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
- 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
.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
