Continuing Education

Water and Wastewater Technician Programming (Distance)

Overview

The NAIT Water and Wastewater Technician distance learning courses are well recognized by employers in the industry and by Alberta Environment and Parks. If you are looking for entry-level employment or career advancement in the fields of water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection or wastewater treatment, our courses will provide a high-level of training.

If you are already working in the field and require recertification or Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain certification, our courses are also available to be taken individually.

The Water and Wastewater Technician Distance Learning courses are designed to provide students a solid foundation in all aspects of the Water and Wastewater industry, as well as provide current operators with opportunities to obtain ongoing specialized training and education in their field.

Three separate Specialized Certificates are offered, each focusing on highly demanded specialty areas within the water industry. These Certificates are designed to provide a solid foundation and understanding of the water industry while focusing on developing specific knowledge in each designation. Each Certificate includes online theory courses, as well as opportunities for hands on practical labs offered on campus at NAIT.

Three Specialized Certifications Available

To view each Specialized Certificate, select the following links:

Every certificate has six common core required courses, no matter your chosen specialization.  

Courses

Quick Facts

Credential: Certificate Achievement

An approved non-credit program that has a formal summative assessment component, has mappped program or course outcomes, and is subject to a regular quality curriculum review process.

Campus: Main

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at NAIT's Main Campus in Edmonton. View map

Delivery Modes:

  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.

Delivery Times:

  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.

Certification

The NAIT Specialization Certificates in Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, and Water Distribution and Collection are widely recognized by employers. Distance Learning Water and Wastewater courses have been certified by Alberta Environment and Parks for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Entry Level Training (Level I Certification). Further information can be found on the Alberta Environment and Park’s website.

To obtain a Specialization Certificate, students must complete:

  • All core courses for the chosen certificate.
  • Two elective courses.

Students who successfully complete all required courses within the certificate of their choice will receive a Certificate of Achievement from NAIT.

Delivery Options

The Water and Wastewater distance learning theory courses are delivered through a self-paced online format, allowing four months to complete the course materials. 

It is recommended that students register for courses at least two weeks prior to the start date to ensure timely delivery of course materials; however, registrations are accepted until one day prior to the start of class.

Water Treatment Specialization Certificate

Gain a solid foundation and understanding of the water industry, while focusing on developing specialized knowledge of Water Treatment operations. Become a caretaker of the world's most precious resource.

Wastewater Treatment Specialization Certificate

Similar to the Water Treatment with regard to certain fundamentals, this certificate differs by focusing on developing specialized knowledge of Wastewater Treatment operations.  Learn the ins and outs of this essential profession.

Water Distribution and Collection Specialization Certificate

This certificate also provides foundational learning and understanding of the water industry.  Specialized focus is placed on developing knowledge of Water Distribution and Collection operations.

Pathway graphic for the three different water and wastewater certificates.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Water is a precious natural resource, and qualified water and wastewater operators are essential in ensuring the reliability of collection, treatment and distribution systems in Alberta. Progressive combinations of education and work experience lead to higher levels of certification. Students may earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) towards certification by Alberta Environment and Parks at NAIT.

Our courses are flexible and designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking entry-level employment, students who are unable to attend classes full-time, those already in the workforce in need of CEUs, and those working in other related fields.

CEUs assessed by Alberta Environment and Parks are assigned to individual course. CEU equivalencies can be found through Alberta Environment and Parks.

Career Opportunities

Water and Wastewater Technicians are valuable employees in a variety of organizations.  Typical employers include:

  • Public utilities providers (i.e. municipalities).
  • Contractors involved in the installation and operation of water and wastewater systems.
  • Private sector companies supplying and/or servicing water and wastewater materials and equipment.
  • Engineering and consulting firms.

As population and industry expand, so does the need for clean and safe water. The demand for certified Water and Wastewater Technicians has never been greater and is seeing steady growth for the foreseeable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

Funding Options

Courses, certificates and transfer credits

Technology Requirements

Delivery Methods

  • Face to Face: Where: In-person meetings. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Face-to-face instruction at all class meetings. Location may be on campus or at a worksite.
  • Blended: Where: Mixture of in-person & online components. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Combination of face-to-face and online components at specific times. Some online components may be accessed online anytime.
  • Hyflex: Where: Choice to attend in-person or online meetings. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. For each class, students choose to attend in-person with the instructor or online at a specific time.
  • Remote Live Delivery: Where: Online with instructor. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Instruction is delivered at set times online. Students do not come to campus.
  • Remote On-Demand Delivery: Where: Online anytime. When: No set class meetings. Coursework is accessed on-demand and online. While there are no set class meetings, there may be set due dates and deadlines for some activities. Students may interact with peers through virtual tools.
  • Remote Independent: Where: Online anytime. When: No set class meetings. Coursework is accessed on-demand and online, with no instructor support. While students choose when to do coursework, there may be set due dates and deadlines. 
  • Work Placement: Where: In-person meetings. When: Work is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Onsite work integrated learning. Location at a worksite.
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