to Take Script to Screen

You must be a good scriptwriter and have written several good scripts. But you may not know what it takes to move it to the next level – how to take script to screen. You may not know what it goes into developing and producing quality feature films and TV shows.

Developing or producing shows and films that combine quality content, focus, drama and visuals goes beyond just writing a good script. You need to delve deeper in the film making techniques to take the script to the screen ensuring the best results.

So, how do you hone your skills? How to improvise your writing? How to tailor the script to an actor’s specific talents?

A script writing program at Centennial College may help you with this. It can help you acquire comprehensive, in-depth and hands-on-understanding about how to develop and produce good quality TV shows and films. Along with this, the program aims to help you
  • Learn how to deconstruct films and TV shows
  • Focus on creating, pitching, developing, outlining, drafting and polishing production-ready film scripts of short lengths
  • Learn to prepare, act in, shoot and post shows
  • Obtain a solid working knowledge on what to do ensure better collaboration from team/crew members
  • Understand how to resolve problems and empathize with fellow cast
  • Understand the difference between dramatic, comedy and documentary films
  • Learn to focus on drama

What Does the Program Cover?

A program in script writing is a one-year postgraduate course. In the first semester, it covers a variety of subjects including scriptwriting, short film development, directing, acting, production and post production.
The second semester covers the same subjects but focuses on more advanced techniques for functions ranging from scriptwriting to post production. Students receive instructions, advice and support from professionals who have strong industry experience.

Who Can Apply?

The program in script writing can be taken by individuals
  • Interested in having hands-on-understanding what it goes into development and production of films and TV shows
  • Who have already produced or directed films or shows
  • Having prior experience in acting
  • Having relevant work experience in media-related field
  • With scriptwriting experience
  • Having experience in script editing

What It Takes to Enroll in a Script Writing Program in Toronto?

To enroll in a program for script writing Toronto, the applicants need:
  • A university degree of a college diploma of minimum three years in any discipline
  • Minimum two years of work experience in any of the media related fields such as writing, editing, producing, directing or acting

In addition, the applicants also need to submit
  • A self directed or produced film
  • A writing sample or script
  • An on-camera audition
  • An updated resume
  • A letter of intent explaining the reasons for applying for the course

You are offered admission only when you’re able to meet eligibility criteria and additional requirements. You may also require attending a discussion on program expectations.

The best thing about this program is that you start working from the day 1. Moreover, you build valuable contacts while studying and working with professionals. They may be used in future for references.

Worlds collide as students learn in the international business program

Look around your home, school, or work and try to find some products made locally or within the country. This search may seem like a challenging task because many of our possessions are manufactured internationally. Globalization helped made international trade possible and easier, but it’s not only products that are exchanged. Ideas and perspectives from around the world assist in the creation and innovation or products and processes here in Canada. If you want to learn more about this exciting field, enrol in international business programs at Centennial College.

International business deals with every aspect of business on a global level, from operations to finance to marketing. Interested learners can opt for a quick two years of studies, while obtaining high-quality education at a local college in Toronto. Centennial College offers the Business - International Business (2809) program for all three program start dates in the fall, winter, and summer semesters at their main campus. All students are welcome, may they be interested in business or other fields that may have an impact of international relations.

The Business - International Business program offers the academic training needed for an entry-level position in multinational companies, stationed in Canada and abroad. It teaches relevant international business courses, each led by knowledgeable professors with field experience to share with their students. Listed below are some of the key learning outcomes:

  • International business concepts, including foreign direct investments, international trade, ethical dilemmas , outsourcing, political and economic benefits, foreign expansion, and human resources and expatriation

  • Customs services and compliance, where students will learn about excise laws, tariffs, and customs documentation and will apply their knowledge in creating an export plan involving permits and documentation

  • Global logistics, including the regulations, equipment, technologies, and navigation in the world’s major trade channels

  • Ability to calculate chargeable truck freight weight and unit load device volume, complete various forms of bill of lading forms, and use proper transportation terminologies

  • Perform research, analysis and reporting, with a focus on arithmetical, statistical and financial analysis computations

  • Marketing principles, such as segmentation and the marketing mix, as applied to international business; also involves strategies to enter a foreign market and the creation of an international marketing plan

With the knowledge and applications of industry practices involved in each course of the Business - International Business program, students will learn the fundamentals and ways to apply it in several business situations. Centennial’s international business program provides the academic training needed for new graduates to enter a global business enterprise, with opportunities to connect with world leaders and possibly work abroad.

