Horticultural Technician at NC - Niagara College Canada - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

The Horticultural Technician program at Niagara College is designed for those who wish to contribute to the growth and maintenance of a sustainable environment. This program focuses on sustainable growing techniques and maintenance practices that enhance biodiversity in urban and suburban landscapes. Students will gain hands-on experience in various horticultural practices, preparing them for a rewarding career in this vital field. The program is delivered over a period of two years and is offered at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, which features state-of-the-art facilities including Ontario’s largest training greenhouse.

Program structure

The Horticultural Technician program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive education in horticulture over a two-year period. Key aspects of the program structure include:

Hands-on learning experiences in a variety of settings, including the NC Greenhouse Nursery and campus gardens.
Practical training in sustainable growth techniques and plant health management.
Opportunities for further study, allowing graduates to earn diplomas in landscaping or greenhouse fields with an additional year of study.
Eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for international students, enabling them to gain valuable Canadian work experience.

Students will engage in various practical labs, field projects, and assignments that are integral to the curriculum, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.

Featured Experiences

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

Access to the 125-acre Daniel J. Patterson Campus, which serves as a living lab for students.
Hands-on experience in the NC Greenhouse Nursery, the largest training greenhouse in Ontario.
Opportunities to study and research new technologies for generating flowers, fruits, turf, and trees.
Practical experience in exploring sustainable growth techniques within the campus landscape and gardens.
Participation in the NC Teaching Greenhouse production, which provides real-world insights into greenhouse management.
Recognition of the campus as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, emphasizing its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Career Options

Graduates of the Horticultural Technician program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

Garden Centre Manager: Oversee operations at garden centers, managing staff and inventory while providing customer service.
Green Roof/Green Wall Installer: Specialize in the installation and maintenance of green roofs and walls, promoting sustainable urban environments.
Greenhouse/Nursery Production: Manage the production of plants in greenhouses or nurseries, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
Landscape Designer: Create and implement landscape designs for residential and commercial properties, focusing on aesthetics and sustainability.
Parks Maintenance Supervisor: Oversee the maintenance of public parks, ensuring they are safe and well-kept for community use.
Urban Arborist: Manage and care for trees in urban settings, promoting tree health and biodiversity.
Urban Food Production Specialist: Focus on growing food in urban environments, contributing to local food security and sustainability.

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

Visit NC - Niagara College Canada official website

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Academic Requirements for the Horticultural Technician program at Niagara College Canada are as follows:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):

English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent

Recommended Courses and/or Skills: These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

Biology – Grade 11 (C) or (U) or Grade 12 (U)
Chemistry – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)
Mathematics – any Grade 12 (C) or (U)

Selection and Ranking: Applications are evaluated based on the published Academic Requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Program Requirements:

Physical Fitness

Students applying to Environment and Horticulture programs are often required to tolerate physical activity such as walking over uneven terrain, standing, bending, lifting, and carrying equipment.
These expectations are reflected in our coursework, and applicants of this program should be highly motivated and have an appropriate level of fitness when entering this program.

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.

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

For any clarification and support regarding the Academic Requirements, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

If English is your second language, Niagara College will accept the following language proficiency scores for the Horticultural Technician Diploma program:

Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE): 169 – No skill under 162.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.0 – No individual band under 5.5.
Internet-based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): iBT: 80 Minimum: 20 Writing, 20 Speaking.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58+, with no individual skill below 53.
Duolingo English Language Test: 105+, with no individual subscore below 95.
Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL): 60 – No individual band under 50.
Completion of Niagara College’s English for Academic Preparation program (EAP) Level 5 with 70% and no individual grade under 50%.

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!