Helping Canadians get back to work.

Algonquin Careers Academy

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Possible funding to those who qualify*

  • Alberta Student Aid Program
  • Second Career
  • Loans
  • Grants
  • Bursaries
  • Scholarships

Programs

Programs offered at each campus may vary, so be sure to check other campus offerings for the course you are most interested in.

Healthcare, Wellness, Pharma Programs

  • A growing need for dental services and improved access to healthcare in Ontario is fuelling demand for trained Intra-Oral Dental Assistants.

    If you enjoy helping others and are interested in getting into a rewarding career in a dental environment (without spending years in school), now’s the time to consider your potential in Intra-Oral Dental Assisting.

    Intra-Oral Dental Assisting Program Objectives

    The Intra-Oral Dental Assisting Level 1 & 2 Diploma program is designed to prepare graduates with the following skills:

    • Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
    • Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
    • Obtaining patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse
    • Serving as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment according to IPAC standards
    • Helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
    • Providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling)
    • Teaching patient’s appropriate oral hygiene and dietary counselling strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counselling)
    • Taking impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth)
    • Performing office administration tasks
    • Perform level 2 skills such as mechanical polishing of the coronal portion of the teeth, placement and removal of rubber dam, taking preliminary impressions of teeth for study models, topical application of anti-cariogenic agents, application of materials topically to prepare the surface of the teeth for pit and fissure sealants, application of pit and fissure sealants, application of topical anaesthetics, application of desensitizing agents, whitening of the coronal portion of the teeth using materials generally available to the public without prescription, polishing restorations, oral irrigation and more
    • Communicating with patients and suppliers (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies)
    • Helping to provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, endodontics and oral surgery
  • Do you have an interest in science and the medical field? Then the Medical Lab Technician program may be the program for you! Med Lab Technicians conduct routine medical laboratory tests and set up, clean and maintain medical laboratory equipment.

    Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Program Goal And Objectives

    The goal of Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician (MLA/T) Diploma program is to prepare you to successfully start a challenging career in a medical laboratory or medical clinic. Our program will train you to perform standard medical lab tests such as blood tests, immunoassays, cultures and ECGs.

    The program objectives are for you to achieve the learning competencies published by the Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO - ) and the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS - ).

    In the MLA/T course, our students will learn to perform the following:

    • Collect blood or other samples from patients
    • Receive tissue samples from patients
    • Log patient samples and prepare them for testing
    • Set up medical laboratory equipment
    • Conduct routine laboratory tests and sample analyses
    • Clean and maintain a medical laboratory and medical laboratory equipment.

    Students also learn laboratory safety and WHMIS, the structure and function of the body, the body systems, clinical chemistry, laboratory mathematics, medical terminology, OHIP and information handling, electrocardiogram and holter monitor, heart and heart disease, circulatory system, vital signs, and microbiology.

    A clinical placement combined with practical classroom instruction ensures our students graduate with confidence in themselves and in their theoretical and practical skills.

    Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Clinical Placements

    Algonquin Careers Academy has an excellent working relationship with various members of the medical industry. During the last six weeks of the program our students supplement the in-class training with an “on the job” clinical placement arranged by Algonquin Careers Academy. The placement provides an opportunity to apply the lessons learned in the classroom, gain confidence, and open doors to future employment. The clinical placement enables us to provide front line experience for our students.

    Successful completion of the 240 hours of placement is necessary for graduation

  • Knowing that you are making a difference to people who need you is what makes the PSW career choice very rewarding for caring individuals with excellent people skills. The growing need for medical services by an aging population and an increased focus by government on home and long-term care are fuelling demand for trained, knowledgeable and caring Personal Support Workers.

