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Ministry-approved title: Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas
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.
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 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.
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 further your studies in another college diploma, advanced diploma or university degree program in health sciences.
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.
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 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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