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Ministry-approved title: Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees
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.
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:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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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.
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.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
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.
As a graduate, you can proceed to full-time employment or further your studies in another college diploma, advanced diploma, or university degree program.
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.
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.
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.
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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