About this program
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Credential Awarded: 1 Year Certificate
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Code: 1851 P1851
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Delivery Length: 1 Year
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Online Program Delivery (What's this?)
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.
Who are you?
- I am a domestic applicant. *
- I am an international applicant.
Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!
- Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements.
- Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting applications, and what start dates are available.
- Complete an application online through ontariocolleges.ca.
- Our Admissions Office will acknowledge your application has been received and will provide you with your NC Student ID number and details on your next steps.
Sorry, international applications are not accepted for this program.
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Take a self-guided, virtual walking tour of our campuses and explore our labs and common spaces.
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Join us for an information session and explore the pathways and programs offered at NC!
Register for an Info SessionOverview
Are you looking for a way to transition to a career in nursing or another health science field, but lack the scientific background? Or, are you a mature student ready for a career change?
As a Pre-Health Sciences – Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees graduate, you have the solid health sciences foundation needed to pursue advanced postsecondary studies and achieve your career dream.
NC Preferred Admission
Qualified graduates of this program are granted preferred admission into:
For detailed information, requirements and eligibility visit niagaracollege.ca/pathways/.
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.
Courses
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| STDV1180 | Academic and Career Preparation | 3 |
| COMM1160 | Communication in Healthcare I | 3 |
| BIOL1400 | Advanced Human Biology | 5 |
| CHEM1400 | Advanced Health Chemistry I | 6 |
| MATH1150 | Algebra and Trigonometry | 3 |
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS1198 | Concepts in Physics | 4 |
| COMM1262 | Advanced Communication Skills for Pre-Health Science | 3 |
| BIOL1401 | Advanced Human Anatomy & Physiology | 5 |
| CHEM1401 | Advanced Health Chemistry II | 6 |
| MATH1250 | Calculus and Statistics | 3 |
Learning Outcomes Term: 1254
Examine biological concepts, processes and systems of the human body, including genetics and epigenetics, as well as the structure, function and properties of the molecules of life, cells, tissues and organ systems in relation to homeostasis, physical development and health.
Examine concepts, processes and systems of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure; quantities in chemical reactions; solutions and solubility; acids and bases; as well as organic chemistry and biochemistry in relation to health and the human body.
Solve numeric problems and interpret data related to health sciences and other science-related fields using mathematical concepts, including algebra and probability, along with descriptive and inferential 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.
Examine fundamental physics laws and concepts and their application to health sciences and other science-related fields.
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
- English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
- Mathematics – 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)
- Physics – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)
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)
For most programs, the recommendation is to have a MS Windows 11 computer for an optimal experience and for ease of downloading academic software. The reliability of remote connections to college computers and software cannot be guaranteed for Macbook and Chromebook users.
The Microsoft Office suite products that are available free to Niagara College students though Office 365 do have versions that work with Macbooks and Chromebooks, and most internet-based applications will work as well. However, some program-specific software is designed to run on Windows 10/11, and the successful download of these applications cannot be guaranteed.
Our Learning Management System (LMS) at Niagara College is Brightspace, and while students can access Brightspace through an internet browser, for some assignments and tests there is a layer of security that uses a proctored browser. The proctored browser will not function on Macbooks or Chromebooks.
Students assume the risk of a compromised virtual experience if they choose to participate without the recommended technology.
Availability
Note: Online Program Delivery
The delivery of this program is online only for all intakes.
Domestic 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
International Applicants
Sorry, international applications are not accepted for this program.
The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
Back to TopPathways
Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the Pre-Health Sciences – Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (Online) program below.
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NC Pathway
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NC Pathway
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NC Pathway
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NC Pathway
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NC PathwayPreferred Admission into:Niagara College — Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
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NC Pathway
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NC Pathway
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NC Pathway
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NC Pathway
For detailed information about these pathway options visit niagaracollege.ca/pathways/.
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.
Tuition
The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.
Year 1
Level one $2,626.69
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
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Tuition
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$1,357.49
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Ancillary Fees
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$1,269.20
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Material Fees
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$0.00
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Level one Total
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$2,626.69
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Level two $2,296.69
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
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$1,357.49
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|
Ancillary Fees
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$939.20
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|
Material Fees
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$0.00
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Level two Total
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$2,296.69
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The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).
To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.
Generate My FeesSorry, international applications are not accepted for this program.
What is your tuition estimate?
Your tuition estimation includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees based on a program and term. Fees may vary upon enrolment into specific courses that are outside of the core curriculum or elective courses. Fees for future terms (where fees have yet to be published) are estimates based on the current academic year fee structure.
Additional fees include textbooks and a parking pass (if parking on campus). Additional costs may be incurred for optional field trips, learning materials, equipment or clothing.
Note: For new programs tuition and fees may not yet be available. Typically tuition amounts are available in May for the next academic year. Please check back.
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.
- Do you prefer live classes, asking questions in real-time, and working with other students? Then in-person might be better.
- 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. - 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.
