Durham College continually develops new programs in conjunction with industry experts to ensure students receive the skills and training required to succeed in today's workplace.
Providing programs developed with advice from industry experts is one way Durham College is giving students everything they need to succeed in today's workplace. By keeping in touch with workplace needs, Durham College has been able to add six new programs to its list of approximately 80 full-time programs for the 2007-2008 academic year.
The six programs added to this year's lineup include the Business - General (a transfer program to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology's (UOIT) Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) program), Child and Youth Worker, Court and Tribunal Agent, Court Support Services, Fitness and Health Promotion, and Veterinary Assistant programs, most of which offer a field placement opportunity, enabling students to gain experience and make professional contacts during their time with the college.
Developed in conjunction with UOIT, the Business - General - Transfer program enables students to transfer to the university's Bachelor of Commerce program. Successful students who obtain an A average in their Durham College courses and a B average in their UOIT-directed courses are able to enter the third year of UOIT's program.
The Child and Youth Worker program enables students to develop skills related to child management techniques, family support interventions, therapeutic relationships, designing treatment programs and working with multidisciplinary teams. The program encourages self-reflective practice where students explore their own values, beliefs, attitudes and assumptions related to human behaviour and relationships.
The Court and Tribunal Agent program provides students with the specialized knowledge required to work as court and tribunal agents or as paralegals. It is designed for individuals currently working as legal assistants, law clerk professionals or practising paralegals who are looking to upgrade their skills and broaden their areas of knowledge in administrative law. The program also prepares students for the licensing examinations that are pending legislation and will likely be mandatory to be a practising paralegal in Ontario.
Alternatively, the Court Support Services program equips graduates with the specialized knowledge and skills required to work in various court support staff capacities for Ontario's courts, agencies, boards, tribunals and inquests including providing training in specialized evidence recording and transcription services.
The Fitness and Health Promotion program readies students to be employed as health and fitness professionals. Students learn the theory and practical skills required of fitness professionals, studying topics such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, fitness assessment, personal training and programming. Students also have the opportunity to gain three nationally recognized professional certifications in fitness appraisal, group exercise instruction and personal training.
Finally, the Veterinary Assistant program gives students the knowledge and skills required to assist registered veterinary technicians/technologists and veterinarians in the practice of veterinary science. Students learn a variety of laboratory techniques that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of domestic animals, in addition to the clerical and supporting skills required to work in an animal facility.