Meet the demand for quality professional documentation in the workplace.

The Technical Writer Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with the skills and training needed for a career in technical communication. Throughout this one-year program, you create different types of workplace documents to help users enjoy all features of a product, service, or information. In particular, you learn to:

• research and analyze technical material
• connect with an intended audience
• use specialized tools to author documents
• manage multiple projects to meet the goals of a group
• create structured documents that cater to different user tasks

These skills are so highly prized in the workplace that you can choose to work in either the public or the private sector, and in a freelance, part-time or full-time capacity.

The Technical Writer program will teach you how to create different kinds of online and print documents such as instruction sets, training materials, user manuals, white papers, proposals, online help, instructional videos and podcasts.

Through a combination of real-world learning, group projects, and collaborative learning activities, you can confidently apply these skills in all areas of industry including manufacturing, health and medicine, government, high-tech and private training institutions.

At the end of the program, you will be ready to begin careers as:

• information architects
• content developers
• technical editors
• instructional designers
• communication officers

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Possess advanced written and oral communication abilities.
• Enjoy designing, developing, writing and refining online and print material.
• Possess interpersonal skills for collaboration with colleagues.
• Enjoy researching, collecting, analyzing and organizing technical information.
• Function in a self-directed manner in a team environment.
• Organize their work and pay attention to detail.
• Enjoy using software tools to create documents and websites.

Careers

Graduates may be successful in finding work as writers, editors and documentation specialists. Canadian and international demand is high for qualified technical communicators in both the private and the public sectors. While most graduates may work as employees in large organizations, some choose self-employment in the field.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Plan, design, manage, and control online and print documents.
2. Research, collect, analyze, and organize relevant technical information for the writing and editing of online and print documents.
3. Communicate technical information clearly, concisely, and correctly.
4. Edit online and print documents.
5. Use authoring tools to create online and print documents.
6. Analyze users' needs to design, develop, and refine technical documents and communication products.
7. Collaborate and interact with subject matter experts, colleagues, and users for the purpose of generating effective technical documents and communication products.
8. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

TECHNICAL WRITER
Program Code 1182X09FAO

Applications to full-time programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Avenue
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Program Resources

This program has undergone significant curriculum changes, which were made to improve the overall quality of the program and the student experience. These changes will take effect as of the Fall 2024 term and may impact your program completion timeline for the current program of study version that you are following.

For students who have completed all level 01 and level 02 courses by the end of the Spring 2024 semester, you must take WKT2000 in either the Fall 2024 semester or the Winter 2025 semester. If you choose not to complete this course within this timeframe, you will likely be reassessed to the new program of study, and this may result in your having to complete additional courses.

For students who have completed some or all level 01 courses by the end of the Spring 2024 semester you will automatically be moved to the new program of study, therefore, eliminating the need to complete the level 03 course WKT2000.

If you have concerns with your progression and require assistance, you can contact your Student Advisor (if you are a full-time online student) or your Program Support Officer (if you are a part-time student) at https://www.algonquincollege.com/academic-success/ac-online/

PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.

PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed). For more information please contact your Student Advisor (https://www.algonquincollege.com/academic-success/ac-online/).

Future Students

For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.

Current Students

For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.