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  • Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees

Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees

Ministry-approved title: Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees


Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Location
Oshawa
OCAS Code
PHSU
Next Intake
September 2025
View all intakes
Faculty
Faculty of Health Sciences (HS)
Length
Two semesters
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Pre-Health Science Program Overview

As the demand for healthcare continues to grow, together we are answering the call by helping students prepare for essential careers in the field. By enrolling in this pre-health program, you will earn the credits you need to succeed as you move on to an advanced diploma or degree. You will have a competitive advantage and work with faculty experts to build the skills you need for success.  As a pathway program, we open many doors to college and university health programs.  Many students in our pre-health program will go on to BScN at Ontario Tech University or Trent University.

Intakes and Availability

Date Domestic Availability International Availability PGWP eligible program. Learn more
September 2025OpenOpenApply now
January 2026OpenOpenApply now
ProgramHighlights
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Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
    AND
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.

Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

  • Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
  • Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.


Tuition

  • Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
  • Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)

View full costs


Semester 1 Courses

  • Pre-Health Biology I (BIOL 1700)
  • Pre-Health Chemistry I (CHEM 1701)
  • Academic Communication Essentials (COMM 1715)
  • Computers For Health Care Professionals (COMP 1703)
  • Pre-Health Math I (MATH 1702)
  • Preparing For Academic Success (PREP 1300)

View all courses


Career Options

View all career options

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Pre-Health Science Program Details

The healthcare and science fields are rapidly growing, and a strong educational foundation is essential for success in these demanding areas. The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (PHSU) program is specifically designed to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to pursue advanced studies in health sciences and related fields. Whether you’re aiming to enter nursing, biotechnology, or another science-based program at the diploma or degree level, this program is the perfect launching pad for your academic and professional journey. With a curriculum tailored to provide academic preparation and career exploration, students will gain the confidence and competence needed to excel in their next steps.

The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program is designed to provide students with the core knowledge, skills and abilities fundamental to academic success in health sciences programs such as the collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program delivered by Durham College and the Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech), as well as other science-related programs at the advanced diploma or degree level. The program emphasizes a strong understanding of foundational subjects crucial to the healthcare field. Courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics are not only designed to meet the academic prerequisites for advanced programs but also to help students grasp essential concepts that form the backbone of health science disciplines.

This two-semester pre-health science program is specifically designed for individuals who would like to develop their knowledge and skills in communications, mathematics, biology, general and organic chemistry, physics or critical thinking so they are well-prepared for the rigours of their next academic program. Students are guided through lab-based and theoretical courses that mirror the challenges they will face in more specialized health science programs. Communication and critical thinking skills are also integrated into the curriculum to ensure that graduates are prepared to engage effectively with complex scientific materials and collaborate with peers in professional healthcare settings.

In addition, our pre-health program provides students with the opportunity to learn about potential careers in the health sciences and identify other programs focusing on the biological or chemical sciences that will enable them to achieve their career objectives. Whether you aim to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or another advanced diploma or degree in a science-related field, the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degree program is your stepping stone toward a successful and fulfilling career in healthcare or biological sciences.

PLEASE NOTE:

  1. Successful completion of the PHSU certificate does not guarantee admission into Ontario Tech or other post-secondary programs.
  2. The January intake of the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program may not line up with university application deadlines for a fall start. Students must be sure to check the website for application deadlines at the institution to which they intend to apply.
  3. Each educational institution determines its own admission requirements, so students must ensure that the courses they take meet the admission requirements at the institution(s) to which they intend to apply.
  4. Individual academic planning assistance is offered by the student advisor and students are strongly encouraged to meet with their advisor before selecting their courses or applying for transfer credit. Some Pre-Health Sciences Pathway courses are also transferable to other post-secondary programs.

Pre-Health Sciences Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Examine biological concepts, processes and systems of the human body, including genetics and epigenetics, as well as the structure, function and properties of the molecules of life, cells, tissues and organ systems in relation to homeostasis, physical development and health.
  2. Examine concepts, processes and systems of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure; quantities in chemical reactions; solutions and solubility; acids and bases; as well as organic chemistry and biochemistry in relation to health and the human body.
  3. Solve numeric problems and interpret data related to health sciences and other science-related fields using mathematical concepts, including algebra and probability, along with descriptive and inferential statistics.
  4. Use health sciences and other science-related language and terminology appropriately to communicate clearly, concisely, and correctly in written, spoken, and visual forms.
  5. Prepare a personal strategy and plan for academic, career and professional development in the health sciences or other science-related fields.
  6. Investigate health sciences and science-related questions, problems and evidence using the scientific method.
  7. Physics (Optional): examine fundamental physics laws and concepts and their application to health sciences and other science-related fields.

Admission Requirements for the Pre-Health Sciences Program

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
    AND
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.

Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

  • Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
  • Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.

Pre-Health Sciences Courses

The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.

SEMESTER 1

  • Pre-Health Biology I (BIOL 1700)
  • Pre-Health Chemistry I (CHEM 1701)
  • Academic Communication Essentials (COMM 1715)
  • Computers For Health Care Professionals (COMP 1703)
  • Pre-Health Math I (MATH 1702)
  • Preparing For Academic Success (PREP 1300)

SEMESTER 2

  • Pre-Health Biology II Advanced (BIOL 2703)
  • Pre-Health Chem II Advanced (CHEM 2703)
  • Academic Writing For Success Strategies (COMM 2715)
  • Pre-Health Statistics (MATH 2705)
  • Option 1: Critical Thinking Skills (CRIT 1700)
  • Option 2: Pre-Health Physics (PHYS 1700)

Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.

Course delivery

In person

Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.

In person:
Course is delivered in person, on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
Hybrid:
Part of the course is delivered online, remotely, and part is in-person on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
Online:
Fully remote course delivery.

Costs for the Pre-Health Sciences Program

Career Options following the Pre-Health Sciences Program

As a graduate, you can proceed to full-time employment or further your studies in another college diploma, advanced diploma, or university degree program.

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Qualified graduates can apply to the collaborative BScN Ontario Tech / Durham College program and Durham College’s Practical Nursing program, and may also be eligible to apply their academic credits towards further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities.

  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Trent University
  • Bachelor of Health Science (Hons) - Queen's University

Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.

Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.

Tech Requirements for the Pre-Health Sciences Program

To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.

Processor: i3
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
Internet connection

Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk.

See Your Space

Get a firsthand look at the state-of-the-art learning environments available to students in the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program. Our campus is equipped with modern laboratories, simulation rooms, and collaborative study spaces designed to provide a dynamic and immersive educational experience.

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Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.

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