Advanced Diploma in Computer Systems Technology (Co-op Optional)

at Durham College - Oshawa Campus Canada

The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees is designed to provide students with the core knowledge, skills and abilities fundamental to academic success in health sciences programs such as the collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program delivered by Durham College and Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech), as well as other health science-related programs at the advanced diploma or degree level. This two-semester program is specifically designed for individuals looking to develop their knowledge and skills in communications, mathematics, biology, general and organic chemistry, physics or critical thinking so they are well-prepared for the rigors of their next academic program. In addition, the program provides students with the opportunity to learn about potential careers in the health sciences and identify other programs focusing on the biological or chemical sciences that will enable them to achieve their career objectives.

The Fitness and Health Promotion program will prepare you for a meaningful career that goes beyond the walls of a gym, with a focus on supporting a diverse range of populations, including clients of all ages and abilities. Fitness and health promotion professionals are invested in providing clients with a full-range of services – from research and design to implementation and execution of programs, facilities and activities. Offering a program of study that both balances and connects theory with practice, graduates enter the workforce with a broad skill set that includes supporting motivation, behaviour change as well as an introduction to entrepreneurship for those interested in pursuing their own business.

You will participate in hands-on learning experiences in state-of-the-art lab facilities practising the skills that you will apply during your work-integrated learning opportunities. Curriculum focuses on wellness, behaviour change, business practices, and exercise science. Courses include exercise physiology, nutrition, functional anatomy, injury management and exercise prescription. The Fitness and Health Promotion program will prepare you for an exciting and engaging career in a dynamic field that will positively influence the lives of your clients.

Dental office administrators play a vital role that enhances operations in the dental setting such as processing information, utilizing paper and electronic management systems, scheduling, financial records and proficient interpersonal skills. They create a connection between clients and dentists by coordinating requests from both parties. This program combines academic study and practical applications to provide a graduate with the skills, knowledge and professionalism to manage dental office business applications, software and communications for a client-centered practice. Graduates are eligible to write a certification examination through the Ontario Dental Assistants Association. Durham College’s Dental programs are highly regarded within dental communities.

This two-semester pathway is designed for individuals interested in pursuing various science and engineering programs at Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech). This option offers opportunities to refine essential skills and develop foundational knowledge in the areas of science, mathematics, and communication, which are necessary for admission into future post-secondary programs. Some General Arts and Science courses are also transferable to other post-secondary programs. This pathway has the added benefit of helping students become better acquainted with post-secondary life, workload, and expectations.

Whether you’re interested in a career in health care, rehabilitation or social services, the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTPA) program will prepare you to work with clients of all ages with a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional and developmental conditions. Working under the guidance of a registered occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist, you will maximize physical function and occupational performance to promote increased daily functioning and overall well-being for your clients. Hands-on labs begin in semester one where you learn and practice therapy skills in small groups to prepare you for success in the field. This program offers close to 600 clinical hours in a range of unique and diverse placement settings. Our new onsite living lab provides realistic simulations that transform classroom knowledge into the practical skills required for the field.

In this two-year program you will learn to assist with the implementation of rehabilitation treatment plans and programs across the lifespan, from children to older adults, and throughout the continuum of care. Our faculty team brings a wide variety of clinical experiences and expertise to ensure you are well-prepared for your future career in rehabilitation.

Program highlights:

• Hands-on labs begin in semester one where you learn and practice therapy skills in small groups to prepare you for success in the field
• Close to 600 hours of fieldwork experience, offering diverse placement settings
• Theory and labs specializing in teaching the knowledge and skills necessary to treat clients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiac, respiratory and complex conditions
• Our new on-site living lab provides the opportunity to practice clinical skills and scenarios in a realistic environment
• Focus on development of professional skills throughout the program, including effective verbal and written communication strategies
• Collaborations with community partners and other disciplines allow students the opportunity to experience  interprofessional  rehabilitation and further develop team-work and communication skills

Project management professionals have the knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to successfully manage projects for a wide range of industries. To remain competitive in a global economy, organizations are using project management expertise to shorten product development cycles; respond quickly and effectively to opportunities or threats; re-evaluate their processes; capitalize on technical knowledge within the organization; and control the bottom-line. Project management is one of the top skill sets sought by organizations to help ensure their objectives are met on time and on budget. In fact, it is expected that by 2020 there will be a greater need than there will be candidates for these roles. Students start with basics and through a rigorous two-semester program supported by experienced teachers, graduate with real, applicable project experience under their belts.

