Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
Chemical Engineering Technology is a 2-year diploma program that consists of four 15-week semesters.
In year one, you'll develop foundational knowledge and skills around oil and gas processing techniques, safety and computer applications. You'll also brush up and grow your math, physics, statistics and calculus abilities.
In the second year of the program you'll complete a 5-day training program at the world-class Energy Safety Canada Oil and Gas Production facilities in Nisku. You'll develop a real-world understanding of process theory while optimizing and troubleshooting working process equipment.
Throughout the program you can expect to learn to:
- Apply health and safety environmental practices
- Operate and troubleshoot process equipment
- Specify and size piping systems
- Interpret and adjust instrumentation and control systems
- Communicate effectively using written and oral skills and/or software applications
- Model professionalism in industry environments
Between years 1 and 2, you'll be assigned to a 3-week Field Placement with a refinery, government agency or exploration and production (E&P), pipeline or oilfield service company.
Career Outcomes

Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning.
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Work Experience Placements

Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning.
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 7 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program
Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)
Please see below for the list of courses that are available for PLAR credits in this program. Please click on the specific course for more information on the evidence that is required for each course.
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning.
Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning.
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning.
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility
This program does not meet eligibility criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) field of study requirement. Students who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, are not affected by the new field of study rule and may be eligible for a PGWP.
While graduates are currently ineligible to apply for a PGWP, NAIT still welcomes international students to this program to gain valuable knowledge and skills to pursue your career goals, whether in Canada under another type of permit or in your home country or other international markets.
Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.
Pathway to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility and $10,000 Award
International students who complete the Chemical Engineering Technology diploma and meet all GPA entrance requirements can transition into NAIT’s 2-year Bachelor of Technology in Management (BTech) degree program and recieve a $10,000 award to support your studies. Graduates of the BTech program are eligible to apply for a PGWP.
Learn about the BTech International Pathway