Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
January 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsProgram Contacts
Program Coordinator / Professor
Program Overview
Combine your interest in science and technology with the art of researching, developing, producing, and testing chemical products and processes
Through hands-on training in our state-of-the-art facility using the most sophisticated instruments used in research and industry, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to research, develop, produce, and test chemical products and processes. As a chemical technician, you’ll assist chemists and chemical engineers in manufacturing facilities and labs, ensuring quality standards and regulatory compliance.
You’ll gain foundational knowledge in various topics, such as analytical and organic chemistry, instrumental analysis, mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, environmental sampling, and water/wastewater treatment. As a grad, you’ll be set to pursue a range of exciting career paths, home and abroad, in roles that include mining assayer or operator, control technician, forensic lab analyst, pharmaceutical analyst or researcher, nuclear operator, environmental technician, and more!
Our campus in Sudbury, Ontario, offers a unique opportunity to learn in the mining capital of Canada. We’re the province’s only lab and process control program focusing on mineral processing and wastewater.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Our program stands out for its unique focus on mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, and water/wastewater (providing you practical knowledge relevant to environmental concerns and the mining industry)
- Quality control practices embedded throughout the program
- Option for grads to enter directly into semester five of Cambrian’s Chemical Engineering Technology – Lab and Process Control program and earn an advanced diploma in just one year
.
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
- Any grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U) (MCT4C) is highly recommended)
- Any grade 11 chemistry (U) or grade 12 chemistry (C) or (U)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAdditional admission requirements
Recommendations:
- Any grade 12 physics (C) or (U)
- Computer competency in relevant software
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2026
- Semester 2: Spring 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian. This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.
Semester 1 | Credits | |
---|---|---|
CHM 1162 | Chemistry I | 3 |
CHM 1163 | Chemistry I Lab 1 | 3 |
CHM 1160 | Occupational Health and Safety | 3 |
QUA 1002 | Quality Assurance and Quality Control | 3 |
MTH 1050 | Algebra I | 3 |
CHM 1161 | Introduction to Sampling Techniques | 3 |
ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
Credits | 21 | |
Semester 2 | ||
CHM 1280 | Physical Chemistry | 3 |
CHM 1281 | Physical Chemistry Lab | 3 |
CHM 1282 | Chemistry II | 3 |
CHM 1283 | Chemistry II Lab 1 | 3 |
ENG 1754 | Technical Communication | 3 |
MTH 1250 | Algebra II | 3 |
CHM 1284 | QA QC Data Analysis | 3 |
One General Education Course. 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 24 | |
Semester 3 | ||
WTR 2300 | Water Treatment 1 | 3 |
CHM 1300 | Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
CHM 1301 | Analytical Chemistry I Lab | 3 |
CHM 1302 | Instrumental Analysis I | 3 |
CHM 1303 | Instrumental Analysis I Lab | 3 |
CHM 1109 | Mineral Processing 1 | 4 |
One General Education Course. 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 22 | |
Semester 4 | ||
CHM 1420 | Organic Chemistry | 3 |
CHM 1421 | Organic Chemistry Lab 1 | 3 |
CHM 1422 | Analytical Chemistry II | 3 |
CHM 1423 | Analytical Chemistry II Lab 1 | 3 |
CHM 1424 | Instrumental Analysis II | 3 |
CHM 1425 | Instrumental Analysis II Lab 1 | 3 |
CHM 1426 | Pyrochemistry | 4 |
One General Education Course. 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 25 | |
Total Credits | 92 |
- 1
-
Course with Lab Component
- 2
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Field of Study
School of Engineering Technology
Imagine a career in a cutting-edge laboratory or inside a mine 5,000 feet below the ground or on-site constructing a skyscraper. At Cambrian, learning isn’t confined to textbooks. From chemical and civil engineering to mechatronics, mechanical, and more, at our School of Engineering Technology, you’ll gain the skills you need to bring a wide range of engineering theories to life.
Specific program pathways
Furthering your studies
There are opportunities for graduates to pursue further educational or professional qualifications and complete their degrees. They may also complete an additional year of study to achieve the Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology. Cambrian’s CHLN program graduates may apply to enter directly into semester 5 of the Chemical Engineering Technology – Lab and Process Control (CHLP) program. This is a competitive process.
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university, and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
You’ll be accessing industry-standard software as part of your program. Your program coordinator and IT will set you up with access on your computer or within our campus labs. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!