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  • Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas

Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas


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Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Location
Oshawa
OCAS Code
PHSC
Next Intake
September 2023
View all intakes
Faculty
Faculty of Health Sciences (HS)
Length
Two semesters
Delivery
More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person. Learn more.
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Program Overview

The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas (PHSC) is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a health sciences career. This two-semester program provides the foundation necessary for success in a college health sciences program such as Paramedic, Practical Nursing, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygiene, Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant. It is also designed for individuals who would like to strengthen their communication, mathematics, biology, chemistry and critical thinking or physics skills as well as familiarize themselves with college life and college workload.

In addition, the program provides students with the opportunity to learn about potential careers in the health sciences while earning post-secondary credits that can be transferred to other health sciences or science-related programs.

Intakes and Availability

Date Domestic Availability International Availability
September 2023OpenOpenApply now
January 2024OpenOpenApply now
ProgramHighlights
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Labs
Critical Thinking
Health Care

Admission Requirements

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

Tuition

  • Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
  • Year one international: $14,186 (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

Labs
Labs
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
Health Care
Health Care

Technology recommendations

To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.

View all recommendations

Career Options

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

View all career options

Program Details

The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas (PHSC) program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a health sciences career.  This two-semester program provides the foundation necessary for success in a college health sciences program such as Paramedic, Practical Nursing, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygiene, Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant. It is also designed for individuals who would like to strengthen their communication, mathematics, biology, chemistry and critical thinking or physics skills as well as familiarize themselves with college life and college workload.

In addition, the program provides students with the opportunity to learn about potential careers in the health sciences while earning postsecondary credits that could be transferred to other health sciences or science-related programs.

PLEASE NOTE:

  1. Successful completion of the PHSC certificate does not guarantee admission into another post-secondary program.
  2. Students who intend to use the PHSC program to satisfy the admission requirements for another program should be aware of the required application and final mark submission deadlines.
  3. Students interested in further study at the university level should enrol in the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees.
  4. Each educational institution determines its own admission requirements. If a student plans to attend any college other than Durham College, or a university, they must ensure that the courses they take meet the admission requirements of that institution.
  5. Individual academic planning assistance is offered by the student advisor and students are strongly encouraged to meet with their advisor before selecting their courses. Some Pre-Health Sciences Pathway courses are also transferable to other post-secondary programs.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Examine fundamental biological concepts, processes and systems of the human body, including the structure, function and properties of the molecules of life, cells, tissues and organ systems in relation to homeostasis and health.
  2. Examine fundamental concepts, processes and systems of chemistry, including matter and chemical bonding; quantities in chemical reactions; solutions and solubility; acids and bases; as well as nomenclature, structure and properties of organic compounds in relation to health and the human body.
  3. Solve basic numeric problems and interpret data related to health sciences and other science-related fields using mathematical concepts, including algebra, basic probability and descriptive 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.

Admission Requirements

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

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 (BIOL 2700)
  • Pre-Health Chemistry II (CHEM 2701)
  • Academic Writing For Success Strategies (COMM 2715)
  • Pre-Health Math II (MATH 2702)
  • Option 1: Critical Thinking Skills (CRIT 1700)
  • Option 2: Pre-Health Physics (PHYS 1700)

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2023-2024 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.

Course delivery

More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person.

The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. 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.
Flexible:
Course is taught in one of DC’s technology-enabled learning classrooms and online at the same time. Students can choose to attend in-person or online.
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

Career Options

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 Durham College’s Practical Nursing; Paramedic; Dental Hygiene; or Dental Reception and Administration programs, 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.

Technology Recommendations

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  or the school office.

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