Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety (Co-op) at Algonquin College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-01-21

Program overview

The Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety Ontario College Diploma program is a unique two-year program, the only one of its kind in Canada. This program equips students with the skills to monitor radiation levels and implement essential preventive measures to ensure the safety of employees, the public, and the environment. Students will learn to effectively detect and measure radiation levels, mitigate contamination hazards, and provide guidance to personnel to control contamination and minimize radiation exposure. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical and practical understanding of nuclear operations, radiation detection, waste management, and compliance with internationally accepted radiation protection principles.

Program structure

The Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety program is structured as a two-year diploma program, providing students with a comprehensive education in nuclear science and radiation safety. The program includes:

Program Length: 2 years
Co-op Option: Students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term, subject to availability and academic eligibility.

This program is designed to integrate academic studies with practical work experience, enhancing students' learning and career readiness. The co-op experience allows students to earn full-time, paid industry experience related to their field of study, helping them to build valuable industry connections and explore different career paths.

Featured Experiences

The Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety program offers several unique features and experiences, including:

Co-op Work Term: A paid co-op work term that allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Small Class Sizes: Personalized learning environment with classes typically consisting of 20 to 25 students, ensuring more one-on-one time with instructors.
Experienced Faculty: Supportive faculty members who are active in the industry, providing students with the latest industry-specific knowledge and skills.
Hands-on Learning: Practical training in radiation detection and measurement, waste management, and decontamination procedures.

Career Options

Graduates of the Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

Contamination Monitor: Responsible for monitoring and assessing contamination levels in various environments to ensure safety.
Radiation Protection Technician: Works to protect individuals and the environment from harmful radiation exposure through safety protocols and monitoring.
Radiation Surveyor: Conducts surveys to measure radiation levels and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Health Physics Technician: Focuses on radiation safety and health physics, ensuring that radiation exposure is kept within safe limits.
NORMs Technician: Specializes in Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials, managing and mitigating risks associated with these materials.

These roles are critical in various sectors, including nuclear power plants, research facilities, hospitals, and the oil and gas industry, providing graduates with diverse career paths in the nuclear industry.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2026-01-21

Program overview

Academic Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility:

English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a 60% or higher.
Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C equivalent) with a minimum grade of 65%.
Physics, Grade 12 (SPH4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher OR Chemistry, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher.
Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

International Students:

IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading: 22; Listening: 22; Speaking: 22; Writing: 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.

For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

For the Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety (Co-op) program, the following language proficiency tests are accepted:

IELTS - International English Language Testing Service (Academic) with an overall band of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in each band.
TOEFL - Internet-based (iBT) with an overall score of 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component:
- Reading: 22
- Listening: 22
- Speaking: 22
- Writing: 22
Duolingo English Test (DET) with an overall score of 120, with a minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!