Health Informatics Program Opens Doors to Numerous Positions

Did you know that attending a Health Informatics program such as Centennial College’s Health Informatics Technology will prepare you for positions such as: applications developer, health data analyst, database developer, systems implementation specialist, record assistant and business/systems analyst? That’s right, attending one offering allows you to pursue numerous positions within this field that is concerned with information science, computer science, and health care. More specifically, according to Wikipedia, it deals with the resources, devices and methods required to optimize the acquisition, storage, retrieval, and use of information in health and biomedicine. Not only do health informatics tools include computers but also clinical guidelines, formal medical terminologies, and information and communication systems. It is applied to the areas of nursing, clinical care, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, occupational therapy, and biomedical research.

At Centennial College, students with engineering training who attend Health Informatics courses learn all about the healthcare industry. Essentially, the program teaches them about healthcare structure and the health information systems that are available within it. To apply for this undertaking, Centennial College requires applicants to have completed at least an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Applicants interested in attending Health Informatics courses 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. Additionally, to graduate from the program, a Minimum C grade average is required.

For a total of three years, students of the Health Informatics program learn about both information technology and healthcare systems. The skills acquired by graduates enable them to design, develop, modify and test software for healthcare applications. More specifically, these skills are obtained through a focus on object-oriented software design methodologies, user-oriented interface design, structure of healthcare information systems, telehealth, data security and privacy in healthcare systems. Additionally, health informatics courses cover technologies such as C#, Java, J2EE, Oracle, MS-SQL Server, Unix/ Linux, Microsoft’s .NET, HTML/ XML, Rational/ WebSphere, Data warehousing and Data mining, and BI tools in healthcare systems and more.

Students then have an opportunity to apply what they have learned in their Health Informatics courses to two software development projects in the field of health informatics. These real world business applications require students to utilize all the technical, systems and business skills gained during their studies.

Graduates of Informatics Technology are able to analyze and model data, develop healthcare databases and apply different computer medical-imaging techniques. They are also able to use tools, algorithms and health informatics methods for hospitals, schools, healthcare agencies and public health departments.

Qualified college or university graduates with a background in software gain direct admission into semester three of this three-year program and receive their Health Informatics program advanced diploma in four semesters.

Personal Support Worker Program Offers Rounded Education

When choosing a Personal Support Worker program, there are a few things to consider. First, the offering should have a hands-on approach, as this is a very interactive field. Secondly, it should be recognized by organizations that hire employees of this area. Thirdly, the Personal Support Worker program should cover topics that will allow its students to learn how to deal with a wide range of populations.

All of these aspects make up Centennial College’s one-year Personal Support Worker program, which results in an Ontario College Certificate and is recognized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, as well as community agencies and clinical settings. This recognition is thanks to the offering’s training, which gives students flexibility to adapt to a variety of settings such as homes, schools, community residential facilities, nursing homes or chronic care facilities.

To apply for the Personal Support Worker offering, students must possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, applicants must have finished the compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent and can prove English proficiency.

Students spend one intensive year in smaller-sized classes that guarantee more individualized attention. In these classes, they encounter a paced curriculum that ensures they master: acting within the personal support worker role by following care/service plans and established policies and procedures; participating as members of the care service teams; collaborating and reporting observations to appropriate health care team members in an ongoing, timely manner and document this information promptly; supporting clients’ personal and home management care requirements and preferences by following care service plans and established policies and procedures; demonstrating effective oral, written and nonverbal communication techniques; and assisting in the promotion and maintenance of a safe and caring environment for clients, their families, self and others.

But how exactly do students attain such a professional level and high knowledge level? First and foremost, the Personal Support Worker courses are a combination of hands-on and theory. Knowledgeable Personal Support Worker program instructors guide students through clinical and laboratory aspects in courses such as Anatomy, Foundations of Personal Support, Developmental Stages & Alterations in Health, Personal Support Communication, Foundations of Mental Health, Supporting Clients in Palliative Care and more. Secondly, the Personal Support Worker program has a strong practical emphasis that sees students spend more than half of the total program hours in a field placement working with teams in long-term care institutions, the community and at in-home settings. The 15 weeks of extensive practical experience in field placement allows them to apply what they have learned in-school, network and absorb knowledge from practicing professionals.

