Diploma in Computer Engineering Technology

at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Canada

The healthcare industry continues to see a rapid increase in the usage of advanced medical diagnostic and therapeutic equipment to provide the highest level of patient care possible. As our dependence on high-tech equipment and technical expertise required by medical professionals increases, so have the technology-related risks to patients and clinical staff.

Biomedical engineering technologist careers have evolved to help manage technology-related risks in the health-care industry through the entire lifecycle of medical devices, including specification, inspection, calibration, repair and maintenance, and technical troubleshooting.

The Biomedical Engineering Technology program will provide you with fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience with electronics, microcontroller applications, computer network systems and medical imaging systems. You'll also become familiar with medical laboratory practices, anatomy, physiology and health technology management.

What You Will Learn
Hands-on, industry-relevant training
The Biomedical Engineering Technology program will provide you with the skills of an electronic technologist with a specialized focus on biomedical equipment technology.
In your first year of study you will learn about electronics, microcontroller programming, math and computer systems. 

• Biomedical instrumentation
• X-ray and diagnostic imaging equipment
• Medical laboratory instrumentation

Supplementary courses in anatomy and physiology and medical equipment management complete the medical specialization.

Co-op
Students may be eligible to participate in a one semester co-op placement between their first and second year of training. Successful co-op students work in a program related, industry position and gain advanced job-readiness skills. Acceptance into co-op requires successful completion of first term coursework with a GPA of 2.3. 

Computers play role in every segment of modern society. Growing demand and advances in miniature, solid-state microprocessor technology have sparked the development of smaller, less expensive and more powerful computers, and increased the need for well-trained technical personnel.
In the 2-year Computer Engineering Technology diploma program, you'll design, build and program computers, gain skills in the hardware and software aspects of microcomputers and their applications, and receive extensive hands-on training.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
In Computer Engineering Technology, you'll be trained in both computer hardware and software, including concepts related to computer architecture fundamentals, industrial electronics and embedded controllers using analog and digital integration. You'll become fluent in the assembly language programming of micro-controllers, advanced programming languages such as C#, Windows application development, database concepts and dynamic web development.
Our hands-on learning environment and industry focus will provide you with the skills and knowledge you'll need to secure a rewarding career as a computer engineering technologist.

In this program, you'll learn about:

• Computer programming, including C#, SQL, HTML5+, CSS3, PHP5, ASP.NET, JavaScript, AJAX, jQuery and ladder logic on PLCs to monitor and control industrial equipment
• System analysis and design
• Electronic circuit design, implementation, debugging, simulation and measurement
• Embedded system implementation
• Interfacing sensors, actuators and other electronic device to computer platforms
• Hardware design and interfacing
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Time management and other professional skills

Co-op option
This program has a co-op option that will be available to you once you've completed at least 2 academic terms. This hands-on work expereince will provide career development training, enabling you to build advanced job readiness skills.

Architectural technologists assist in translating design concepts into graphic images, and then converting those images into technical drawings and specifications that result in creation of the built environment. Students in the Architectural Technology program learn freehand sketching techniques, but the program's main emphasis is on manual and computer-aided drawing skills.

What You Will Learn
Hands-on, industry-relevant skills

Throughout the program, you will study theoretical concepts and learn how to:

• Create and coordinate a full set of working drawings to industry standards
• Participate in all aspects of the design process, including the presentation of design solutions
• Research and apply various codes, standards and systems used in design and construction
• Visualize and communicate design in both 2 and 3 dimensions
• Use current architectural tools and software common
• Contribute individually and as part of a team in a professional architectural environment

Architectural technologists must possess superior presentation and communication skills in order to present drawings and plans to clients, workers and management teams. Throughout the program, you will develop your word processing, visual presentation and business communication skills.

Students in NAIT's renowned Culinary Arts program are introduced to the fundamental skills of cooking with an emphasis on safe food handling, sanitation and nutrition. These skills are enhanced by hands-on participation in advanced cooking practices including contemporary hot and cold presentation, pastry art and international cuisine.

The NAIT Culinary Arts program provides students with relevant, high-quality culinary training. Our grads are in demand for a variety of career opportunities in leading hotels, restaurants and catering facilities. Our students get real-world experience through

• Hands-on training in the state-of-the-art Hokanson Centre for Culinary Arts
• Preparing the dishes served in Ernest's, NAIT's acclaimed fine dining restaurant
• Participating in work experience placements

Culinary Arts students also have the opportunity to join Culinary Team NAIT, which competes in regional, national and international culinary competitions.

Chef in Residence Program
The Department of Culinary Arts and Professional Food Studies' unique Chef in Residence program provides students with the rare opportunity to learn first-hand from some of the best chefs in the world. This ongoing program will bring culinary authorities from around the world to NAIT to share their insights and expertise with students and faculty. The goal of the Chef in Residence program is to expose students to innovative cooking techniques and diverse culinary trends and styles.

Learn more about the Chef in Residence program

The new Automotive Service Technology diploma is a unique opportunity to get the technical and career essential skills you need to succeed in the automotive industry. It can also serve as a pathway to apprenticeship.

This two-year diploma provides exposure to new trends and technologies. Once you complete the program, you will have the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience in dynamic shop environments to diagnose vehicle systems, and repair and maintain vehicles.

The diploma program offers a direct pathway into trades training at NAIT without having to first be a registered apprentice. After graduating, you will be eligible to enter the job market having all apprenticeship technical training completed.