    Personal Support Worker Program Objective

    The Personal Support Worker Certificate program is designed to provide our students with the necessary training and education to pursue a career in the traditional nursing assistant role in health care environments. Students learn practical support-related skills such as assisting with routine daily living activities, personal care, mobility, safety, medications, medical conditions, household management and meal preparation along with the interpersonal skills to deal effectively with clients, families, and healthcare team members. Sensitivity to individuals and their rights is a central theme of the instruction for the Personal Support Worker. Students will acquire the necessary skills to respond to the emotional and physical needs of patients, residents and/or clients who are under their care.

    Learning from the curriculum approved by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC), the students will be working toward passing the national uniform final exam administered by NACC at the end of their program. Passing this exam is a PSW program requirement.

    A clinical placement combined with practical classroom instruction ensures you graduate with confidence in yourself and in your practical skills.

    Personal Support Worker Clinical Placements

    Algonquin Careers Academy has an excellent working relationship with various organizations for clinical placement. During the last 9 weeks of the program the students will supplement their in-class training with an “on the job” clinical placement arranged by Algonquin Careers Academy. The placement provides an opportunity to apply the lessons learned in the classroom, gain confidence, and open doors to future employment.

    Successful completion of the 9 weeks of clinical placement is necessary for graduation from the Personal Support Worker program.

  • Are you organized with strong customer service skills and interested in the health care industry? Then the Pharmacy Assistant program could be the right option for you! Pharmacy Assistants perform many tasks including filling prescriptions, compounding medications, inventory control, stocking shelves, keeping accurate records, point of sale transactions, answering phones and customer service. Pharmacy Assistants are a key part of the community pharmacy practice.

    Pharmacy Assistant or Pharmacy Technician?

    The Pharmacy Assistant program is focused on the essential knowledge and skills you need to begin a career in a community pharmacy. The Assistant program is 27 weeks rather than the Technician's 51 weeks, so you can graduate and be working in the professional environment of a community pharmacy in about 7 months.

    The scope of practice for a Pharmacy Assistant is not as broad as that of a Registered Pharmacy Technician and the compensation is not as high. However, if you feel the health care field is right for you but you cannot commit to the longer study period, the more costly program, and the rigours and cost of writing professional licensing exams (such as with the Pharmacy Technician program), then Pharmacy Assistant diploma program is the path for you.

    Pharmacy Assistant Program Objective

    The Pharmacy Assistant diploma program is designed to prepare you for an entry-level position in a Community/Retail Pharmacy, Manufacturing Facility or Long-Term Care pharmacy. Throughout your Pharmacy Assistant courses, you will learn the history of pharmacy, legislation and health care systems; roles of the pharmacist, technician and assistant; the various pharmacy organizations in the province, and ethical standards. Understanding dispensary, medical and pharmaceutical terminology, prescription interpretation and the abbreviations, introduction to various dosage forms, and the various therapeutic classifications of drugs is part of the program. Other Pharmacy Assistant courses are Pharmacy Calculations, Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, and Pharmacy Compounding. You will have a specific course related to the Community Practice.

    You will receive hands on training on operation and maintenance of the pharmacy software “Kroll”, entering prescriptions and printing labels, maintaining patient’s profile, drug search, doctor search, special instructions, third party billing and inventory management.  A well-equipped pharmacy lab provides students with hands on experience dispensing medications and compounding pharmaceuticals. Customer Service Fundamentals include verbal and written communication skills, customer service, dealing with professionals, peers and dispensary staff, problem solving techniques, handling complaints, and confidentiality.

    This diploma program with the combination in-class learning, in-lab, hands on practical experience and co-op placement ensures you graduate with confidence in yourself and in your theoretical and practical skills.

  • Would you like to combine your attention to detail with your desire to help people maintain and improve their health? Then the Pharmacy Technician program could be the right option for you! Pharmacy Technicians perform many tasks including filling and final release of prescriptions, compounding medications and managing day-to-day pharmacy operations.

