Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees

Two pre-health sciences students are wearing white lab coats and goggles. They are both looking into a beaker.

The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway program is a stepping stone to a career in nursing, practical nursing, paramedicine, dental health, ultrasound or radiation technology. This certificate can enhance your qualifications for admission and boost your success in future studies.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

One year or less

Start Date(s)

January (Winter)

May (Spring)

September (Fall)

Locations

Belleville

Open to

International Students

Domestic Students

Find your career

The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway program can be a bridge to health science programs, including Practical Nursing, Medical Radiation Technology (MRT) and Paramedic.
Graduates who meet program-specific requirements, including minimum grade average, may be eligible for admission to the Nursing – Honours Bachelor of Science program.
For admission requirements, please refer to your college or university program of choice.
Nursing programs and the Medical Radiation Technology (MRT) program remain competitive and the grade average for entry varies based on number of applicants.

Is it for you?

This program is geared to high school graduates and mature students who:

Need to improve their marks or complete the required science credits to gain admission to their program of choice.
Have been out of school for a few years and want to be better prepared for further studies.
Want to improve their chances of success in a university or college health program.

I hold Loyalist College in very high regard. Deciding to come back to school was not an easy decision. The environment, faculty and staff have all helped make this major transition in my life so much easier and less stressful. Loyalist College is a wonderful place and I’m proud to be a student here.

Leslie, Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees

How you'll learn

Experiential learning

Upgrade your skills and knowledge through hands-on activities:

Learning combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory studies. Conduct labs in microscopy, specimen collection, food biochemistry, blood analysis, microscope studies and dissection.
Participate in group activities, in-class discussion and presentations from a variety of guest speakers.

Outstanding faculty make the difference

Get practical career guidance and personal attention from experienced faculty:

Professors have a passion for hands-on instruction with a focus on health education and student success.
Faculty backgrounds range from mathematics, life sciences, communications and social sciences.
Study with teachers with strong academic credentials, a wealth of knowledge and experience and who ensure you receive the guidance you need to succeed.

Courses

BIOL1000 Biology

This introductory course explores the structure, function and evolution of cells and microbes, along with the importance of homeostasis, genetics and cellular reproduction within the human organism.

CHEM1005 Chemistry

Students will gain an understanding of scientific procedure and terminology in this introductory course as they explore matter and energy, atoms and the periodic table, and chemical bonding. The course includes a study of inorganic compounds, chemical reactions, and covalent molecules.

COUN1032 Interpersonal Psychology

This course is designed to assist students in gaining self-awareness and skills to interact effectively with others. Key areas to be addressed include interpersonal communication, self-esteem and personality, values, goals, and personal excellence.

COMM1019 Introduction to Language Theory & Composition

This introductory course focuses on the development of proper writing mechanics and communication clarity. Students will learn to assess, use, and cite credible academic research sources and the necessity to fully cite sources in academic assignments.

MATH1013 Mathematics 1

This foundational course focuses on developing and improving math skills essential for students who plan to pursue careers in healthcare. Students will explore healthcare-related application problems involving numeracy and algebra-based operations.

COUN1031 PreHealth Science Seminar

Students will gain and improve essential academic skills needed for post-secondary success. Discussions and guest speakers will focus on goal setting, time management, critical thinking, studying and test-taking strategies. Students will develop skills and prepare resources for a professional portfolio.

COMM1020 Advanced Language Theory & Composition

In this advanced course, students will enhance their critical thinking and analysis skills and learn to create bold thesis statements. Students gain an understanding of how to conduct credible research, develop an outline, and write and properly cite sources to craft an essay. Prerequisite: COMM 1019

PREH1000 Bio & Chem Health Tech Lab

This hands-on course provides students with an introduction to laboratory techniques for chemistry and biology courses. Students focus on acquiring skills to work safely and efficiently in a lab and gain practical knowledge applicable to classroom content and future health research. Prerequisite: CHEM 1005, BIOL 1000

