Canadore may have new programs this fall to draw students to the city from across the province and potentially around the world.

In December, the Board of Governors approved five new programs for Fall 2011. Two of these will be offered online and through distance education, opening doors to students everywhere and who might not otherwise be able to attend traditional in-class studies.

“We have to be constantly looking into new ways to help our students reach their full potential. We have to look at being innovative in our partnerships with business and industry,” said Canadore President, George Burton. “We are excited to be proposing innovative and flexible new programs based on the feedback and support we have received from our community partners.”

Civil Engineering Technician
Ontario College Diploma

This two-year program was proposed by regional industry stakeholders in response to an identified need for new technicians in the area. The program will provide students with the skills to offer support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals.

“Students who take this program will have a lot of opportunities. There is a wide array of career choices in this field including structural and highway engineering, construction design and supervision and geotechnical engineering and environmental protection,” said Darrin Caron, Dean of Trades and Technology.

Diabetes Education Certificate
Ontario College Graduate Certificate

According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, more than nine million Canadians are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. In this specialized certificate program, students will gain a foundation in current clinical approaches towards diabetes education, treatment and management. It is designed for health care professionals such as registered nurses, registered dieticians, chiropodists, and pharmacists who wish to specialize in the field of diabetes education. This program will be delivered exclusively online through part-time studies, making it easier for professionals to study from anywhere, any time.

“Online learning allows individuals the flexibility to learn at a time and place that is convenient for them. In this instance, where the graduate certificate is geared to those specifically in the health care sector, it allows the greatest flexibility of all,” said Tracie Marsh-Fior, Dean of Continuing Education.

Mobile Application Developer
Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Mobile devices are everywhere and are used readily in the business and personal lives of people all over the world. According to the web analytics firm Gartner Inc., it is estimated that more than four billion mobile “apps” were downloaded in 2010, and that number could be closer to 21 billion in just two years’ time. This unique and exciting program will give students the specific content, skill and knowledge to become a mobile application developer.

“Mobile applications development is an emerging trend in today’s technology-driven world. With strong faculty interest and industry support, we plan to be the first Canadian postsecondary institution to offer a full program in this unique field of study,” said David Himmelman, Dean of Business, Communication Arts, Hospitality/Tourism/Culinary Arts and Recreation and Leisure Services.

All the courses in this program will be available both in-class and via the Internet and distance education, offering more flexibility to those who work full- or part-time but who want to upgrade their skills.

Financial Services
Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Financial services is the largest industry in Canada. Program focus will be on key personal financial areas such as income tax laws, financial planning, estate and retirement planning, and personal financial management. A high demand for employment in this industry was identified within the region, the province and across the country.

“Our region boasts a strong financial services sector and, with the support of our local industry partners, we look forward to offering the only Ontario Graduate Certificate in Northern Ontario,” said Himmelman.

Rural Recreation Certificate

This certificate program is being offered in class or via the internet and distance education, making it more accessible to people in remote areas. This program was proposed to address the increasing need for trained professionals to plan, organize, and supervise community-based recreation activities and programs in rural and remote areas. Students will graduate with entry-level skills to manage recreation facilities and deliver recreation and leisure services that best serve the needs of people residing in smaller communities.

“This program will help to prepare students for the unique challenges they will face working in a rural setting. There are a number of career options including recreation, and fitness program supervisors and consultants. Program graduates will also have the option to transfer into any of the three Recreation and Leisure diploma programs at Canadore and receive a diploma in as little as one year,” said Himmelman

Canadore is focused on student success by providing program and service excellence to all of the communities it serves, locally and globally.