Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety (Non 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 both employees and the public, while also protecting the environment. Students will learn to effectively perform critical tasks related to radiation safety, including detecting and measuring radiation levels, mitigating contamination hazards, and providing guidance to personnel to minimize radiation exposure. The curriculum emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, focusing on nuclear operations fundamentals, radiation detection, waste management, and compliance with international radiation protection standards.

Program structure

The Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety program spans a duration of two years. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of nuclear science and radiation safety through a combination of theoretical and practical learning experiences. Key features of the program structure include:

Hands-on training in radiation detection and measurement.
Focus on regulatory frameworks and compliance with safety standards.
Option for a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term, subject to availability and academic eligibility.
Integration of real-world experiences to enhance learning.

Students are encouraged to engage actively in their learning process, benefiting from small class sizes that foster personalized attention from experienced faculty members. This structure ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in the nuclear industry.

Featured Experiences

The Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

Opportunity to participate in a paid co-op work term, allowing students to gain valuable industry experience.
Hands-on training with advanced radiation detection instruments.
Fieldwork and practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios in radiation safety.
Access to experienced faculty who are active in the nuclear industry, providing insights and mentorship.
Collaboration with industry partners for joint projects and research opportunities.

These experiences are designed to prepare students for the challenges of working in the nuclear sector and to ensure they are career-ready upon graduation.

Career Options

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

Contamination Monitor: Responsible for monitoring and assessing contamination levels in various environments to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Radiation Protection Technician: Works to implement safety measures and protocols to protect workers and the public from radiation exposure.
Radiation Surveyor: Conducts surveys to measure radiation levels and assess potential hazards in nuclear facilities and other environments.
Health Physics Technician: Focuses on the health and safety aspects of radiation exposure, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
NORMs Technician: Specializes in Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials, managing and mitigating risks associated with these materials in various industries.

These roles are critical in ensuring safety and compliance within the nuclear industry, making graduates valuable assets to their employers.

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:

International applicants must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above.
They may also be required to provide proof of language proficiency.

Prerequisite Courses:

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.

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

Language Requirements

For the Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety (Non 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!