    Pharmacy Technician Program Objective

    The Pharmacy Technician (PHT) diploma program is designed to prepare you for a challenging career in a community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, long-term care pharmacy or a corporate/industrial environment. Throughout your Pharmacy Technician courses, you will learn the history of pharmacy, legislation and health care systems; roles of the pharmacist, technician, and assistants; the various pharmacy organizations in the province, and ethical standards. Upon completion of the program, you will have a solid understanding of medical and pharmaceutical terminology, the ability to interpret a prescription and the associated abbreviations, an extensive understanding of various dosage forms and therapeutic classifications of medications. Courses in the Pharmacy Technician program include Pharmacy Calculations, Pharmacology, Pharmacy Compounding and Sterile Products and Aseptic Technique. You will have specific courses related to Community Pharmacy Practice, Hospital Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacy Legislation.

    This program will give you hands on training to gain proficiency in operating and maintaining the pharmacy software “Kroll”, entering prescriptions, printing labels, creating and maintaining a patient’s health profile, proper search techniques, third party billing and inventory management. A well-equipped pharmacy lab provides our students with hands on experience in medications dispensing and non-sterile and sterile compounding. This program offers extensive training in communication and customer service skills, inter and intra-professional education, problem solving techniques and conflict resolution.

    The program is designed to meet the standards set by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP). By the end of the program, students are expected to be able to meet the Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice established by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and the Educational Outcomes for Pharmacy Technician Programs in Canada established by Canadian Pharmacy Technician Educators Association (CPTEA).

    Graduates of CCAPP-accredited programs meet the education requirement of the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP).

    Through a combination of in-class learning, hands on labs and workshops, and community and hospital practical placements, this diploma program will ensure you graduate with confidence in the theoretical and practical skills required to pursue Pharmacy Technician registration.

    Pharmacy Technician Accreditation

    The Pharmacy Technician programs of Algonquin Careers Academy, Ottawa and Mississauga, have been awarded the status of Full Accreditation by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) for the five year terms as follows:

    • Algonquin Careers Academy - Ottawa: July 2019 to June 2022
    • Algonquin Careers Academy - Mississauga: July 2016 to June 2022

Beauty, Esthetics, Barber Programs

  • A growing demand for medical esthetic services is fuelling demand for trained Medical Estheticians.  If you enjoy a personal connection with clients and are interested in getting into a rewarding career in an upscale spa environment or in starting your own business, now is the time to consider your potential as a Medical Esthetician.

    Medical Esthetician Program Objectives

    The Medical Esthetician Diploma program is designed to prepare graduates with the following skills:

    • Application of knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, histology and terminology to the provision of specialized esthetic services
    • A variety of specialized skin and body care treatments following appropriate procedures such as facials, body treatments, cosmetic massages, manicures, pedicures, basic make-up applications, lash and brow enhancements and hair removal
    • Experience using a range of specialized equipment and products
    • Knowledge to select and recommend the use of esthetic products
    • Develop and maintain suitable customer service strategies and professional relationships
    • Business skills and activities required for the successful establishment and operation of a small esthetics business in a salon or spa environment
    • Perform chemical and mechanical exfoliation treatment
    • Perform laser hair removal and photo rejuvenation

    Our goal is to have students develop current, practical knowledge and skills to perform competently, effectively and safely as Medical Estheticians. Throughout the program our aim is to have students gain and build on their communication, leadership, interpersonal, and technical skills. A co-op placement combined with practical classroom instruction ensures you graduate with confidence in yourself and in your theoretical and practical skills.

    Medical Esthetician Practical Placement

    Algonquin Careers Academy has an excellent working relationship with a variety of businesses including the salon and spa industry. We have the personnel in place to find appropriate placements for our students. During the last four weeks of the program, the Medical Esthetician students will supplement their in-class training with an “on the job” practical placement arranged by Algonquin Careers Academy. The placement provides an opportunity to apply the lessons learned in the classroom, gain confidence, and open doors to future employment.

    Successful completion of the supervised practical placement is necessary for graduation.