BIOL1005 Human Biology

Students will examine human biology by exploring the relationships among diverse fields such as microbiology, anatomy, and physiology. The focus will be on preparing students to pursue future studies in the healthcare field. Prerequisite: BIOL 1000

CHEM1008 Organic And Biochemistry

This advanced-level course offers students an opportunity to enhance their understanding of key concepts in organic chemistry and biochemistry. Students gain an awareness of organic compounds and a deeper understanding of homeostasis, as well as an in-depth examination of nutrition and biochemical reactions. Prerequisite: CHEM 1005

MATH1050 Statistics for Health Sciences

This introductory course focuses on developing techniques for analyzing and interpreting data as students pursue further education in health-sciences programs. Students will explore healthcare-related application problems involving descriptive and inferential statistics. Prerequisite: MATH 1013

PHYS1000 Introduction to Physics

This is an introductory course in physics including investigation of Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and sound, electricity and light. Students gain a solid understanding of the interaction of the elements of each of these subjects. They gain and understanding of mechanisms that govern the physical world, and perform calculations to simulate the behaviour of physical systems.

PSYC1016 Psychology 1

This course introduces students to the key principles of psychology, including theory, motivation, emotion, personality, attitudes, and abnormal behaviour. The course aims to provide a sound foundation in psychology for those pursuing studies in healthcare.

SOCI1021 Sociology 1

In this introductory course, students examine the key sociological theories and their relevance to today’s society. The course explores issues such as race, ethnicity, culture, health and ageing, social class, and gender, particularly as they relate to healthcare.

Notes

Select 1 courses from above

*Courses subject to change.

Two pre-health sciences students are smiling and working on building a science structure together. Fourteen green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation

OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent

NOTE: Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees is a highly competitive program; possession of the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission.

Mature applicant

Recommended academic preparation

Grade 11/12 Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR)

Do you have work experience or other types of non-credentialed learning? Through Loyalist’s PLAR program, applicants and current students may be eligible to receive academic credit for relevant educational, work and life experiences.

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
Total: $4,089.08
Additional Program Costs: $587

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.  

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

International Tuition: $15,000
Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
Total: $17,026
Additional Program Costs: $587

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.

Paying for college

A pre-health sciences pathway student is wearing a white lab coat and displacing a liquid into a test tube. Fourteen blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

Health studies at Loyalist

A Pre-Health Science certificate is a strong foundation for further study. Click here for more information about university transfer agreements.

Graduates who achieve 70 percent in each course, maintain a minimum overall average of 75 percent and meet specific entrance requirements are eligible to be considered for admission to the four-year Nursing – Honours Bachelor of Science program.
Applicants who have successfully completed the Pre-Health Science certificate are eligible to apply for Loyalist’s Practical Nursing diploma program and/or Loyalist’s Medical Radiation Technology (MRT) advanced diploma program.
Students must apply through ontariocolleges.ca before February 1 to be considered for September entry.
Note: Nursing and Practical Nursing are highly competitive programs; possession of the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission.
Graduates can also train to be first responders with a two-year Paramedic diploma.
Graduates of our program have also gone on to the following program areas: biosciences, medical radiation technology, massage therapy, dental hygiene, occupational therapy assistant, physiotherapy assistant, veterinary assistant and/or technician, Bachelor of Science and others.
Graduates of the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees certificate program are eligible to pursue a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) Online Degree at Queen’s University. All coursework is completed virtually.

Related programs

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Practical Nursing

Practical nurses are integral members of a health care team, providing care to patients of all ages. They combine nursing skill, knowledge and judgment to provide a full range of nursing care within their scope of practice.

A professor is working with a student on instructing what to do with the mock patient inside a hospital room.

Nursing – Honours Bachelor of Science

Nurses are the largest professional group in Canada's health care system, sustaining our physical, emotional, and social well-being. Prepare for a rewarding career in nursing with experiential learning in our state-of-the-art Interprofessional Simulation Centre.

Paramedic

Paramedics are often the first people on the scene of an emergency. They balance compassion with critical decision-making skills and the ability to take command in a crisis and help save lives.