The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway program is a stepping stone to a career in nursing, practical nursing, paramedicine, dental health, ultrasound or radiation technology. If you’re considering a health program in college or university, this certificate can enhance your qualifications for admission and boost your success in future studies.
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (PRED)
This program is for students planning to enter a three-year advanced diploma program or four-year university degree program.
Find your career
- The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway program can be a bridge to health science programs, including two-year diplomas such as Practical Nursing 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 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
- Love science and the outdoors
- Want to improve their chances of success in a university or college health program
Experiential learning
Upgrade your skills and knowledge through hands-on activities:
- Learning combines laboratory studies, classroom instruction and outdoor lab exercises including a fungi or plant study.
- Take an EcoWalk – a virtual learning experience.
- Calculate your ecological footprint and create a sustainability plan to decrease your environmental impact.
- Conduct labs in inorganic chemistry, food biochemistry, blood analysis, microscope studies and dissection.
- A common first semester, including six required courses, permits all students to explore skills and options.
- Individual meetings with the program coordinator prior to the second semester will help students decide which stream best suits them and their career goals.
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 outdoor education and blending emerging technology with experiential learning.
- Faculty backgrounds range from applied arts to biology and kinesiology.
- Study with teachers who are known for their love of drawing in class – everything from hearts to proteins – and for their math parties (small group tutorials).
- Semester One
- BIOL1000 Biology
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
- Semester Two (Elective Group 1 )
- PHYS1000 Introduction to Physics
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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
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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
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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.
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 maintain a minimum average of 75% 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.
- Students must apply through ontariocolleges.ca before February 1 to be considered for September entry.
- Note: Nursing and Practical Nursing are high-demand 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.
- Credits in this program are transferable to a diploma in General Arts and Science – earn your diploma in just one more year.
- Graduates of the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees certificate program are eligible to pursue a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) Degree at Queen’s University through online learning.
How much will it cost?
Approximate costs (2023 – 24)
- Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
- Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,308
- Total: $4,030.08
- 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 web page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.
Bursaries and financial assistance
Loyalist has a number of scholarships, bursaries and academic awards available to students. Our Financial Aid Office can help you explore your options, or assist you with a student loan.
Admission requirements
NOTE: This program is available to domestic students only.
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
OR
Recommended academic preparation
- Grade 11/12 Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Applicants with work experiences or other types of non-credentialed learning may be eligible for credits at Loyalist. Graded credits (as opposed to exemptions) are granted. Click here for more information about our assessment and credit challenge process.
International students
Click here for information about how to apply, international student fees and more.
Campus News
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In the News
Belleville Intelligencer
Sustainability Project Assignment
Students were tasked with choosing an action or several actions they could perform that would decrease their environmental impact or ecological ‘footprint’ and ultimately improve the sustainability of humans on Earth. They were challenged to consider simple, daily actions that, done on a consistent basis, could bring about positive change.
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Sustainability Project – Calvin Kerr
Pre-Health student Calvin Kerr completed a sustainability experiment he designed for himself and upon its completion he retook the ecological footprint test. By making three simple changes – buying locally grown or raised food, changing his showerhead and unplugging for an hour per day – he reduced his ecological footprint from 1.97 to 1.57 Earths.
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Sustainability Project – Thomas McCory
For his class project, Thomas McCory looked at the aspects of his everyday life where he was consuming – areas such as food, water, electricity and fossil fuels. He decided to concentrate on water, with some effort towards reducing his daily dependence on fossil fuels.
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