What You Will Learn
Industry-approved training
A career in the automotive industry calls for an understanding of both technical knowledge and career essential skills.  Learning outcomes for this program include being able to:

• Identify safety hazards and comply with legislation
• Diagnose vehicle systems
• Repair and maintain vehicles
• Select and use tools and equipment for diagnosis and repair of vehicles
• Describe and discuss automotive systems and component operation
• Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills

The Digital Media and IT (DMIT) program is multi-disciplinary in its approach. Spanning a range of career opportunities from business analyst to visual designer, this innovative program allows you the ability to meet industry demand while developing skills aligned with your individual talents and inclinations.

The Game Design area of emphasis teaches you how to plan and create video games from concept through to creation.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills:-
In the DMIT - Game Design program, you will get first-hand experience designing, building and assembling a working prototype of a game level. You will learn the art and technical aspects involved in creating and implementing visual game assets, such as environments, characters, vehicles, cameras and special effects. Courses will also focus on developing story and audio.

Some of the specific tools you will learn to use include 3D Studio Max, Unity 3D and Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

You will leave this program prepared to enter the industry, armed with practical experience and a well-crafted portfolio that highlights your talent.

Over 10,000 employees are injured at work in Alberta every year. Some are seriously injured, even killed.

As a result, organizations across the province continue to invest more time and resources to better train and equip their personnel, identify potential dangers and develop strategies and policies that keep employees safe.

The NAIT Occupational Health & Safety (OHSD) diploma program will prepare you to fill essential health and safety roles in industry to meet the growing demands of government regulations.

Our 2-year program focuses on real-world issues and practical skills and is the only program in the province that offers full-time OHS training. We are recognized by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals, and our graduates meet the educational requirements for Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) certification, the most recognizable designation for safety professionals in Canada.

Over 5 terms, you’ll be provided with classroom and lab instruction, as well as applied learning opportunities in a variety of workplace settings.

Co-Op Work Term
Your co-op work term will give you the opportunity to apply your professional skills and theoretical understanding in a workplace setting. You’ll be given various occupational health and safety responsibilities and projects in a business, industry, government, education or non-profit organization. 

In addition to providing new learning experiences, the work term will give you valuable on-the-job skills and industry contacts that will set you up for success after graduation.

NAIT's Radio and Television programs are 2 distinct, yet interrelated full-time diploma programs. Each of these dynamic 2-year programs takes a non-traditional approach to teaching that will provide you with learning opportunities through hands-on experiences.

Undertake the typical job functions found in radio and television stations by acting as the staff for NAIT's campus radio station (NR92) and television newsroom (NAIT NewsWatch). Using industry standard digital equipment and labs, and while working in modern studios, you'll hone written, technical, communicative and production competencies.

Our instructors are highly-qualified professionals with years of industry experience and our program is well-recognized across the country. If you flip on your TV or radio at any given time, you're likely to see or hear NAIT alumni working across North America.

What You Will Learn
Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
In this program, you can expect to receive quality instruction from broadcasting professionals and experience hands-on training in the following areas:

• News/sports writing and reporting
• On-air performance
• Interviewing techniques
• Copywriting
• Commercial production
• Videography
• Social media
• Studio production
• Online content creation

The Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technology program is unique in that students are trained in both the medical laboratory and x-ray disciplines, practicing predominantly in rural communities. On completion of their training, graduates are able to perform general medical laboratory procedures, general diagnostic radiographic procedures, and electrocardiograms. Students also receive training on information systems and technology in the medical laboratory and diagnostic imaging departments.

What You Will Learn
Hands-on, industry-relevant training
Students attend classes full-time at NAIT for a total of 2 years where they will learn and practice the skills required to be a registered CLXT.

Year 1 of the Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technology program begins every September and consists of 38 weeks of lectures and hands-on labs that align with current industry standards. This includes two 15-week semesters, and one 8-week intersession located at the NAIT Main Campus.

Upon completion of year 1, the student progresses to an affiliated rural clinical site to complete 40 weeks of Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Students will train alongside technologists where they will apply the knowledge learned in year one and continue to develop their critical thinking and professionalism skills while providing high quality patient care. Scheduled shifts during clinical training will include evenings, nights and weekend days.

Individuals will work alone or alongside physicians, other technologists, nurses and non-medical personnel. The ability to work independently and/or closely with others are important requirements for an effective Combined Lab and X-Ray technologist.

Do you have a love for the outdoors and a desire to help keep Canada’s natural spaces healthy and prosperous? Does the idea of searching for clues and investigating cause/effect interest you?

The Biological Sciences Technology – Conservation Biology 2-year diploma program will help you develop the skills needed to ensure that our natural resources are used in an optimal way that is sustained for future generations. Your knowledge and technical expertise will also allow you to engage in resource management activities without compromising the integrity or sustainability of the ecosystems in which they work.

Hands-on, industry-relevant Skills
In this program, you’ll acquire skills used in field sampling, environmental education and resource management by studying chemistry, botany and the biology and ecology of birds, fish, mammals, insects, plants, rivers, lakes and soils.

You’ll also explore genetics, wildlife surveys, plant and animal diversity, soil and range management, water quality issues, parks management and environmental education projects.

With the help of support instructors with years of industry experience, you’ll learn in a combination of classroom, lab and field settings. Our facilities will provide you with practical, job-ready experience using a variety of modern laboratory and field instruments, and simulation and computer applications. You may also learn through work experience, field trips, applied research and other opportunities.