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Programs

Chemical Engineering Technician

CHLNSchool of Engineering Technology

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A student in a lab coat and safety goggles works in a laboratory, handling equipment and wearing blue gloves.

Key Details

Program Start Dates

January 2025

September 2025

January 2026

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

4 Semesters / 2 Years

Program Contacts

Hadi Fergani

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.7478
International Admissions
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Program Overview

A lab technician wearing a white coat and blue gloves handles test tubes in a laboratory setting.

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

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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 more

Additional admission requirements

Recommendations:

  • Any grade 12 physics (C) or (U)
  • Computer competency in relevant software
Student in a green polo shirt holds a folder in a modern office setting. Two others sit in the background.

Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2024-2025

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2025
  • Semester 2: Spring 2025
  • Semester 3: Fall 2025
  • Semester 4: Winter 2026

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.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
CHM 1162Chemistry I3
CHM 1163Chemistry I Lab 13
CHM 1160Occupational Health and Safety3
QUA 1002Quality Assurance and Quality Control3
MTH 1050Algebra I3
CHM 1161Introduction to Sampling Techniques3
ENG 1002College Communications3
 Credits21
Semester 2
CHM 1280Physical Chemistry3
CHM 1281Physical Chemistry Lab3
CHM 1282Chemistry II3
CHM 1283Chemistry II Lab 13
ENG 1754Technical Communication3
MTH 1250Algebra II3
CHM 1284QA QC Data Analysis3
One General Education Course. 23
 Credits24
Semester 3
WTR 2300Water Treatment 13
CHM 1300Analytical Chemistry I3
CHM 1301Analytical Chemistry I Lab3
CHM 1302Instrumental Analysis I3
CHM 1303Instrumental Analysis I Lab3
CHM 1109Mineral Processing 14
One General Education Course. 23
 Credits22
Semester 4
CHM 1420Organic Chemistry3
CHM 1421Organic Chemistry Lab 13
CHM 1422Analytical Chemistry II3
CHM 1423Analytical Chemistry II Lab 13
CHM 1424Instrumental Analysis II3
CHM 1425Instrumental Analysis II Lab 13
CHM 1426Pyrochemistry4
One General Education Course. 23
 Credits25
 Total Credits92
1

Course with Lab Component

2

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,031.29Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$18,126.67Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

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.

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.

Learn more

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

Employment opportunities

As a grad, you may work in laboratories or industrial settings conducting experiments, tests, and analyses related to chemicals and chemical processes. You’ll support chemists and other scientists by performing various tasks, such as preparing and setting up experiments, collecting samples, and utilizing multiple laboratory instruments and equipment. In addition to the hands-on laboratory work, you’ll record and analyze data, prepare reports, and communicate the findings to the broader scientific team. You may also work as a quality control technician, ensuring products meet established standards and specifications. 

You’ll have the option to work in diverse industries such as mining, pharmaceuticals, environmental, nuclear, food and beverages, forensic, manufacturing, oil and gas, pulp and paper, and polymer industries, as:

  • Analytical Chemical Technician
  • Quality Control Chemical Technician
  • Research and Development Chemical Technician
  • Process Control Chemical Technician
  • Environmental Chemical Technician
  • Instrumentation Chemical Technician
  • Polymer and Plastics Chemical Technician
  • Food and Beverage Chemical Technician
  • Pharmaceutical Chemical Technician
  • Forensic Chemical Technician
  • Materials Testing Chemical Technician
media1A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

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.

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!

A student in a white shirt smiles while holding a children's book titled "What's My Superpower?" in a room with books and an orange chair.

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!

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