Beginning in September 2008, Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley will offer a Radiation Safety certificate program, developed to meet the needs of employers in the nuclear industry who require radiation protection personnel. 

Algonquin College's Pembroke Campus is located approximately 35 minutes from Chalk River Laboratory, a nuclear research facility owned and operated by Atomic Energy of Canada.

Read more about the curriculum and program objectives on the "Program Overview" page.  The Radiation Safety PROGRAM MONOGRAPH also has complete details about the program admission requirements, program of study, employment opportunities, tuition and supply costs.  PLEASE NOTE:  Admission Requirements have changed for fall 2008:  See new admission requirements here.

Increased Demand in Electricity - The nuclear industry is a major employer throughout North America.  With an increased demand for electricity and a desire to reduce smog, acid rain and greenhouse gas emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels, many countries have been exploring nuclear technology as an option for their domestic energy production.

In Canada, both the federal and provincial governments have endorsed the energy efficiency of nuclear power generation to provide a continuous and reliable source of energy for the future.

Canada Leads Technology - Canada is a leader in nuclear technology having produced the world-renowned CANDU reactor that is being used to provide more energy to millions of people around the globe.  Canada also provides the world with the majority of reactor produced radioisotopes used in hospitals and medical and research laboratories.  These are produced in the facility at Chalk River, Ontario.

In addition to power generation and medical applications, nuclear technology has a number of industrial, commercial and agricultural applications as well.  In Ontario alone, thousands of people are employed in specialized jobs within the nuclear industry in technical, administrative, engineering, and research and development areas.

Comprehensive Safety Training - Algonquin College’s comprehensive program was developed in co-operation with experts in the field of radiation safety.  In addition to courses specific to the nuclear industry, the program contains a number of general academic subjects that will provide students with a broader knowledge base that will assist them as they progress in their career. 

The 30-week curriculum includes two levels of radiation safety, radiation protection, and instrumentation, as well as site assessment and emergency procedures.  Other academic subjects that will help students succeed in the program include math and science to understand radiation safety applications and detection, communications, conflict management, computers, and job preparation.  Read more about the program on the Program Overview page.

For more information about the Radiation Safety Program, contact

Jamie Bramburger at 613-735-4700, ext. 2756 or email brambuj@algonquincollege.com

Apply to the program now at ontariocolleges.ca