Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas

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.

Admission Requirements

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

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Tuition

Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
Year one international: $13,852 (CAD)

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Semester 1 Courses

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Labs

Critical Thinking

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

Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
January 2022	Open	Closed

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:

Successful completion of the PHSC certificate does not guarantee admission into another post-secondary program.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.
Use health sciences and other science-related language and terminology appropriately to communicate clearly, concisely, and correctly in written, spoken, and visual forms.
Prepare a personal strategy and plan for academic, career and professional development in the health sciences or other science-related fields.
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 MyCampus.

SEMESTER 1

SEMESTER 2

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2021-22 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.

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.

Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas

Program Overview

Admission Requirements

Tuition

Semester 1 Courses

Technology recommendations

Intakes and Availability

Career Options

Program Details

PLEASE NOTE:

Program Learning Outcomes

Admission Requirements

Courses

SEMESTER 1

SEMESTER 2

Costs

Career Options

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Technology Recommendations

Helpful Resources

Have a Question? Attend a Program Information Webinar

Financial Aid Information

Graduate Employment Report [PDF]

Have a Question?
Attend a Program Information Webinar