Business, Accounting, Marketing Programs

  • Are you an organized individual with excellent customer service   skills who loves to work in a fast paced environment? The Medical Office Assistant program may be the right choice for you. The growing need for medical and dental services by an aging population combined with a strong government focus on improving access to healthcare in Ontario is fuelling demand for trained and knowledgeable Medical Office Assistants.

    Objectives

    The Medical Office Assistant (MOA) Diploma program is designed to provide our students with the medical, clerical, and communication skills necessary to start a career as a member of the health care team in a medical or dental office. The four week practical placement combined with the 29 week classroom instruction ensures our students graduate with confidence and a familiarity with medical terminology, office procedures, microcomputer applications, customer service and related skills. In the MOA program, all of the aspects of a busy office are addressed including: scheduling and confirming medical appointments, filing, telephone protocol, letter writing, business communications, confidentiality and legal aspects, records and inventory management, handling mail and Ministry of Health billing. Students learn: patient registration, how to take family history, medical history and patient history, the various body systems and how they function, and medical terms including those related to diagnosis and treatment. Students also learn how to initiate procedural set ups including patient preparation, how to perform diagnostic procedures, and how to collect patient specimens. A portion of the course addresses administration of a dental office including dental office procedures. Students will learn both Accuro, the number one single platform electronic medical record (EMR) system used in Canada, and AbleDent, the software of choice for dental offices.

    The focus of our Medical Office Assistant program is on preparing our students to be efficient and effective in the medical and dental office environments.

    Opportunities

    During the last weeks of the program we will supplement the in-class training with an “on the job” clinical placement arranged by Algonquin Careers Academy through our many relationships in the medical and dental community. The placement provides an opportunity to apply the lessons learned in the classroom, gain confidence, and open doors to future employment.

    Successful completion of the four weeks of clinical placement is necessary for graduation.

  • Do you have an interest in business, a logical mind and the ability to learn computer applications? The Accounting and Payroll course may be the program for you! Payroll clerks collect, verify and process payroll information and determine pay and benefit entitlements for employees. Accounting and related clerks calculate, prepare and process bills, invoices, accounts payable and receivable, budgets and other financial records.

    Objectives

    The objective of the Accounting and Payroll Administrator Diploma program is to train students in the practices of financial accounting and payroll in Canada.  This program focuses on three key elements: the theoretical principles of accounting and payroll, the practical “hands on” skills required to do the job, and the communication skills needed to work within an office environment.  Each successful student will have the necessary skills to enter into the workforce and maintain a complete set of books, both manually and with computerized systems.

    In accounting, students will learn to calculate, prepare and issue accounting reports related to financial transactions such as bills, invoices, inventory reports, account statements and other financial statements using computerized and manual systems; code, total, batch, enter, verify and reconcile transactions such as accounts payable and receivable, payroll, purchase orders, cheques, invoices, cheque requisitions, and bank statements in a ledger or computer system; compile budget data and documents based on estimated revenues and expenses and previous budgets; and prepare period or cost statements or reports.

    In payroll, students will learn to maintain records of employee attendance, leave and overtime to calculate pay and benefit entitlements, using manual and computerized systems; prepare and verify statements of earnings for employees, indicating gross and net salaries and deductions such as taxes, union dues, garnishments and insurance and pension plans; prepare employee payments and benefit payments by cheque or electronic transfer; prepare T4 statements and other statements; and prepare and balance period-end reports and reconcile issued payrolls to bank statements.

    The theoretical principles, the hands on practical, and the communication skills learned in the Accounting and Payroll courses ensure our graduates will be effective and efficient in an entry-level accounting or payroll position.

    Accounting And Payroll Program Relevant Certification

    This program provides our students the opportunity to begin preparation for the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification, issued by the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA).  The certification is nationally recognized as a Standard of Excellence for payroll training.  CPA exams are not included as part of the program but students will be well prepared to consider this certification path after graduation.

