Full-time Diploma of Technology 6850diplt

Overview

Note: The September 2013 intake is now closed for new applications. The next intake will start accepting applications on November 15, 2013.

Please check our list of programs that may have space available or access our program database for a complete list of BCIT programs.

Graduates of the Occupational Health and Safety diploma program provide the knowledge and leadership necessary to develop programs in industry that will assist in conserving life, health and property; improve productivity by implementing loss-control programs in consultation with company and labour officials; identify health and safety hazards in the work environment and advise corrective action. The occupational health and safety professional plays a major role in the development and application of accident investigations, risk assessments, loss prevention, and safety training programs for workers.

To achieve these career objectives, we expect applicants to be mature, objective persons who possess the ability to communicate decisions and goals in a tactful and professional manner.

The Program

The science-oriented diploma program combines studies in safety, health, engineering and business. This ideal combination prepares the student to understand the potential safety and health hazards of the work environment, as well as the human relations involved in improving the workplace environment.

Program Entry

Entrance requirements

Check for acceptable equivalents or upgrading courses taught at BCIT.

Academic entrance requirements should have been completed during the past 5 years. If more than five years have elapsed, individual assessment by the department is required.

Additional Requirements

  • Resume
  • Preferred five years of general work experience.
  • It is recommended that candidates be familiar with the use of personal computers.

BC provincial exams

Provincial exam marks are required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12. BCIT does not require provincial exams for Grade 12 Math and Science courses.

Apply to program

Note: The September 2013 intake is now closed for new applications. The next intake will start accepting applications on November 15, 2013.

Please check our list of programs that may have space available or access our program database for a complete list of BCIT programs.

Please review Applying to Health Programs at BCIT [PDF].

You can check the status of your application online at any time using the Student Information System.

Scheduled intakes

September each year.

Technology entry

The Technology Entry (TE) program is a full-time, day school program which provides academic upgrading to students wishing to enrol in Computing, Engineering, Electronic and Health Sciences programs at BCIT.

The TE program provides courses in chemistry, communication, mathematics and physics that meet program prerequisites for selected programs at BCIT. The program also includes an introductory course in computer applications and a learning skills course. The program is supportive to those who require English-language training.

Application processing

November 15 of the previous year until May 1*

Applications are considered for a specific intake. This program does not carry a waitlist from year to year.

*Or next business day

myCommunication

Within 2 to 3 weeks of applying to a program, you will be sent a letter in the mail confirming receipt of your application. The letter will identify your student number, BCIT e-mail address and instructions on how to login to your myBCIT account.

All official BCIT correspondence will be sent to your myBCIT account. Check myCommunication often during the application process and throughout your studies at BCIT.

You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within 2 to 8 weeks.

Costs & Supplies

Tuition fees

Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.

Books and supplies

Level 1: $956; Level 2: $640; Level 3: $524; Level 4: $745
(general estimated cost, and subject to change)

We require students to obtain CSA.-approved safety footwear in the first term.

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.

Courses

Program matrix

Level 1 (15 weeks) Credits
  BSYS 1009 Business Information Systems 3.0
  CHEM 1115 Chemistry 1 for OCHS 5.0
  COMM 1188 Communication 1 for OCHS Professionals 3.0
  MATH 1881 Technical Mathematics for OCHS 4.0
  OCHS 1101 BC OHS Legislation 3.0
  OCHS 1111 OHS Fundamentals 2.0
  OCHS 1201 Accident Causation and Analysis 3.0
  PHYS 1288 Applied Physics 1 for OCHS 5.0
 
Level 2 (20 weeks) Credits
  BHSC 1207 Anatomy and Physiology (OCHS) 2.0
  BLAW 1100 Introductory Law for OCHS 2.0
  CHEM 2215 Chemistry 2 for OCHS 5.5
  COMM 2288 Communication 2 for OCHS Professionals 4.0
  MATH 2882 Statistics for OCHS 4.0
  OCHS 2101 OHS Legislation 3.5
  OCHS 2201 Safety Program Design 3.5
  OCHS 2321 Workplace Hazards and Controls 1 3.5
  OCHS 2341 Workplace Hazards and Controls 2 3.5
  OCHS 2421 Hazardous Materials Management 3.5
  OCHS 2441 Emergency Preparedness and Response 3.5
  PHYS 2288 Applied Physics 2 for OCHS 5.5
 