Prepare for a Career in Digital Media Industry with an Interactive Media Program

The unremitting and rapid introduction of new digital media channels, tools, devices and data sources has made digital media landscape more complex than ever. Just when a particular trend start gaining pace, a new development happens.

This makes it difficult for professionals in this field to cope with the continuous and quick changes. They find it extremely challenging to work effectively in non-stop shifting interactive media landscape. 

So, does this mean that whatever you learned in college is obsolete? Whatever you know is no longer useful? Do you have to go back to the school to upgrade your knowledge and skills? 

Well, whatever you learned in a graduate program is not completely outmoded. But you certainly need to upgrade your knowledge and skills. An interactive media program at Centennial College can help you leverage your previous skills and gain new ones, preparing for a new and more rewarding career in ever changing digital media industry. 

About Interactive Media Course

A postgraduate interactive media course emphasizes on various aspects of interactive media industry, such as:
  • Interactive media design and development
  • Content production
  • Process management
  • Strategy building and implementation
  • User experience
  • Pitching and presentations
  • Networking

It is designed to make you more effective while working in the interactive media landscape. The collaborative and project-driven program prepares you for today’s fast-paced technological environment.

The three-semester program begins with introducing you to foundational skills by covering production tools, emerging technologies, practical coding, interactive media writing, video and sound for interactive media and user experience. You also gain skills necessary for collaborative workplace.

In the second semester, you gain theoretical and practical knowledge in project management and more advanced production tools. You apply your business, technical and analytical knowledge while working on your own project. During this semester, you gain a solid understanding of planning and documentation for interactive media.

The courses in third semester aim to help you make your communication, presentation and interpersonal skills stronger. You gain better understanding of the industry and available career options. Intensive training and industry field placement mark the completion of the course.

Career Opportunities after Course Completion

The advancement in media consumption devices and internet technology has opened doors to numerous career opportunities for graduates in interactive media management. They can begin their careers as interactive producers, digital project managers, interactive designers, digital strategists, user experience designers, digital content coordinators or digital content producers.

Who Should Enroll in a Postgraduate Interactive Media Management Program?

The program is the right choice for individuals
  • Interested in scoring a job in digital media industry
  • Looking to upgrade their skills
  • Wanting to assume higher roles in management
  • Exploring entrepreneurship opportunities un digital media industry

Enrolling in an Interactive Media Management Course

Interactive media management is a postgraduate course. To enroll into it, you need:
  • College diploma or degree in any discipline
  • Relevant work experience

You may also need to attend a program admission session. However, you will need to book for it in advance. In addition, you also have to submit a letter of interest to program coordinator.

Pre Health Program Helps You Make the Right Career Choice

The post-secondary pre-health program is designed to help students in exploring various science programs and choosing the most suitable academic pathway. The program aims to equip students with know-how that they need to enroll in a science course that best suits their interests and career goals.

The one-year diploma program offers a solid foundation to students by introducing them to a range of science subjects while even focusing on computer education and communication skills. The benefit of this program is that you can directly enroll into a practical nursing or pharmacy technician program on its completion.

Who Should Enroll in a Pre-Health Science Program?

  • You're unsure of which science program to choose from among practical nursing, pharmacy technician and transportation
  • You don't have academic qualifications to enroll in a science program of your choice in a college
  • You haven't studied any science subjects in high school and are not eligible to post-secondary science programs
  • You're not eligible to seek admission in a science course after completing high school

Students completing this diploma course stand eligible to transfer directly into practical nursing, pharmacy technician and transportation programs.

About Pre-Health Programs

The one-year pre-health programs cover five subjects in each semester, exposing you to various subjects including physics, chemistry, mathematics and computers and communication for healthcare professionals in the first semester. The program combines classroom learning, question and answer sessions and group discussions on various related topics. The aim is to help students develop strong foundation based on understanding of human physiology and psychology instead of memorization.

