About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 1 Year Certificate
  • Code: 1850 P1850
  • Delivery Length: 1 Year
  • Online Program Delivery (What's this?)
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Overview

Do you want to positively impact the quality of life of others and are seeking a pathway to a rewarding health sciences career?

As a Pre-Health Sciences-Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas graduate, you have streamlined your interests and have the solid health sciences foundation needed to pursue further postsecondary studies and achieve your dream.

This program is also available at the Welland campus.

Highlights
  • Flexible asynchronous (accessible any time) course delivery allows students to balance work with family obligations which allows them to complete school work at a time that is convenient for them.
  • Benefit from individual educational support and planning with assistance from an
    academic advisor.

  • Graduates may be eligible to receive limited transfer credits based on their chosen postsecondary program.

Educational Opportunities

Graduates of this program have increased preparedness for health science-related programs at Niagara College and other Ontario colleges.

Preferred Admission and Competitive Programs

Note: The preferred admission process does not supersede the Admissions Policy regarding selection and ranking of applicants for competitive programs. Learn more about admission decisions for competitive programs.

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Courses

Note: A Physics elective is advised for admission into certain health sciences programs.

Term one (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1020 College Communications - Unraveled 3
BIOL1150 Concepts of Human Biology 4
CHEM1160 Health Chemistry I 5
MATH1160 College Mathematics for Pre-Health Science 3
STDV1180 Academic and Career Preparation 3
Term two (2026 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1160 Communication in Healthcare I 3
BIOL1190 Human Anatomy and Physiology 4
CHEM1260 Health Chemistry II 5
MATH1260 College Mathematics II for Pre-Health Science 3
BIOL1184 Medical Terminology 3
Learning Outcomes Term: 1254
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Use health sciences and other science-related language and terminology appropriately to communicate clearly, concisely, and correctly in written, spoken, and visual forms.

  5. Prepare a personal strategy and plan for academic, career and professional development in the health sciences or other science-related fields.

  6. Investigate health sciences and science-related questions, problems and evidence using the scientific method.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

  • Biology – Grade 11 (C) or (U) or Grade 12 (U)
  • Chemistry – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)
  • Mathematics – any Grade 11 (C), (U), or (M)
Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Computer Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows-based desktop or laptop that meets or exceeds the following general requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop running on an updated Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended).
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory (note that 16 GB memory is strongly recommended).
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone, and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities. A minimum download speed of 10 – 50 Mbps is recommended.

Niagara College may not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications as provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: We do not provide support for Chromebooks or Apple products. (learn more)

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Availability

Note: Online Program Delivery

The delivery of this program is online only for all intakes.

Domestic Applicants Apply
International Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.

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Pathways

Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the Pre-Health Sciences – Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas (Online) program below.

Did you know?

Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.

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Tuition

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FAQ


What does the online program look like?

The courses are asynchronous, which means there are no live classes. You decide when to do your work each day. Even though you choose your own schedule, you still need to meet deadlines for assignments and tests.

Are there lectures?

Each professor teaches differently. Some might include recorded lectures, while others provide reading materials or videos. All course materials are online through Brightspace. You’ll have a professor for each course, and they offer online help/tutorial sessions or office hours for you to ask questions or receive additional help/support.

How do you take tests? Are they online or in person?

All tests and assignments are done online from home. Niagara College uses special software to monitor tests and help prevent cheating.

Are there labs?

Yes. You’ll do labs at home. For chemistry and biology, the labs are designed to use common household items or inexpensive supplies (like from the dollar store). For some advanced programs, like Physics, the college may mail you a lab kit.

Do I need to go to campus for anything?

No, not if you apply for the online program through OCAS. Make sure you choose and accept your correct program: online or in-person, and whether it’s for Certificates & Diplomas or Advanced Diplomas & Degrees. When registering, you’ll choose a block of courses, which helps prevent mix-ups with in-person classes.

Is the online program as good as the in-person one?

Yes. Niagara College considers both programs equal in quality. If you plan to continue your studies at another college or university, check with them to see if they accept the online Pre-Health program in the same way as the in-person option, and which type of certificate they require (Pre-Health Sciences Certificate & Diploma vs Pre-Health Sciences Advanced Diploma & Degrees).

Should I choose online or in-person?

Think about how you learn best.

  1. Do you prefer live classes, asking questions in real-time, and working with other students? Then in-person might be better.
  2. Do you like working on your own schedule and learning at your own pace? Can you stay motivated and ask questions online when you need help? Then online might suit you.
    Some students enjoy the social part of being on campus, while others feel more focused and comfortable working alone.
  3. Some reasons students choose the online program include:
    • Part-time or full-time work
    • Family responsibilities
    • Better or more flexible for their mental health
    • Better or more flexible to accommodate their learning needs

Do students do better in one program over the other?

There’s no major difference in success between online and in-person students. Success depends on how you learn and how much effort you put in. Professors are there to support you in both formats, and you’ll learn the same things in either program.

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My Pre-Health Sciences experience at Niagara College has benefited me by encouraging me to make new friends, be more independent, and learn more about myself. During Pre-Health, we were encouraged to work in pairs during lab and complete assignments as a group. Both of these strategies helped me to come out of my shell and reach out more to others.

As well as promoting team work, Pre-Health also promoted independence with firm due dates for assignments which made me depend on myself to get things done on time. After achieving President’s Honour Roll at Niagara College for both terms and being accepted to the Dental Assisting program at Niagara College, I hope to apply my new-found skills in hopes of continued success.

Deanna Haworth, program graduate

Pre-Health Sciences not only helped me to get into the Paramedic program, it also helped me to prepare for the courses that I would be taking while in it. Taking Pre-Health Sciences gave me a step up.

Sarah Brouwer, program graduate

This program gave me the background I needed to pursue my career in dental hygiene, and the option of attending any hygiene program to which I applied.

Ashley Cowley, program graduate
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