  • Do you have an interest in all aspects of business including accounting, marketing, human resources and business law? Then the Business Management course may be the program for you! Business Management graduates can enter into the business world through a variety of paths.

    Objectives

    The objective of the Business Management Diploma program is to train students in business practices. This program focuses on three key elements providing each student with an understanding of the theoretical principles of business management, the practical “hands on” skills required to do the job and the communication skills needed to work within an office environment.

    Students will learn Bookkeeping, Financial Accounting and Payroll with two of the most popular accounting software packages: Sage 50 - Simply and QuickBooks.

    A fundamental understanding of the core elements of business is provided through the following business courses: Human Resource Management, Business Law,  Marketing, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management and Business Plan.

    Computer applications skills are in great demand in the business world. Students will develop solid skills in Microsoft Windows including Outlook, Word Level 1 & 2, Excel Level 1 & 2, PowerPoint and MS Project.

    The Business Communications course rounds out the technical and business courses.

    The principals and practical skills learned in the Business Management courses ensure our graduates will be effective and efficient in an entry-level position in business.

    Business Management Program Relevant Certification

    This program provides our students the opportunity to begin preparation for the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification, issued by the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA).  The certification is nationally recognized as a Standard of Excellence for payroll training.  CPA exams are not included as part of the program but students will be well prepared to consider this certification path after graduation.

  • Fill the ongoing need for expertise in Supply Chain and Logistics!

    Overview

    Why is this important? The international economy does not work if goods cannot be moved efficiently around the world.

    What does this mean for you? An exciting, rewarding career in a fast paced, critically important field.

    The need for expertise in Supply Chain and Logistics will continue to grow as online sales and integrated international manufacturing continues to boom. The Supply Chain and Logistics Diploma program at Algonquin Careers Academy may right for you!

    Objectives

    The Supply Chain and Logistics Diploma program is designed to prepare graduates to have foundational knowledge and skills in:

    • Logistics coordination, transportation and freight operations
    • Optimizing order frequency, cycles and transit options
    • Goods delivery scheduling and tracking and expediting overdue shipments
    • Sourcing suppliers, garnering quotes and tendering submissions
    • Negotiating pricing, terms of delivery and other contract details
    • Processing purchase orders, freight forwarding and other documentation
    • Monitoring inventory levels and generating inventory reports
    • Reconciling physical inventories and resolving material discrepancies
    • Reporting loss, damage and return of goods and materials

    Our goal is to have students develop current, practical knowledge and skills to perform competently, efficiently, and safely in a Supply Chain and Logistics role. Throughout the program our aim is to have students gain and build on their communication, leadership, interpersonal, and technical skills. A practical placement combined with classroom instruction ensures you graduate with confidence in yourself and in your theoretical and practical skills.

    Opportunities  

    With growing international trade, there will be a steady need for graduates in this field. Supply Chain and Logistics graduates can expect to find employment opportunities in the following roles plus many others:

    • Expediter Material
    • Estimator
    • Dispatcher
    • Shipper
    • Receiver
    • Warehouse Assistant
    • Scheduling Assistant
    • Traffic control Assistant
    • Shipping Coordinator
    • Supervisor, Receiving
    • Distribution Assistant
    • Transportation Assistant

Legal, Policing Programs

  • Are you a well-organized individual with excellent communication and administrative skills with an interest in the law? Then the Law Clerk course may be the right choice for you! Law clerks prepare legal documents, maintain records and files and conduct research to assist lawyers or other professionals. Our Law Clerk diploma program prepares you for a career in this interesting and busy field.

    Objectives

    The objective of the Law Clerk Diploma program is to provide our students with the skills and confidence required to be employed as a Law Clerk. The technical and clerical aspects of assisting a legal professional are emphasized throughout the program. Our students graduate with an in-depth and practical knowledge of legal terminology, drafting of various legal documents, legal office administration and law office software. Areas of law studied include: wills and power of attorney, real estate law, civil litigation, family law, and corporate and commercial law. Administrative and productivity skills are enhanced with the following courses: computer essentials with keyboarding, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, bookkeeping and effective business writing.