In the second semester, the focus is more on pre-anatomy, physiology and developmental psychology. The healthcare professionals also need to possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as they have to deal with people on daily basis. This is why communication remains the main subject in both the semesters. In addition, you also study chemistry and mathematics on more advanced level.

Enrolling into a Pre-Health Program

In order to apply for a pre-health program, you will need:
  • Secondary school diploma or equivalent or mature student status (19 years or older)
  • English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
  • Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent

In case you don't meet possess required qualifications in English and mathematics, you can appear take English and Math skills assessment with the college you're seeking admission in.

With a certificate in pre-health science, you are eligible to seek admission in a three-year diploma or four-year degree course in nursing and pharmacy.

Who is Eligible to Enroll in This Program?
You are eligible to enroll in this program
  • If you have completed your high school
  • Even if you are currently attending high school. In this case, your midterm and final grades will automatically be transferred to the college where you seek admission
  • If you have completed high school even without studying any of the science subjects

The program offers you in-depth understanding of working of human body and mind. Along with this, you gain clarity on which program to choose for further studies.

Kitchen Management Course - Information and Career Prospects

Kitchen management is no longer about organizing your own kitchen and ensuring sanitation, hygiene and safety while working in it. In fact, it is now regarded as a full-time occupation, opening doors to numerous career opportunities.

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council foresees that the food and beverage sector will employ around 1.95 million people by 2015, 68 percent of which constitutes young Canadians. So if you have passion for food, possess some kitchen organisation skills and want to make money with it, a hospitality program in Toronto kitchen management may be the right choice for you.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Kitchen Manager

The main responsibility of a kitchen manager is to ensure smooth operations in a commercial kitchen. While kitchen operations are considered back-end but they directly impact the reputation of the establishment, regardless of the nature of their business.

A kitchen manager is expected to
  • Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff
  • Assist in food production
  • Ensure sanitation and hygiene
  • Help in menu planning
  • Maintain kitchen equipments as required
  • Ensure that food is cooked properly and according to customer’s specifications
  • Make sure that the staff abides by set rules and regulations while working in the kitchen
  • Ensure that the food in both raw and cooked form meets health and safety standards
  • Oversee the inventory in the kitchen
  • Ensure a safe workplace for the staff
  • Deal with staff squabbles
  • Handle small errors, mishaps or accidents
  • Work in the place of absent employees

Career Opportunities for a Graduate in Kitchen Management

Career opportunities for a graduate in kitchen management are available with any organisation that has a food serving unit. The main employers include hotels, restaurants, resorts, camps, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, bars, nightclubs, school and college dining services and of course catering companies.

Although the job prospects in this field are good but most employers are keen in hiring individuals who possess required skill sets and have hands-on-experience. Besides, they need to have strong business and interpersonal skills. So even for the entry level jobs, students need to undergo a formal training in kitchen management and hospitality.

Becoming a Kitchen Manager

The job of a kitchen manager is not easy, as professionals require working late hours and dealing with different people on regular basis. The profession is not for everyone. Those who are genuinely interested in serving clients and can display leadership skills in crisis should only opt for it.

A postsecondary hospitality course in kitchen management is the basic requirement to build a career in this field. The one year diploma program covers various aspects of food operations management, such as customer service, sanitation and hygiene, quantity food production, principles of food, beverage and labour cost controls, kitchen supervision, food production, purchasing for commercial kitchen, hospitality, human resources and career planning.

The kitchen management course also helps you earn certifications including Smart Serve program and National Sanitation Training certificate. Students interested in building a career in restaurant management and catering can use the credits earned during this program to get into a two-year diploma program.

Film Programs in Toronto - Career Prospects and Course Details

The television and film industry has been playing a crucial role in our daily lives since its inception. It’s not only recognised for its cultural contribution and entertainment aspect, but it has also made a significant economic impact. It has created thousands of jobs in the past and its constant evolution is opening doors to many more career opportunities.

Within the industry, the job roles may include film/documentary/video/television production, direction, production assistance, production management, business development, film and television accounting, financing and funding, international distribution, production coordination, marketing and communications and entertainment law.

The industry is fiercely competitive and the career opportunities in this field depend upon an individual’s hands-on-films production, business and communication skills, interpretation abilities and the content of their degree.