Now is a great time to enter this field as the Ontario Network for Internationally Trained Professionals predicts that with a new emphasis on non-institutional care, the demand for trained Personal Support Workers is increasing.

Computer Networking Training Results in Multiple Career Options

How would you feel knowing that you were one of only 100 students accepted yearly into Centennial College’s computer networking training, officially known as Computer Systems Technology – Networking? Would you feel even prouder knowing that the computer networking courses in this program will lead you to careers in technical support for the growing mesh of Internet, intranet, extranet and telecoms? If you answered ‘yes’ to both of these questions and are looking for a program that reflects the ever-growing innovations of the digital revolution, this could be it.

In just three years, you will complete computer networking training that incorporates the latest in computer systems through a strong hands-on lab and technical problem solving focus. The practical approach is taken in this offering to ensure that you actually go inside PC hardware and learn about operating systems as well as configuring and troubleshooting wired and wireless networks to have full control of the computing and communicating technology. Hands-on experience is gained with the latest equipment and techniques for copper/ fiber cabling certification and network troubleshooting. In your computer networking courses, you will also learn to put together and maintain systems that will empower users in their creative, business and communication activities. Among the computer networking courses offered within this program are: Introduction to Web Design, Windows Server Operating Systems, PC Hardware, Network Technologies, PC Operating Systems, and others.

As hands-on practice is a focal part of the computer working courses, it should come as no surprise that a capstone project in the sixth semester is a highlight of the program. This capstone project is related to the fifth semester computer networking course Fundamentals of Project Management, during which you deal with research, analysis, planning, costing, scheduling and resolving problems in implementing the project. The project conceived in Fundamentals of Project Management is incorporated here. You will design a project that fulfills the specifics laid down to accomplish business objectives. You will work in a team to handle the various aspects of the project and maintain clear and accurate project related documents, which adhere to industry standards. During the implementation process you will go through configuration and troubleshooting exercises, using a systematic approach and diagnostic tools to solve problems. At the end of the course each team demonstrates the project, makes an oral presentation and submits a written final report, which is clear, concise and free of grammatical errors.

To apply to Centennial College’s computer networking training you must have completed the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older); English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment; and Math Grade 11 M or U or Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment.

Upon completion of the computer networking training, you will go onto to work as one of the following: computer systems technologist, field service representative, network technologist, network technical support specialist, help desk support, LAN support and LAN administrator. Companies that have hired graduates of this program include: AIM Funds Management Inc., Canada Life, Celestica, CIBC Mellon Trust and more.

Become a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic & Gain Practical Field Experience

When choosing Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic courses, there are a few aspects that are important to consider. First and foremost, the amount of hands-on experience you obtain during the course of the program should be noted. That’s because many employers are seeking mechanical engineering technicians who have experience. Secondly, the credentials you receive should be considered. Are the credentials respected? Will they help you to obtain a job upon graduation? Lastly, program length should be considered. Does it take a very long time to get into the field or will it launch you into the field quickly?

By attending Centennial College’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics – Mechanical Engineering Technician offering, you complete an education that trains you as apprentices in refrigeration and air conditioning trade while obtaining a two-year post secondary engineering technician diploma in the mechanical field. Additionally, the offering takes just two years to complete and allows you to graduate with skills that prepare you to: assemble, install, service and repair industrial, commercial and domestic refrigeration and air conditioning systems in homes, shops, factories, office buildings and hospitals.

Those interested in applying for this Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic program are required to have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), GED or equivalent. In addition, they must have completed the English Grade 12 C or U or equivalent, or skills assessment; and Math Grade 11 M, C or U or Grade 12 M, C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment. Aside from these requirements, please note that applicants my also be asked to submit a questionnaire, resume and references to determine apprenticeship employability.

