Whether at urban power plants or remote mine sites, big machines are working 24/7. These machines are controlled by complex instruments… so complex it takes specialized technologists to look after them. Instrumentation engineering technology is a specific skill set—you need to be comfortable with technology, good at visualizing how systems work and interested in troubleshooting solutions. It’s also a career with diverse job opportunities. Demand is especially high in heavy industry, mining, manufacturing and production.
Start date
SeptemberLength
76 weeks
Locations(s)
Moose JawSaskatchewan Polytechnic offers the only accredited instrumentation engineering technology program in Saskatchewan. The three-year diploma is offered full time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Moose Jaw campus. During five academic semesters and three Co-operative Education work terms, you’ll get practical training in:
- analytical instruments
- codes and standards
- computer programming
- data communications and networks
- digital and linear circuits
- digital logic
- distributed systems
- drafting
- electronics
- instrument measurement
- machine shop
- process applications
- project management
- relay and instrument controls
Classroom theory is supported by extensive lab time. You’ll have access to leading-edge equipment and supportive instruction as you apply what you’ve learned in experiments, applied research and a major second-year project.
The co-op work term advantage
Many of our co-op employers require both a valid Saskatchewan Driver's License and a clean Driver's Abstract. For international students, it can take up to 12 months to obtain a Driver's license; therefore, it is to your advantage to come with a Driver's License from your home country if possible.
Get a global learning experience
Diploma to degree
Ladder your diploma into the Bachelor of Applied Management degree at Saskatchewan Polytechnic with only two years of additional study. Remote classes and part-time options are available.
Apprenticeship credit
Career and salary information
Your career
Instrumentation engineering technologists work at oil refineries, fertilizer and petrochemical plants, mine and mill sites, manufacturing facilities, for consulting engineering firms, for sales and service companies. The type of work is also varied; you could be involved in installation, calibration, maintenance, operation and monitoring, upgrading and trouble-shooting.
Potential careers
| Sample job title | NOC classification |
|---|---|
| Industrial instrumentation mechanic | Industrial instrument technicians & mechanics (22312) |
| Process control equipment mechanic | Industrial instrument technicians & mechanics (22312) |
| Instrumentation field technician | Industrial instrument technicians & mechanics (22312) |
| Control systems tester | Electrical & electronics engineering technologists & technicians (22310) |
Admissions
Admission requirements
- Grade 12 with a minimum of 60% in Pre-Calculus 30*
- Physics 30
- English Language Requirement
Note
*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:
- Minimum of 60% in Math B30 and C30
Alternative admission
Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.
ACCUPLACER©
Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.
- 250 Arithmetic
- 240 Advanced Algebra and Functions
- 256 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
- 250 Reading
- 245 Writing
Post-secondary
Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.
If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.
Admission method
First Qualified/First AdmittedThe First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.
Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.
Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.
See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.
Tuition and fees
Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.2023-24 academic year
Year 1 - $10,670
Year 2 - $11,310
Year 3 - $5,270
International students
View tuition rates for international students.
Courses
The program follows this academic and co-operative education schedule. Courses are outlined below by semester.| Sept - Dec | Jan - Apr | May - Aug | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Work term 1 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Work term 2 | Semester 4 |
| Year 3 | Work term 3 | Semester 5 |
Get credit for what you know
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.
See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.
Transfer credit
Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.
| Institution | Agreement details |
|---|---|
| Cape Breton University | Graduates of the Instrumentation Engineering Technology Diploma may be eligible for 30 cu in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Manufacturing degree program, or 36 cu in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Bio-Medical, Electronics and Controls, or Petroleum degree programs |
| Memorial University | Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer into Bachelor of Technology Degree with 39 credit hours (13 courses) to be completed, including a technical project and report |
| Queen's University | Graduates of this program with a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (75%) may qualify for admission to Queen's University's BTech (Mining) Degree Program. Block transfer of 72 units less the required Customized Bridge Course units will be granted upon admission. Students must pass each prescribed bridge course with a minimum C- in order to progress to Year 3 of the BTech (Mining) Program. |
Student awards
Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.
Accreditation
Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) accredits the program at the Technologist level.TAC is a bold, world class accreditation organization, delivering accreditation services for the engineering technology and applied science profession in Canada.Professional registration
Technology Professionals Saskatchewan
Technology Professionals Saskatchewan is the provincial regulatory body for graduates of this Saskatchewan Polytechnic program. As a graduate of an accredited program recognized by Technology Professionals Saskatchewan, your academic training places you on an expedited path towards obtaining professional registration as an Applied Science Technologist (A.Sc.T.) or Certified Technician (C.Tech.). For more information, visit tpsk.ca
Related programs
Electrical Engineering Technology
Electronic Systems Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Additional information