Though a degree or certification in film studies is not required to enter into the field of television and film production, but then it can put you on the right path. Creativity and talent are heart and soul, but targeted skills and functional knowhow can help you build a lasting career. A certification in television and film – business prepares you to work in this industry.

Career Prospects

Graduates in television and film - business can find employment with film and television production houses, film distribution companies, broadcasting companies, theatres, digital asset management companies, media manufacturing companies and event management companies that organise film festivals.

Graduates can also assist art directors, veteran film producers and other famous people who have been engaged in pre-production, production and post-production of films. They can also try hands at independent film making.

Film Programs in Toronto

The one-year graduate certificate film programs in Toronto focus on business aspect of television and film production industry. The aim is to help students explore the legal, regulatory and financial frameworks of the industry and develop understanding and skills required for producing good content in the current Canadian market.

The program lays emphasis on the knowledge of transmedia, global marketplace, distribution models and additional revenue sources by combining knowledge of television and film industry with the principles and practices of accounting and business.

The film program covers a wide range of subjects including
  • The business of film producing
  • Accounting for film and television
  • Production management and coordination
  • Entertainment law
  • Production
  • Business and entrepreneurship
  • Financing and funding
  • Team building
  • Going global
  • Alternative revenue streams

It combines classroom learning, opportunities to learn pre-production, production and post-production techniques in crew and leadership positions and field placement. Students learn to develop and implement
  • Project financing plans
  • Business plans for the launch
  • Marketing plans
  • Operations of an independent production company

Enrolling in to a Film Program Toronto

Centennial College is a reputed Toronto film school that offers an intensive yet condensed film program. To apply for this program, you need to submit a:
  • College advanced diploma (three years) or a university degree (three or four years)
  • Current resume
  • A letter of intent that is used as a basis of discussion on program expectations

The film school Toronto also considers applicants who present a combination of partial post-secondary and work experience in related fields, such as communications, film and television, business management and accounting.

Court Clerk Training Covers Classroom Learning and Hands on learning in Courtroom Settings

Court support services include a variety of daily tasks that are fundamental to judicial proceedings in courts. The court clerks are responsible for processing legal documents, maintaining records, handling payments for fees, fines and other court costs and maintaining court calendars. Their job responsibilities also include reviewing law suits and briefs submitted to the court to ensure their accuracy and maintaining the dockets of scheduled cases.

The court clerks/monitors also have to deal with public while listening to their complaints, helping them with court procedure issues and answering their questions regarding trial dates, court appearances, outstanding warrants, court orders and summonses. In addition to this, the professionals also work with judges, lawyers and other courtroom personnel.

Career Prospects

Court clerks are employed with municipal courts, tribunals and boards, the Ministry of Attorney General and court reporting services. They are generally responsible for administrative work. A large part of their job includes managing the paperwork or handling court records. However, their roles and responsibilities may vary depending upon the courts they serve, the region they work in and their qualification and work experience. Additional duties can vary depending upon who they assist – a judge, a lawyer or any other courtroom personnel.

The typical work activities associated with this job title include:
  • Preparing dockets or calendars of the cases to be called
  • Instructing parties about timings of court appearances
  • Explaining court procedures to general public or parties in the cases
  • Preparing documents regarding the outcomes of court proceedings
  • Maintaining legal documents
  • Recording case dispositions and court orders including summonses, fine information, sentencing information, probation orders and release documentation
  • Contacting parties in cases, attorneys and witnesses to collect required information
  • Examining legal documents submitted to the court

With education and experience, court clerks can advance to higher positions or assume specific roles. However, to seek entry level positions in this field, you need to undergo formal education and court clerk training in Toronto.

Court Support Services Program

A court support services program prepares students for careers for entry level clerical positions in federal courts, tribunals and boards and municipal courts. It gives them an opportunity to gain in-depth understanding into legal and professional environments. The program exposes them to current issues in the Canadian law, helping them learn about ethics and professional conduct in criminal as well as family courts.

The one-year post secondary program helps you build strong theoretical foundations in court monitoring while providing you with opportunities to practical hands-on-learning. You take on practical career oriented assignments and attend various tribunal and court hearings as a part of your course. This gives you hands-on municipal court training, which is much required to gain an understanding of how things take place in the real world.

