Chemical Process Engineering Technologists play a vital role in the monitoring, operation, control and maintenance of equipment in a variety of industries including oil & gas. The program equips graduates with both the knowledge and practical skills necessary to begin their career as competent process operators and chemical engineering technologists.
The program covers safe work practices, process operations, chemical engineering principles and regulatory processes, process stream analysis, instrumentation and process control. Students will also acquire valuable work experience through the completion of a co-op work term.
Upon completion of this program graduates may choose to further their education by completing a bachelor degree in technology or engineering at one of several institutions that have articulation agreements with College of the North Atlantic.
ACCREDITATION
This program is currently accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB), which was acquired by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) in November 2019. TAC operates under the mandate of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists, and is now the only national accreditation body for Engineering Technician and Technologist Programs.
The academic credentials of graduates of both CTAB and TAC accredited technology programs are currently recognized internationally by the signatories of the Sydney Accord.
OBJECTIVES
As a chemical process engineering technologist, the graduate will have the knowledge and skills that will allow him/her to:
- Assist in safe and efficient design, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of chemical process equipment.
- Monitor and optimize petroleum, petrochemical, water and wastewater treatment processes.
- Establish and maintain a safe work environment by adhering to and enforcing established safety standards, policies and procedures.
- Work with other technologists, engineers and skilled trades persons to develop innovative solutions to problems in chemical process industries.
- Work and communicate as members of a team with other professionals, as well as supervise the work of skilled professionals and trades persons in a variety of chemical processes and procedures.
CURRICULUM
General education consisting of Project Management Skills (theoretical and applied), Communication Skills (oral and written), Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical and Magnetic Theory, Engineering Graphics, Engineering Technology Awareness.
Specific education in various aspects (theory and principles) of the chemical process control discipline including industrial chemistry, fluid mechanics, and mechanical systems.
Practical education in various aspects of chemical process applications including process controls, chemical reactors, and separation processes.
Work exposure consisting of field experience, gained from compensated work terms, in the field of chemical processes.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Chemical Process Engineering Technology (Co-op) program can expect to find employment as process operators and technologists in areas such as oil & gas extraction and refining, offshore petroleum production installations, petrochemical industries, primary metal manufacturing, thermal power plants and water & waste treatment facilities.
Graduates with two years of progressive work experience may be eligible to receive the designation of Professional Technologist (P. Tech) upon completion of a Professional Practice and Ethics Exam.
Note: Students will also be required to complete a number of non-credit co-op education seminars throughout the program (resume writing, job search skills and interview preparation).
CERTIFICATIONS:
Students in the Chemical Process Engineering Technology (Co-op) program are required to obtain the following external certifications throughout the program:
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Standard First Aid/Heart Start
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods
- H2S Awareness
*Students should be aware that additional fees may apply to external certifications.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to an Engineering Technology program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English (2 credits) (minimum 60%) from: 3201
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
Note: Students who received a combined average of 70% in high school Academic Mathematics 2201 and 3201, or a pass in both high school
Advanced Mathematics 2200 and 3200 can be exempted from Math 1700. Students must apply for the exemption.
iii. Science (4 credits) two of which must be selected from:
Biology: 3201
Physics: 3204
Chemistry: 3202
Earth Systems: 3209
Note: The remaining two Science credits to be chosen from the highest Science mark in level 1, 2 or 3.
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math (60% MINIMUM)
MA1040,
MA1041
ii. Two Science courses chosen from one of the following three combinations:
Note: It is strongly recommended that CAS students who intend to enroll in Engineering Technology programs complete both of the Chemistry courses and both of the Physics courses.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English (60% minimum) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (60% minimum) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science from one of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
c. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
5. International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.