Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety at Algonquin College

Learn how to survey, monitor and control radiation exposure for a career in the nuclear industry.

The two-year Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety Ontario College Diploma program is the only program of its kind in Canada. In this program, you learn to monitor radiation levels and implement preventive measures critical to ensuring the safety of employees and members of the public, and providing for protection of the environment.

Learn to effectively complete important tasks focusing on radiation safety, such as detecting and measuring radiation levels, mitigating contamination hazards and providing guidance and information to personnel to control contamination and minimize radiation exposure.

Gain theoretical and practical understanding of nuclear operations fundamentals, radiation detection and measurement, instrumentation and techniques, waste management, contamination and decontamination procedures, and incident assessments. Your courses focus on regulatory frameworks and compliance with internationally accepted radiation protection principles.

Learn from nuclear industry professionals who have years of experience. This program benefits from a partnership between Algonquin College and Bruce Power, Ontario`s largest private electricity generating company.

Benefit from the opportunity to complete industry-recognized certifications in this program.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

Graduates may find employment in:

• nuclear power plants
• nuclear-based research and development facilities
• decontamination/waste storage facilities
• uranium mines/mills
• radiation protection contract companies
• isotope production/refinement facilities
• hospitals that use radioisotopes
• universities with radiological labs
• the oil and gas industry concerned with naturally-occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) management

Graduates may work in roles such as:

• contamination monitor
• radiation protection technician
• radiation surveyor
• health physics technician
• NORMs technician

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Perform well both individually and in a team environment.
• Possess strong critical-thinking and analytical skills.
• Use systematic approaches to problem-solve and to follow procedures.
• Have an appreciation for precise and accurate work.
• Possess excellent communication skills and interpersonal abilities.
• Possess strong mathematical skills.
• Value the importance of and take responsibility for safety in the workplace.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment as contamination monitors, radiation protection technicians, radiation surveyors, health physics technicians, radiation safety officers and NORMs technicians.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Operate radiation detection and monitoring equipment to accurately detect and measure radiation fields and contamination.
2. Interpret and follow radiation safety plans and procedures consistent with current research, regulations and industry standards.
3. Anticipate and assess radiological and operational hazards in order to recommend appropriate mitigation strategies and contingency plans for radiological protection and occupational safety.
4. Respond to changing radiological conditions in accordance with regulatory requirements.
5. Communicate radiation hazards and safety requirements to all levels of personnel.
6. Assess the health risks attributed to internal and external radiological exposures.
7. Resolve radiation protection issues through the application of scientific principles to maintain or restore optimal safety for workers, the public and the environment.
8. Promote Canadian Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) systems information to support safe operations of the reactor and reactor systems.
9. Calibrate radiological and industrial detection and safety systems to required specifications.
10. Select and apply operational and radiological risk mitigation and contingency strategies to radiological work planning.
11. Apply the principle of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) to established national and international radiation protection standards.
12. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

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).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading: 22; Listening: 22; Speaking: 22; Writing: 22