Learn how to survey, monitor and control radiation exposure for a career in the nuclear industry.

The two-year Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety Ontario College Diploma program is the only program of its kind in Canada. In this program, you learn to monitor radiation levels and implement preventive measures critical to ensuring the safety of employees and members of the public, and providing for protection of the environment.

Learn to effectively complete important tasks focusing on radiation safety, such as detecting and measuring radiation levels, mitigating contamination hazards and providing guidance and information to personnel to control contamination and minimize radiation exposure.

Gain theoretical and practical understanding of nuclear operations fundamentals, radiation detection and measurement, waste management, decontamination procedures and incident assessments. Learn how detection instrumentation operates and proper techniques for detecting radiation and contamination. Your courses focus on regulatory frameworks and compliance with internationally accepted radiation protection principles.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.

Graduates may find employment in:

• nuclear power plants
• nuclear-based research and development facilities
• decontamination/waste storage facilities
• uranium mines/mills
• radiation protection contract companies
• isotope production/refinement facilities
• hospitals that use radioisotopes
• universities with radiological labs
• the oil and gas industry concerned with naturally-occurring radioactive mat

Graduates may work in roles such as:

• contamination monitor
• radiation protection technician
• radiation surveyor
• health physics technician
• NORMs technician

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Perform well both individually and in a team environment.
• Possess strong critical-thinking and analytical skills.
• Use systematic approaches to problem-solve and to follow procedures.
• Have an appreciation for precise and accurate work.
• Possess excellent communication skills and interpersonal abilities.
• Possess strong mathematical skills.
• Value the importance of and take responsibility for safety in the workplace.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as contamination monitors, radiation protection technicians, radiation surveyors, health physics technicians, radiation safety officers, and NORMs technicians.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Operate radiation survey equipment to accurately monitor, detect and measure radiation fields and contamination.
2. Interpret and follow radiation safety plans and procedures consistent with current research, regulations and industry standards.
3. Anticipate and assess radiological and operational hazards in order to recommend and apply evidence-informed mitigation strategies and work planning for radiological protection and occupational safety.
4. Respond to changing radiological conditions in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry standards and best practices.
5. Apply industry standard communication and documentation practices to support effective and accurate communication of radiation hazards and safety information with a variety of stakeholders.
6. Use industry standard, evidence-based models to assess the health risks attributed to internal and external radiological exposures.
7. Resolve radiation protection issues through the application of scientific principles and practices to maintain or restore optimal safety for workers the public and the environment.
8. Analyze industrial system designs and components to support the safe operations of reactors, reactor systems and licensed nuclear activities.
9. Apply regulatory requirement and industry standard practices to ensure accurate function and operation of radiological detection and safety systems.
10. Apply the principles of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) to all work in accordance with established regulatory and industry radiation protection standards.
11. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

APPLIED NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND RADIATION SAFETY (CO-OP AND NON CO-OP VERSION)
Program Code 1215X03FPM

Applications to full-time day 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

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term 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 in the Ottawa Valley
1 College Way
Pembroke, ON K8A0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Toll-free 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 1-866-620-3845 Fax: 613-735-4739
https://algonquincollege.com/pembroke

Program Resources

CO-OP INFORMATION:
All applicants apply directly to the co-op version of this program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. Applicants not wishing to pursue the co-op version will have the opportunity to opt-out after being admitted to the program but prior to the first co-op work term.

Co-operative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op course, readiness activities and workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and guides the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to relocate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses. For more information on your program`s co-op level(s), visit the courses tab on your program`s webpage.

International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is part of an academic program. The Co-op/Internship Work Permit does not authorize international students to work outside the requirements of their academic program.

For more information on co-op programs, the co-op work/study schedule, as well as general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.

For health and safety reasons, agencies may have restrictions on accepting pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.

For details on study-work progressions for specific programs, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.

Prior Work Experience:
Applicants with prior education or industry experience related Nuclear Science and/or Radiation Safety can apply for advanced placement (course credits) through the Algonquin College Office of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This Office utilizes assessment standards of the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA). The requirements for PLAR course credits vary from a challenge exam to a complete portfolio relating experience and other training to the relevant Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety Ontario College Diploma course learning objectives. PLAR course credits can be awarded for up to a maximum of 75% of program hours. See more at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/plar/.

Advanced Standing:
Graduates of the Radiation Safety Ontario College Certificate program within the last five years are eligible to apply for advanced standing for up to 13 courses. Please note that advanced standing towards the diploma may be granted for courses completed with minimum of 70% in the Radiation Safety Ontario College Certificate.

Industry-related Certifications:
Students will be required to complete 10 certifications, by no later than April 30th of their last year of study, 6 of which are compulsory and 4 are based on student interest. All are taken from a master list of certifications which will approximately cost $550 for all 10. If students have obtained certifications prior to entering the program and those certifications are valid, they will count towards the required 10.

Additional Notes:
A Criminal Records Check (CRC) may be required by certain agencies. You are required to supply information for the facilities to complete their own CRC and security clearances. In some cases, you are responsible for obtaining a CRC from your local Police Department.