Enrolling in a Court Support Services Program

Centennial College in Canada offers post-secondary court support services programs. The program combines classroom learning and practical training that is approved by the Ministry of Attorney General.
In order to apply for this program, you will need:

  • Secondary school diploma or equivalent
  • English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent

The program qualifies you for assuming clerical positions in municipal courts, tribunal and boards and the Ministry of Attorney General.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Program Includes Real World Experience

Obtaining real world experience prior to graduation is one of the ways in which Centennial College's Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic graduates enhance their resumes to stand apart from their competition. But there is a host of other benefits that students stand to gain from this two-year program.

Here are some of the most important facts :-
  • Students graduate with a respected Ontario College Diploma.
  • The program gives students the chance to simultaneously complete their diploma and train as apprentices.
  • To ensure a balance between on-the-job experience and classroom learning, students spend eight months in a work placement assisted by the college.
  • Students are assisted in finding a paid work placement to gain experience working in the field.
  • The hours spent in the work placement are counted towards the practical part of apprenticeship training.
  • A wide overview of knowledge of the design, installation and service techniques of heating refrigeration and air conditioning systems for commercial and residential settings is included.
  • Through hands-on practice, students learn to service, maintain, size and select equipment for air conditioning and refrigeration applications along with an introduction to hydraulics and forced air heating.
  • Faculty members who have experience in the field guide students through their courses while making themselves available for one-on-one time.
  • Prior to field placement, all hands-on training takes place at Progress Campus.
  • Progress Campus features labs that are fully equipped with tools of the trade.
  • Specific hands-on topics include: the use of new refrigerant, selection of equipment to meet the Season Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards, the efficiency standards of heating equipment, and installation and service techniques.
  • Among the particular courses within the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning program are: Electrical & Control Systems, Pressure Enthalpy & Refrigerants Cooling Systems and Components, Plan Specifications & Load Calculations Systems and Components, Advanced Electrical, Auto Cad, Prints & Heat Load Calculations; Applied Psychrometrics, and many others.
To apply for this Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic offering, students must have previously completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Among the specific required credits are: English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or taking the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission; and Mathematics Grade 11 M or U, or 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or taking a Centennial College Engineering Math Skills Assessment for Admission. Mature applicants must present OSSD, OSSC (High School Diploma or Certificate) or GED.

Additional requirements during the admission process for the program include: completing a questionnaire to assess co-op employability, attend a mandatory information/interview session to briefly discuss questionnaire answers, eligibility to work as an apprentice in Ontario. Lastly, applicants educated outside of Canada must present a credential evaluation of OSSD, OSSC (High School Diploma or Certificate) or GED.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Construction and Maintenance Technician Career Profile and Education Requirements

Construction and maintenance electrical engineers are the tradespersons who design, install, maintain and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Their major job duties range from installing new systems to upgrading the older ones, replacing the troubled ones, troubleshooting and overhauling the existing electrical systems. The job responsibilities may vary depending upon their job profile and the company they are employed with.

They usually work in the areas of design, planning, installation, repairs, service and sales with construction companies. The technicians are responsible for wiring lighting fixtures and electrical systems in newly constructed buildings. However, they are also involved in designing and planning for the electrical systems in residential complexes, commercial buildings and industrial setups.

Besides, they also diagnose faults in electrical components, measure, cut, bend and assemble conduits and test equipments for proper functioning. The engineers also change the entire wiring and reinstall the entire electrical system in old structures.

Electricity is the basic requirement of every household and business establishment. This is why construction and maintenance electricians are always in demand. The requirement for skilled technicians is anticipated to increase because of the boom in the real estate industry.

Building a Career in Construction and Maintenance Engineering

Students planning to build a career in the field of construction and maintenance engineering need to complete a qualifying test in electrical applications. Besides, they must be licensed by their respective state board for pursuing a career. Those looking to establish their own businesses after qualifying the test may need to obtain a separate contractor's license.
  • Enrolling in a Formal Program
  • The first step to qualify the test in electrical applications is to enroll in a construction and maintenance electrical engineering program. For this, you will have to meet the minimum requirements including
  • A Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
  • English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
  • Mathematics Grade 11 M or U, 12 C or U
  • Taking a co-op employment assessment with the college you're seeking admission with
  • Eligibility to work as an apprentice in the state
You can apply for the program only if you meet above requirements. The program is highly competitive. It's important to be careful while completing your application form.

