Monday, July 18, 2011

Attend One of Canada’s Reliable Pharmacy Technician Programs at Centennial College

Due to the challenging nature of the pharmacy technician profession, professionals in the field must have strong critical thinking, mathematical and English communication skills, and a commitment to self-directed thinking. While applicants to Centennial College’s pharmacy technician program should possess these skills, they stand to develop many others, such as: knowledge of pharmacology and unparalleled skills in aseptic technique, pharmaceutical calculations, compounding, inventory control, community and institution dispensing.

Centennial College’s program takes just two years to complete, results in an Ontario College Diploma and incorporates classroom, lab work and four field placements that total 350 hours. Those interested in applying for admission must possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, applicants to the pharmacy technician program must have the compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent; the Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent; 11C, or U or 12C, or U, chemistry, physics or biology, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

The Centennial College offering prepares students to meet the strict vocational outcomes and elements of performance for Pharmacy Technicians approved by the Ministry of Education through pharmacy technician courses such as: Community Pharmacy Computers, Pharmaceutical Calculations, Community Dispensing Practice, Home Health Care and Non-Prescription Products, Anatomy and Physiology, Aseptic Technique Principles and many others. In addition to these courses, which consist of lectures and hands-on learning, students participate in work experience within community, hospital and corporate environments. During this time they apply what they have learned and gain new knowledge from the professionals with whom they work.

Students of this pharmacy technician program are also eligible to write The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada qualifying exam for pharmacy technicians in pursuit of the RPhT (Registered Pharmacy Technician) designation. The program is accredited with the Canadian Council of Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs.

Upon graduation, students can: communicate effectively with patients, pharmacists, other colleagues and with healthcare providers within the scope of the profession; receive and prioritize written prescriptions and verbal requests accurately in compliance with legislation and established standards, policies and procedures; dispense pharmaceutical products accurately, efficiently and in compliance with legislation and established standards, policies and procedures; and release pharmaceutical products in compliance with legislation and established standards, policies and procedures. Their duties include: preparing, dispensing and compounding medications; receiving, ordering and managing inventory; interacting with patients and a variety of health care providers; and assisting in the provision of pharmaceutical care and pharmacy services. Based on graduate employment surveys, the average starting salary for Centennial pharmacy technician program graduates is in the range of $34,500. Centennial’s program boasts an excellent graduate employment rate of 96 per cent.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Esthetics College Program at Centennial College is Cutting Edge

When getting a relaxing and deep cleansing facial at a luxurious spa, we are focused on the atmosphere, the good feeling the spa offers and how wonderful our face will look once the facial is finished. We rarely think about the science behind the field of esthetics. However, the estheticians who perform facials (deep cleansing, exfoliation and massages), body waxing, body treatments, anti-aging procedures (Botox, laser treatments and deep chemical peels), skin care, manicures, pedicure, and more, are trained to understand the chemistry aspects of the field as well as the pampering and customer service ones. At Centennial College, students can participate in a two-year esthetics college program that prepares them to work in: spas, salons, health clinics, cruise ships, skin care companies and other such outlets. The industry, according to Melissa Durran, coordinator of the program, is a multi-billion dollar industry with many opportunities for both employment in one of the places mentioned or self-employment.

“I think a lot of people have the impression that it’s just doing nails or getting facials but there’s a lot of theory, there’s a lot to know about the skin and the body,” says Kayla Vanderoos of the Esthetician program. “I didn’t think I’d have to do chemistry but we do. We have to learn about the ingredients and what different ingredients react to the skin. All that kind of stuff really surprises me. I think it would surprise a lot of people, too.” What won’t surprise people is the thorough job that Centennial College’s program does with teaching students the skills they need to succeed in the field. Through a comprehensive curriculum students are trained in: anatomy, physiology, practical applications, product knowledge, sales techniques and business practice. Specific courses in which they participate include: Skin Care Theory, Skin Care Practices, Manicures and Pedicures, Spa Health and Safety, Waxing and Hair Removal, Product Chemistry and Advanced Experience, and more. Many of these courses include a lab component, which takes place in Centennial College’s esthetician lab facilities and uses cutting-edge equipment that is common in today’s wellness and medical spas.

