Environmental Technician at Algonquin College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Preserve ecosystems for the future and explore a career in the environmental sciences with the two-year Environmental Technician program. This program is delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks and offers both theoretical and extensive practical education in various areas of environmental sciences. Students will delve into disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physical science, and engineering, learning to collect, measure, and analyze variables commonly considered in environmental studies. The program emphasizes hands-on experience in soil, water, and air testing, equipping students with the necessary skills to address real-world environmental issues.

Program structure

The Environmental Technician program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in environmental sciences over a period of 42 weeks. The program includes:

Theoretical and practical education in environmental sciences.
Field and laboratory experience in soil, water, and air testing.
Applied research projects that tackle real environmental issues.
Support for community initiatives, such as water quality monitoring and environmental assessments.

Students will engage in various activities that enhance their learning experience, including:

Hands-on training with tools and equipment used in biology, hydrology, and analytical chemistry.
Opportunities to work on applied research projects that contribute to community efforts.

Graduates will be well-prepared to enter the workforce as skilled practitioners in the environmental sciences sector.

Featured Experiences

The Environmental Technician program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the learning process:

Field experience in soil, water, and air testing.
Applied research projects that address real environmental issues.
Community initiatives, including:
- Water quality monitoring in the Muskrat Lake watershed.
- Environmental assessment analysis for local municipal projects.
- Soil testing and climate monitoring.
- Contaminated site assessment and wildlife sampling.
Hands-on training with industry-standard tools and equipment.

These experiences not only provide practical skills but also foster a sense of responsibility towards environmental stewardship.

Career Options

Graduates of the Environmental Technician program can pursue a variety of entry-level positions in the environmental sciences sector. Potential career options include:

Remediation Technician: Responsible for cleaning up contaminated sites and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Field Sampling Technician: Conducts field tests and collects samples for analysis in various environmental studies.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Technician: Utilizes GIS technology to analyze spatial data and support environmental planning.
Contaminated Site Assessor: Evaluates sites for contamination and recommends remediation strategies.
Environmental Assessor: Conducts assessments to determine the environmental impact of projects and activities.
Water and Wastewater Facility Operator: Manages operations at facilities that treat and distribute water and wastewater.
Environmental Consultant: Provides expert advice on environmental practices and compliance to businesses and organizations.

These roles are essential in addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in the environmental sector, ensuring a sustainable future for our ecosystems.

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 2025-07-31

Program overview

Academic Requirements

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

College Eligibility:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
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).
Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
Biology Grade 11 or 12 is strongly recommended.
Chemistry Grade 11 or 12 is strongly recommended.
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.

Additional Requirements:

A current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate is preferred prior to registration. Otherwise, the student must obtain the certificate within the first two months of the first level.
Students must also obtain WHMIS certification within the first two months of the first level.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

For the Environmental Technician Diploma program, the following English language proficiency tests are accepted:

EAP – English for Academic Purposes: International EAP Level 5 with B minus (B-) in all core courses
IELTS – International English Language Testing Service: Overall 6.0 (no band lower than 5.5)
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language: Total 80 (no score below 20)
PTE – Pearson Test of English: Minimum of 53 with no section score under 45
CAEL – Canadian Academic English Language Assessment Test: Overall band score of 60

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!