Turn your passion for science and technology into a hands-on career
If you enjoy science and want to understand how everyday products are created, this program will show you how. You’ll learn how to help develop and test chemical products like medicines, fuels, plastics, and more using the same tools and equipment found in real labs and chemical plants.
Step into a one-of-a-kind learning experience in Sudbury, Canada’s mining capital and a world leader in resource innovation. You'll gain a strong foundation across the chemical industry and receive specialized, hands-on training in mineral processing and wastewater treatment.
You won’t just study chemistry, you’ll live it, work with cutting-edge equipment, and gain real-world skills that set you apart. After graduation, you’ll be ready for exciting opportunities around the world. Chemical technicians are needed in labs, manufacturing plants, research centres, and field operations to help solve real-world problems in a variety of industries and improve everyday life.
Program highlights
- The only program in Ontario that offers hands-on training in mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, and water/wastewater treatment – skills that are in high demand in the environmental and mining industries
- Quality control practices are built into every part of the program to prepare you with the practical knowledge and attention to detail that today’s labs and industries expect
- Graduates can continue into semester five of Cambrian’s Chemical Engineering Technology – Lab and Process Control program and earn an advanced diploma in just one more year
Program of study for 2026-27 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.
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)
Additional admission requirements
Recommendations:
- Any grade 12 physics (C) or (U)
- Computer competency in relevant software
Program delivery
2026-2027
Fall term start
SEMESTER 1: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 2: Winter 2027
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2027
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2028
Winter term start
SEMESTER 1: Winter 2027
SEMESTER 2: Spring 2027
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2027
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2028
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.
Employment opportunities
Chemical engineering technicians are problem-solvers and hands-on helpers in science and industry. You may work in labs and factories, helping scientists and engineers test and improve chemical products and processes. You might mix chemicals, run experiments, use lab tools, or check that products meet safety and quality standards.
This career opens doors to many exciting industries, including:
- Mining
- Pharmaceuticals
- Environmental science
- Nuclear energy
- Food and beverage
- Forensics
- Manufacturing
- Oil and gas
- Pulp and paper
- Plastics and polymers
Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