All courses within this esthetics college program are geared towards ensuring that students are job-ready upon graduation. This includes the incorporation of field placements in some of the best spas in the city of Toronto. During their field placements, students work with real customers (under the supervision of their instructors), applying what they have learned and gaining more preparation practice for the field. Please be advised, students must have completed a standard first aid and CPR (healthcare provider level) course, a vulnerable sector background police check, and an immunization review form before they can be sent out on the esthetician work placement.

To apply for admission to this esthetics college program, students must be able to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.



A Project Management Institute or Program Gives You The Competitive Edge

Centennial College in Toronto, Ontario stands out for a variety of reasons. It was the first community college founded in the province. It has four campus locations. It offers more than 200 full-time programs. And it also boasts a program that is increasingly employing graduates but is not offered at university level — making it very appealing to many. The Project Management offering is designed as a post-graduate undertaking and takes just three semesters to complete.

But what exactly is project management? Increasingly, companies are seeking to deliver projects on time and, more importantly, on budget. As companies downsize and reign in spending, they are looking for professionals who can ensure that downsizing doesn’t jeopardize success. The majority of work for project managers can be found in large companies that employ specialized employees. These companies are found in virtually every industry, including: transportation, marketing, construction, health, new media, education, advertising, engineering, finance and more. Titles in this field include: Project Managers, Project Leaders, Process Development Analysts and Global Project Managers.

At Centennial College’s Project Management institute, students spend much of their time learning through hands-on application rather than one-way lecturing. They are encouraged to participate in group work, case studies, as well as an internship. During the 12-week internship, each student is assigned to an external host organization as an intern. Each student must take instruction and direction from the employer regarding his or her tasks while on work. Students will be monitored by a faculty member throughout the work term.

It should be noted that the Project Management institute at this particular college follows the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) methodology and provides solid, fundamental hands-on training to equip specialists in any discipline with the skills needed to manage projects in a timely and cost-effective manner. The program is also designed to enhance the basic learning from PMBOK by delivering a curriculum that includes hands-on integration of technology tools such as Microsoft Project and leading-edge industry case studies with a focus on organizational leadership. Particular courses in the project management undertaking include: Business Principles and Requirements Management, Project Management Tools and Applications, Project Planning and Scheduling, Employment Preparedness, Project Management Office, International Project Management & Professional Responsibilities, and more.

To apply to the Project Management institute program, students must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree program. The School will consider applicants presenting a combination of education and relevant work experience, open to all disciplines. Non-academic requirements include: interview, transcript and resume review.


Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Centennial College’s School of Hospitality Offers Options

The hospitality and tourism sector in Canada continues to employ millions as people take an interest in exploring everything the country has to offer — from the mountains and beaches of British Columbia to the shopping districts in Toronto and Montreal, and everything in between. In fact, last year, 19.6 million people took overnight trips to Canada. Professionals are needed in accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, travel services, and recreation and entertainment, to ensure that tourists are happy enough with their Canadian vacations to return. In order to get the proper training in any of these areas, Toronto’s Centennial College offers its School of Hospitality.

This reliable School offers students a combination of academic learning and hands-on practice with full-time programs such as: Event Management (Festival and Conference); Food & Beverage Management (Food and Beverage Management, Kitchen Management, Baking – Commercial Bakeries); Hotel and Resort Management (Hospitality Foundations, Hospitality Services, Hotel and Resort Management, and Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Management); and Tourism & Travel Operations (Hospitality and Tourism Administration, Tourism Management – Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Culture and Heritage Site Management, and Tourism & Travel).As you can see, the range of programs is very wide and will suit anyone with an interest in hospitality. Intake for the programs occurs three times per year with start dates varying from year to year but generally occurring in late August or early September, early January and early May. Classes finish at the end of April or early May, depending on the calendar, unless you choose to fast-track and take summer courses. Students are timetabled for approximately 20 to 25 hours per week, with classes being scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The School of Hospitality prides itself on being student-focused and offering flexibility.