The Music Business Administration/Management programs prepare students to enter any field of the music industry equipped with a solid foundation of relevant knowledge and business practices, and plenty of hands-on experience. Students learn to manage revenue streams, book tours, draft and negotiate contracts, manage artists and venues, plan and execute events, design websites, market and promote artists and merchandise, build a network, and much more. Graduates enter the industry ready and eager to become astute music industry executives, well-informed musicians/songwriters, or both!

This unique business-based program provides plenty of experiential learning opportunities and in-depth knowledge of all areas of the music business, preparing you for a wide variety of music industry careers spanning:

• Major and independent record labels in roles including marketing, publicity, promotion, merchandising and sales, artists and repertoire, and brand partnerships
• Live music including tour management and booking, concert promotion and production, and venue management
• Music publishing and administration including positions in copyright collection societies, industry trade organizations, copyright administration, music licensing, and music supervision
• Artist management (e.g. managing a musician or managing one’s own musical career)
• Digital music management including streaming services, social networks and online music retail
• Event production including planning or managing live music events, conferences, workshops and more
• Performing/recording artist, or songwriter
• Music production including live and recording services

You will develop skills in management, marketing, promotion, and small business operations, while learning and practicing the essentials of copyright law and music publishing, event production, live sound reinforcement, and media and business communications. Challenging careers are available for skilled administrators and managers, as well as aspiring musicians and songwriters, who can market and manage entertainment events and revenues; harness social media; manage tours; work directly with performers as booking agents or managers; prepare promotional materials; plan and organize itineraries; and negotiate, interpret and enforce contracts.

Chemical Engineering Technology is at the core of our ever-evolving world - innovative products, processes and materials are a constant in our time. To support these changes, this program puts a focus on material science, nuclear physics and instrumentation. Renewable fuels, process simulation and analysis and development of chemical products all have one thing in common - the chemical engineering technologist.

Chemical engineering technology is about creating value through chemical conversions, all the way from lab-scale processes to optimizing full plant operations, and this program provides training to enable graduates to do this. Applications include manufacturing of high-tech polymers, water treatment operations, catalytic conversions, nuclear power and sustainable fuel sources. . Chemical engineering technologists play a role in each of these areas.

This program will provide you with hands-on experience and a solid background in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, nuclear physics and instrumental analysis including chromatography and spectroscopy, as well as process control and sustainability. Working alone and in teams, first-hand experience is emphasized through our fully equipped Analytical Instrumentation laboratory. The core of the program will give you training and experience in the handling, analyzing, monitoring, processing and properties of a wide variety of chemicals.

Safety and environmental compliance are both emphasized in the program as chemical engineering technologists take processes from “cradle to cradle”. The field placement component of the program provides valuable contacts and experience.

Do you have a passion for health care and a desire to provide relief to people dealing with pain? An aging population, as well as greater public awareness of health issues, has resulted in more job opportunities in health occupations. The demand for massage therapy is also fueled by its growing popularity as a means of relaxation, stress relief and rehabilitation in today’s busy society.

In this program, students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to provide safe, effective and ethical care at the entry-level of practice within the massage therapy profession.

Major emphasis is placed on the development of effective interpersonal and communication skills, critical thinking, empathic responses and decision making. Students learn how to meet legal and ethical obligations according to legislative and profession-specific guidelines. Anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, massage theory, communication, entrepreneurial and professional skills are also emphasized.

The program’s foundation is based on the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics identified by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).

In six semesters, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

• Conduct a massage therapy practice within a legal, professional and ethical framework.
• Apply business principles relevant to a massage therapy practice.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively and professionally with clients, colleagues and members of the inter-professional team.
• Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships to optimize clients’ health and wellness.
• Collect and assess clients’ information to determine their state of health and the treatment goals.
• Develop, implement and evaluate a plan of care according to the client’s condition and the treatment goals.

Find a way to make a difference with your creativity. The Fine Arts – Advanced program will push you along the path you have chosen, challenging you through critical discussions, pointing you to artists with similar concerns and aesthetics, and encouraging you to grow and achieve the potential evident in your preliminary explorations. This program will prepare you to address the complex challenges of the 21st century and promotes citizenship by educating you not only for careers and jobs in the visual arts, but also for your role as an active and engaged practicing artist in your community.

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific laptop and software requirements for this program click here.