About the Program

It is a two-year Co-op Diploma Apprentice program that helps students train as apprentices in electrician trade. The program is aimed at helping students build strong grounding in electrical engineering sciences and skills, such as operation of electrical motors and power transmission, electrical circuits and maintenance of electrical devices and instruments.

The construction and maintenance technician program combines classroom training, hands-on-lab and eight months on a Co-op placement towards apprenticeship training. The students are taught electrical codes and installation methods, monitoring systems, Canadian electrical code, network control system, design and development and power generation and distribution. The students need to write an exam on successful completion of in-school Apprenticeship Certification.

The job of a construction and maintenance engineer is not easy. Qualifying and obtaining license to pursue a career in this field may be daunting. However, once you are through, you can build a rewarding career in this industry.

What to Do With a Mechanical Engineering Diploma

A diploma in mechanical engineering can help you build a rewarding career in various sectors including:
  • Construction
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Electronics
  • Marine
  • Utilities
  • Metals
  • Defence
The role of a mechanical graduate can range from designing and development, testing, safety control and research. Graduates can work as junior engineers, assistants to professional engineers, mechanical engineers in plant expansions and layouts and quality control system developers. Other areas of employment, such as planning and scheduling new facilities and preparing job safety programs and manuals are also open for engineering graduates.

Mechanical engineering is considered to be the most diverse field of all engineering disciplines. It combines maths, physics, technology, applied electricity, mechanical drafting, statistics, fluid mechanics, report writing, quality assurance and machine design, manufacturing automation and accounting management.

Enterprises have a huge demand for mechanical engineers with strong business and interpersonal skills. They look for technical professionals who can think in terms of business and can work their way around balance sheets and other financial data.

What Does a Mechanical Engineering Course Include?

A mechanical engineering course will help students gain basic engineering knowledge, skills and competency to build a rewarding career after the completion of the course. Besides, more specialized subjects relating to manufacturing and production process are also covered. Non-technical subjects such as college communications, ethics in technology and environment, global citizenship and principles of accounting and financial management make the course more job-oriented.

The three year diploma course combines classroom lectures, training in computer assisted drafting and manufacturing and two-semester individual projects. The theoretical classes are aimed at helping students strengthen their fundamentals and individual projects help them gain practical experience in designing, building and testing an original piece of equipment.

What Do You Learn in a Mechanical Engineering Program?

A mechanical engineering program helps you gain experience in machine shop operations, tool design and computer numerical control programming. In addition, you also learn CAD/CAM and CNC programming and get to work on thermodynamic fluid power testing modules and hardness and impact tester in laboratory. Good engineering colleges also extend opportunities to students to work on actual assignments.

The engineering program also features a co-op component. It gives qualified students an opportunity to enhance their education by working as a paid employee for three terms. Availing this option, you can put your classroom learning into practice. You also get valuable contacts for future that can be used as references for background check when you enter the world of work.

Enrolling into a Mechanical Engineering Diploma Course

Students seeking to enroll into a mechanical engineering diploma pot secondary course need to submit secondary school certificate or equivalent or a mature student status. Additionally, you need to submit English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent and mathematics 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent.

Applicants should keep in mind that the technology institute they are seeking admission in must be accredited to the state council of technicians and technologists or a technology board. Also find out about their internship and final placement programs.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Enhance your Career Opportunities with massage therapy program

Did you know that after spending three years in the Massage Therapy program at Centennial College you will not only graduate with an Ontario College Advanced Diploma but also the skills to: deal with patients seeking relief from a variety of conditions affecting their health and well-being; collect and use client information to determine the appropriateness of massage therapy; conduct a massage therapy practice within an ethical framework; develop therapeutic relationships that support health and well-being; develop, implement and evaluate a treatment plan; and maintain professional readiness to ensure quality care?

All of these skills are gained through a combination of theory and practice that also allows qualified Massage Therapy program graduates to write the registration examinations administered by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario to qualify for Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) designation. Practical application of skills is conducted in state-of-the-art labs that mimic a real-world environment.