In addition, the School takes pride in offering skills that are applicable anywhere in Canada, which means you work in a small town in Alberta or the downtown core in Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal. All School of Hospitality courses, no matter which program you choose, cover business topics (marketing, human resources, finance, and industry operations) to ensure students have a sound knowledge of the industry. Many School of Hospitality offerings also include field placements or internships during which students apply what they have learned in-class and obtain new knowledge.

Whether or not your program of choice includes an internship or field placement, you have access to on-campus facilities and tools to ensure that you gain hands-on experience prior to graduation. Students may make use of the on-campus eatery, Horizon Restaurant, which is a living lab that presents the culinary and service skills of the students from the School of Hospitality. From preparing freshly made food, to scheduling and the reservation recommendations, these features are designed prepare students for the real world.

Another place where students gain real-life experience within the school of hospitality is the Centennial Conference Centre. Comprised of eight meeting rooms (including two large ballrooms and a variety of meeting rooms), it provides ample opportunity for students to have real life encounters. Uniformed in traditional black attire, students take pride in their work, paying attention to the smallest details and ensuring that every event is truly flawless.

Please note that the programs offered at the School of Hospitality vary in prerequisites. It is recommended you read requirements of your program of choice carefully before applying.


Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Centennial College's International Business Approach Will Take You Places

International business is a term used to collectively describe all commercial transactions that take place between two or more regions, countries and nations beyond their political boundaries. Transactions can include economic resources such as capital, skills, people, etc. for international production of physical goods and services such as finance, banking, insurance, construction and more. At Centennial College, students can attend business programs with an International Business College approach to prepare them for this global perspective.

Established as Toronto's first public college in 1966, Centennial College offers programs in business, communications, community and health studies, science and engineering technology, general arts, hospitality and transportation. Its Business School offers more than 30 programs and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit from the minute students step foot through the doors of the centrally located Progress Campus, which houses its programs. Currently, Progress campus is undergoing major transformations. Construction has begun on a new building that will house a state-of-the art library and academic facility. The new library, classrooms and wellness centre complement the new student Hub built at Progress Campus in 2008 to provide one-stop service for students. These campus improvements also ensure that international business students are using the latest technologies in their studies and have access to a wide range of materials.

Programs within the School of Business range from one semester to three years. North America's universities recognize the merits of these programs and their international business approach. While completing a business program at the college, students can simultaneously log valuable academic credits towards earning a Master's and/or Bachelor's degree from the several well-known local universities in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada and around the world. One other specific international business aspect of the School is its International Business Exchange, which enables students to study for a semester at one of Centennial's partner colleges or universities and receive full credit at Centennial for all successfully completed courses.

In addition, theory and academic study are balanced with optional co-op, internship terms and work placement programs. Career placements have proven to help Centennial graduates from the International School of Business earn job-specific skills, make important industry connections and tailor their individual career paths.

If you are looking for a specific international business focused-program, Centennial College offers the Business Administration – International Business undertaking, which can be studied either with or without the co-op feature. Through the International Business program, you will acquire the knowledge necessary to take advantage of the challenges of a world trade environment. You will learn all the basics of business and gain specialized expertise in areas such as international trade law, finance, sales and marketing.

Other business programs include: Business Administration, Accounting, Business Operations, Contact Centre Operations, Court Support Services, Human Resources, Law Clerk, Financial Services and Office Administration.

Lastly, there are fast-track and part-time options for students who require more flexibility in their studies.

Centennial College: Business Program