Level 3 (15 weeks) Credits
  BUSA 3720 Business Fundamentals 3.0
  CHEM 3315 Organic Chemistry for Occupational Health and Safety 5.0
  COMM 3388 Advanced Communication for OCHS 3.0
  HRMG 3220 Industrial Relations for OCHS 3.0
  OCHS 3201 Safety System Analysis 3.0
  OCHS 3301 Occupational Hygiene 1 2.0
  OCHS 3311 Occupational Hygiene Laboratory 1 3.0
  OCHS 3361 Workplace Hazards and Controls 3 3.0
  OCHS 3521 Ergonomics 4.0
  OCHS 4421 Fire Safety Planning 3.0
 
Level 4 (20 weeks) Credits
  CHEM 4418 Industrial Chemical Processes 4.0
  CHSC 1488 Engineering Concepts for OCHS 4.0
  COMM 4488 Writing Safety Program Reviews 4.0
  HRMG 3060 Human Resource Management OCHS 2.5
  OCHS 3621 Disability Case Management 3.5
  OCHS 4201 Safety Program Review 1 3.5
  OCHS 4221 Safety Program Review 2 3.5
  OCHS 4301 Occupational Hygiene 2 4.0
  OCHS 4311 Occupational Hygiene 2 Lab 4.0
  OCHS 4361 Occupational Diseases 3.5
  OCHS 4441 Fire Safety Systems 3.5
  OCHS 4521 Environmental Management 3.5
 
Total Credits: 147.5

Transfer credit

Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.

Program Details

Program length

Two years, full-time beginning in September each year.

Grading

The minimum passing grade for all safety (OCHS) courses is 70%. For students those who have taken the OCHS courses through the Certificate Program and applying for credit must have 70% in OCHS courses.

Program structure

Effective February 1, 2008, the Occupational Health and Safety Department implements the following department policy #005:

  • BCIT OH&S Diploma students registered in the 1st and 2nd levels of the diploma program may not register and enrol into 3000 and 4000 level OH&S courses through the BCIT OH&S Diploma program or the BCIT Part-time Studies OH&S Certificate program.

  • BCIT OH&S Diploma students may not take 1st and 2nd level OH&S courses concurrently with 3000 and 4000 level OH&S courses.

  • Exceptions will be considered by the Department Program Head under the following conditions:
    • BCIT OH&S Diploma Students must provide a letter to the Program Head supporting their reasons for enrollment in 3000 and 4000 level courses.
    • Letters of submission will be reviewed by the Department Program Head and Associate Dean.
    • Decisions will be sent to students in writing by the Department Program Head.

Graduating & Jobs

Job Opportunities

Diploma graduates find career openings throughout industry, government, and regulatory agencies where the health and safety of workers are of concern. As well, many graduates find employment as consultants.

Graduate employment outcomes

The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2010-2012 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2009-2011 Graduates.
Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.

Contact Us

If you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Program Head, Robert_Miller@bcit.ca or call 604.451.7118.

Questions or comments?

Please ensure you have reviewed the detailed information on this site, using the navigation to the right, before submitting the form below.

As well, if you meet any of the following criteria, please follow the links for more information, instead of sending the form:

I have read the information above and still have a question I need answered.

Request More Information

Complete the following form and we’ll send you information to help you learn more about BCIT and your program(s) of interest. You’ll get information on student services, your area of study, and events where you can connect with faculty, students, and alumni to have your questions answered.

We won't share your personal information and you can unsubscribe at any time.

This form is for mailing addresses within Canada and the USA only. If you are not inquiring from Canada or the USA, please contact the International Student Centre directly.
.
To avoid duplication of records,
the following information is required
Gender required

Apply Now

Request More Info

Contact Us

Payment Changes At BCIT

We've changed the way we accept payments.

Find out more

Search Programs

Testimonial

The program was a great transition from my university studies and it provided me with specialized career knowledge, skills, and abilities to be in demand for the top jobs in my industry.

Terry Sanghera
Corporate Occupational Health & Safety Manager, Paladin Security Group Ltd.
BCIT Occupational Health & Safety graduate

Miss an Info Session?

If you've missed the Occupational Health and Safety Diploma information session, you can watch a program overview and student presentations.

Note: This information session was held March 29, 2012 and topics discussed in this session are subject to change without notice.