Because of its split focus of in-school learning and co-op training, students who attend these Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic courses spend eight months of program time on a co-op placement arranged by the college. The hours earned during the co-op placement are counted towards the practical part of apprenticeship training. Time spent in co-op is compensated. However, before they embark on this part of the program, students obtain a thorough grounding in engineering sciences and skills, including machine shop operation, tool design, computer-assisted drafting and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), as used in the industry.

Instructors who teach the air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses employ a variety of teaching methods that incorporate industry-current design software and a project approach to leaning that simulates actual workplace assignments. Among the specific air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses in which these methods are employed are: Mechanical Drawings and Prints (allows students to become familiarized with both the basic graphic language of mechanical engineering drawings as well as the concepts and features of the AutoCAD computer-assisted-drafting program); Installation of Mechanical Cooling Systems (students learn to identify applicable safe work practices, lifting equipment and material handling equipment used during installations); Electrical and Control Systems (provides students with training resulting in the ability to identify applicable acts, regulations, legislation and codes when working on electrical accessories and components in refrigeration and air conditioning systems); and more.

Enter Fitness and Health Promotion Field After Two Years of Training

Those who are interested in assisting individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices that will reduce or prevent the occurrence of acute and chronic diseases by providing professional fitness assessments, recommendations for health and fitness exercise regimes and strategies to meet their health and wellness goals should consider applying for Centennial College’s Fitness Training Program. That’s because not only does this two-year offering result in an Ontario College Diploma, it also prepares students for positions as: instructors, personal trainers, fitness consultants and wellness/fitness program developers. These professionals may be hired in: their communities, corporate fitness, municipal recreation, retail fitness, hospitals and more. In addition, students of Fitness and Health Promotion have the opportunity to gain the skills necessary to become certified personal trainers according to the CSEPT-PT requirements and also learn course material related to the canfitpro nutrition and wellness certification.

But how does Fitness and Promotion get students from novices to lean, mean fitness machines? First and foremost, guided by faculty members who are experts in the field, students attend between five and seven courses per semester, which focus on mental health as an essential part of a holistic approach to well being, anatomy and physiology, fitness assessment, leadership skills, injury management, nutrition, fitness marketing, health promotion, computer skills and cross cultural awareness. These courses are actually designed around practical learning in laboratory and placement settings to offer students comprehensive academic grounding.

Because it focuses on offering students as much practical experience as possible, the Fitness and Promotion program sees students applying what they learn in the Fitness and Health Promotion courses at the newly constructed Athletic and Wellness Center located at Progress Campus. There is also opportunity for inter-professional student liaisons between Fitness and Health Promotion students and other programs (i.e. Police Foundations, Pre-service Fire and Paramedic students) at Centennial College to assist in the attainment of their fitness assessment goals.

Thanks to industry partnerships that provide supervised field placement opportunities in the fitness industry, students of Fitness and Promotion get to apply what they learn during two industry field placements. Prior to each program Field Placement, students require the following: an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening; successful completion of an annual renewal of a recognized course in CPR (health care provider level); as well as successful completion of a recognized course in standard first aid.

Among the abilities with which Fitness and Health Promotions students graduate are: assessing the fitness level, health issues and overall well-being of individual clients based on various assessment tools and strategies; applying effective practices to the design, implementation and management of fitness and lifestyle programs and events for individual clients intended to meet health, fitness and lifestyle goals; providing comprehensive training and evaluation of fitness and wellness programs to enable individual clients and groups to reach and maintain optimal well-being; and more.

To apply for the Health Promotion program, students must minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature status (19 years or older). In addition, you must have completed the English Grade 12 C or U (minimum grade required) or equivalent, or skills assessment; as well as one Science Grade 11 or 12, C or U  (minimum grade requirement) or skills assessment (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Exercise Science).