Massage Theory and Practice (six levels) :- Presented in six increasingly advanced courses, the first semester acquaints students with the scope and nature of massage therapy. The second semester Massage Therapy course moves onto basic strokes of Swedish Massage and the critical thinking model that helps students decide when to employ each type of manipulation. The third of these Massage Therapy program courses looks at previously learned massage techniques that involve situations where adaptations are necessary due to time, positioning or client presentation. As the offering continues to build on previous skills, the fourth level sees the effect of massage therapy applied to psychoneuroimmunological responses. The major focus becomes the application of massage theory to pathophysiological processes, which are studied concurrently. The final level deals with trigger point therapy and joint play as additional modalities of treatment are discussed, demonstrated and practiced. Also discussed is the best possible massage therapy for clients with selected disorders of the nervous, endocrine, reproductive and gastrointestinal systems.

Biomechanics & Orthopedic Assessment :- To ensure that students have a solid biology base for their practice, this Massage Therapy course looks at basic concepts from kinesiology that promote understanding of efficient movement. Students assess a range of motion and muscle strength and isolate those areas that are in need of remediation.

Fitness & Remedial Exercise :- Stretching, resistance, balance and core stabilization principles are described and practiced by students. Also included in this Massage Therapy course is theoretical and practical instruction on performing joint mobilizations.

Creating an Independent Practice :- This business aspect of the program offers students the know-how for the successful daily operation of an independent healthcare practice. The course also looks at the social, economic, political, legal and environmental influences, that impact the independent health care practice and its community.

Clinic :- The cumulative experiences of the Massage Therapy program are presented in four clinical placements. These Massage Therapy courses are designed to allow students to evaluate their own performance while applying what they have learned in their classes to a real world setting. Each of the four Massage Therapy program Clinic experience allows students to test skills applicable to the semester in which it is presented.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Electrical Engineering Courses Lay a Strong Foundation

Did you know that all you need to apply to the Electrical Engineering Technician program at Centennial College is at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older); compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent; and the Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent?

The focus aims to provide students with a solid foundation in electrical and electronic theory and practices. To ensure students are ready for the field, the Electrical Engineering Technician offering covers electrical functions, such as installations, testing, maintaining, repairing, analyzing and troubleshooting specific kinds of electrical circuits, equipment, and systems. Through a project approach in modern labs, students produce electrical drawings as well as diagnostics and analysis of electrical systems, and acquire an understanding of testing and troubleshooting electrical power systems.

Here are some of the standout Electrical Engineering Courses :-

Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) 1 & Drawing Interpretation 1 :- The Canadian Electrical Code aspect looks at identifying and interpreting the general requirements of the CEC. The drawing interpretation portion, meanwhile, teaches students to identify and interpret alpha numerical lines; use the metric and imperial scales and be able to convert between them; obtain information from architectural, structural and mechanical drawings, specifications, building code and CEC to complete an electrical installation for a single-dwelling; draw and label a panel schematic for a single-dwelling; and complete a material take-off for a single dwelling.

Electrical Theory and Installations 1 :- Presented in three advancing stages, it is split into theory and lab portions. The theory looks at electrical fundamentals from the atomic structure to series, parallel and combination dc circuits by applying Ohm's and Kirchhoff's Laws. The installation part covers: installing common switching devices, outlets and enclosures; correctly terminating conductors; and much more.

Electronics 1 & Instrumentation 1 :- This class is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and applications of electronics and instrumentation. The Electronic part covers Semiconductor Devices such as Rectifier and Zener Diodes, LED's, BJT's, Logic gates and their behaviour in various circuit configurations. Students get to build, test and troubleshoot basic electrical circuits utilizing Resistors and Semiconductor Devices. Meanwhile, the instrumentation portion looks at common terminology used in instrumentation systems, and Pressure and Temperature control systems, including operation and application of Pressure measuring devices, RTD's and Thermocouples.

Capstone Project :- Meant as a cumulative aspect of this Electrical Engineering Technician diploma, this course is essentially one large project. It requires a great deal of research and use of all of the knowledge students obtaining during their time in the program. An instructor supervises it.

Areas such as electrical power generation, transmission, and protection; industrial telecommunications, electrical maintenance and installation, power distribution and utilization, control systems, design, services, sales and repairs all have use for graduates of the program.