Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas (online option)

Program Overview

NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the planned move to hybrid delivery of the PHSO program is deferred to fall of 2021. PHSO continues to be a fully online program for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas (online option) is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a health sciences career at the college level while seeking flexibility in their learning. The online pathway is an asynchronous, online version of the Pre-Health Science Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas certificate. Course content is delivered online with in-person labs completed at the Oshawa campus. In-person labs run on Saturday mornings and early afternoons.

During in-person labs students have an opportunity to connect with their peers, expert instructors, and experience the hands-on, small group learning health sciences demands. Graduates of this pathway also develop the technology competencies required of many college health science programs. Independent study is required and students considering this program should have strong time management and organizational skills.

This two-semester program supports students as they familiarize themselves with college life and college workload. Students also earn post-secondary credits that can be transferred to other health sciences or science-related programs. Students develop the communications, mathematics, and core sciences foundation necessary for success in many college health science programs such as:

Paramedic
Practical Nursing
Dental Assistant
Dental Hygiene
Occupational Therapist Assistant
Physiotherapist Assistant

Admission Requirements

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

View All Requirements

Tuition

Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)

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Semester 1 Courses

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Pathways

Critical Thinking

Online

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 2021	Waitlisted
September 2021	Open	Closed
January 2022	Open

Career Options

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

View all Career Options

Program Details

The online option of the Pre-Health Sciences Pathways to Certificates and Diplomas program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a health sciences career while seeking flexibility in their learning. Students prepare for admission to certificate and diploma health sciences programs, as well as further academic studies in science-related programs at the college level. This two-semester program supports students with development of their knowledge and skills in communications, mathematics, biology, and chemistry so they are well-prepared for the rigours of their next academic program. In addition, the program provides students with the opportunity to learn about health science careers while earning postsecondary credits that could be transferred to other health sciences or science-related programs.

The online program is delivered asynchronously with an in-person lab component. Students complete course work online when it is convenient for them and can receive virtual support from their instructors via video conference and email. During in-person labs, students connect face-to-face with their peers and instructors for additional support and small group, hands-on learning.

PLEASE NOTE:

It is each student’s responsibility to ensure that the courses they are registered in are appropriate for the stated admission requirements for future program choices.
Successful completion of the PHSO certificate does not guarantee admission into another post-secondary program.
Students interested in further study at the university level should enrol in the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees.
Each educational institution determines its own admission requirements. If you plan to attend any college other than Durham College or a university, please ensure that courses taken meet its admission requirements.
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

SEMESTER 1

SEMESTER 2

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 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 or advanced diploma 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.

COVID-19 Information

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Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas (online option)

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

College guide September 2020 [PDF]

College guide September 2020 [Interactive]

Graduate Employment Report [PDF]