    Our Law Clerk program prepares our students to perform the following duties:

    • Assist legal professionals by interviewing clients, witnesses and other related parties, assembling documentary evidence, preparing trial briefs, and arranging for trials
    • Prepare wills, real estate transactions and other legal documents, court reports and affidavits
    • Research records, court files and other legal documents
    • Draft legal correspondence and perform general office and clerical duties.

    A practical placement will ensure you graduate with exposure to the profession. You will find a new confidence in yourself and your skills after your time with us.

    Law Clerk Practical Placements

    Algonquin Careers Academy has excellent relationships with a variety of legal institutions including law firms, paralegal firms, legal aid agencies, and government organizations. Our students will have a four week co-op work placement where they will use the skills learned in the classroom and experience their profession from the practical perspective.

  • Are you a well-organized, quick-thinking individual, with excellent communication and customer service skills? Then the Ottawa and Mississauga Paralegal program may be the right choice for you! Legislative changes have made Paralegal a licensed profession in Ontario and clients are looking for access to cost effective legal services. Our Paralegal Diploma program prepares you for a career in this expanding field.

    Paralegal Program Objective

    The objective of the Paralegal Diploma program is to provide our students with the required substantive law training to successfully enter the Law Society of Ontario’s paralegal licensing process.  Students will learn constitutional and administrative law, client interviewing, legal research, evidence, small claims court, provincial offences, legal writing, dispute resolution and mediation, legal computer applications, tribunals, immigration law and landlord and tenant law. All law courses are taught by lawyers or licensed paralegals.

    The following paralegal courses will help you establish a legal services business of your own: ethics and professional responsibility, practice management / operating a small business and legal accounting. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Bookkeeping are also invaluable tools.

    The structure of our paralegal program includes traditional lecture and seminar courses, as well as field trips to local Courts and tribunals. There are also a number of mock hearings and presentations throughout the program. A co-op placement will ensure you graduate with exposure to the profession, and the requisite hours to qualify for the licensing process.

Education, Teaching Programs

  • There is a growing demand for childcare services.

    Overview

    This intense fast track program gets you career ready in just 7 months and includes 8 weeks of practical 'on the job' training. There is a high demand for Early Childcare Assistants due to the increasing demand for childcare services in Ontario.

    Objectives

    The Early Childcare Assistant diploma program is designed to prepare graduates to have the following skills:

    •    Collaborate with teachers in planning, developing and implementing daily activities that support and promote development in children
    •    Assist children with dressing, washroom routines and lunchtime activities
    •    Prepare snacks and arrange rooms or furniture for lunch and rest periods
    •    Be confident in providing support and supervision during play, encourage socialization and enhance a child’s self esteem
    •    Engage children in activities by telling stories, teaching songs and preparing crafts
    •    Maintain daycare equipment and assist in housekeeping and cooking duties
    •    Attend staff meetings to discuss progress and problems of children
    •    Assist early childhood educators or supervisors in keeping records
    •    Complete anecdotal reports, observation checklists, and maintain on-going developmental records for each child

    Opportunities  

    With the growing demand for childcare services there will be a steady need for graduates in this field. Early Childcare Assistant graduates can expect to find employment opportunities in child-care centres, day-care centres, kindergartens, agencies for exceptional children and other settings where early childhood education services are provided.

    Job titles include:
    •    Early childcare assistant
    •    Preschool helper
    •    Child care worker assistant
    •    Child care worker, daycare
    •    Daycare helper
    •    Daycare worker
    •    Early childhood program staff assistant
    •    Early childhood educator staff assistant
    •    Early childhood educator assistant

    • Diploma Program - 28 weeks (total time in class and on practical placement)
    • Monday to Friday, 4 hours per day

Algonquin Careers Academy


*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.