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  • Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas

Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas

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


Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Location
Oshawa
OCAS Code
PHSC
Next Intake
September 2025
View all intakes
Faculty
Faculty of Health Sciences (HS)
Length
Two semesters
Laptop
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Delivery
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PROGRAM
Information
Nights

May 14 Register Now for Program Information Nights

Pre-Health Sciences Program Overview

The demand for healthcare workers has never been higher. Together, we are leading the way by answering the call. By enrolling in the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway program, students will earn the credits they need to tackle health science college programs. You will have a competitive advantage and work with faculty experts to build skills for success, including foundations in communications, mathematics, biology and chemistry. As a pathway program, we open many doors to other health sciences programs, including nursing, dental, paramedic and more.

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: $14,884 (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 Sciences Program Details

The healthcare industry offers many rewarding career opportunities, but pursuing a career in this field requires a strong academic foundation in the sciences. The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas (PHSC) program is designed to provide that essential foundation for students who are passionate about entering health sciences professions. This two-semester program provides the foundation necessary for success in a college health sciences program such as Practical Nursing, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygiene, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Physiotherapist Assistant, and Paramedics. It is also designed for individuals who would like to strengthen their communication, mathematics, biology, chemistry, critical thinking, and physics skills and familiarize themselves with college life and college workload.

Students gain a solid understanding of key subjects like biology, chemistry, and mathematics while developing practical skills applicable to your future healthcare studies. The curriculum is designed to ensure students are well-prepared for the academic challenges they will face in their chosen healthcare programs, including rigorous coursework and hands-on training.

In addition to scientific knowledge, students improve their communication abilities—an essential skill for healthcare professionals who must effectively interact with patients, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Critical thinking and problem-solving are also key components of the program, preparing students to navigate complex situations they may encounter in their academic and professional careers.

The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program provides an excellent opportunity for students to experience the college environment firsthand. By becoming familiar with the college workload and expectations, students can transition smoothly into their next program of study.

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. Through career exploration sessions and exposure to various healthcare fields, students can better understand which career path aligns with their interests and strengths.

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. The January intake of the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Diplomas program may not line up with 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.
  4. Students interested in further study at the university level should enrol in the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Pre-Health Sciences 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 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 (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, 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 on the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway

As a graduate, you can further your studies in another college diploma, advanced diploma or university degree program in health sciences.

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.

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 Certificates and Diplomas 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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