Environmental Technician (Co-op) at Algonquin College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Program Overview

The Environmental Technician program is a two-year diploma course designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in environmental sciences. Delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, this program covers essential disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physical science, and engineering. Students will learn to collect, measure, and analyze environmental variables, gaining hands-on experience in soil, water, and air testing. The program emphasizes real-world applications through applied research projects that address pressing environmental issues while supporting community initiatives.

Program Structure

The Environmental Technician program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in environmental sciences over a 42-week period. Key features of the program include:

Theoretical and practical education in various environmental disciplines.
Field and laboratory experience focusing on soil, water, and air testing.
Applied research projects that tackle real environmental challenges.
Hands-on learning opportunities in both outdoor and laboratory settings.

Students will engage in community initiatives such as:

Water quality monitoring in local watersheds.
Environmental assessment analysis for municipal projects.
Soil testing and climate monitoring.

This program is ideal for those who seek an active, hands-on learning environment and wish to contribute positively to environmental protection and sustainability.

Featured Experiences

The Environmental Technician program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and practical application:

Field experience in various ecosystems, including freshwater environments.
Laboratory work involving the use of advanced analytical tools and techniques.
Applied research projects that connect students with community partners.
Opportunities to participate in environmental assessment and remediation projects.
Hands-on training in ecological field sampling and hydrology.

Career Options

Graduates of the Environmental Technician program can pursue a variety of entry-level positions in the environmental 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 environmental samples for analysis.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Technician: Utilizes GIS technology to analyze spatial data related to environmental issues.
Contaminated Site Assessor: Evaluates sites for contamination and recommends remediation strategies.
Environmental Consultant: Provides expert advice on environmental management and compliance to businesses and government agencies.
Water and Wastewater Facility Operator: Manages operations at facilities that treat and distribute water and wastewater.
Environmental Assessor: Conducts assessments to evaluate the environmental impact of projects and activities.

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. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
General Educational Development (GED) certificate; 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).
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.

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.

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.

We encourage students to apply as soon as possible to secure their place in this exciting program. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

For the Environmental Technician (Co-op) program, the following English language proficiency tests are accepted:

IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band
TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20;
Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.

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!