About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 1 Year Certificate
  • Campus: Welland
  • Code: 0851 P0851
  • Delivery Length: 1 Year
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Overview

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.

Highlights
  • Lecture-style science courses prepare students for Bachelor’s Degree study.

  • Over 126 hours of practical, hands-on, health-focused lab experience including weekly labs in science courses om face-to-face delivery.

  • Individual support and planning with assistance from an academic advisor.

Further Educational Opportunities

Graduates of this program have increased preparedness for a Bachelor's Degree, or 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

Term one (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1160 Communication in Healthcare I 3
BIOL1400 Advanced Human Biology 5
CHEM1400 Advanced Health Chemistry I 6
STDV1180 Academic and Career Preparation 3
MATH1150 Algebra and Trigonometry 3
Term two (2026 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1262 Advanced Communication Skills for Pre-Health Science 3
BIOL1401 Advanced Human Anatomy & Physiology 5
CHEM1401 Advanced Health Chemistry II 6
PHYS1198 Concepts in Physics 4
MATH1250 Calculus and Statistics 3
Learning Outcomes Term: 1254
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  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.

  7. Examine fundamental physics laws and concepts and their application to health sciences and other science-related fields.

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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
  • 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)

Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.

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Availability

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 Advanced Diplomas and Degrees 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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This program helped prepare me for University by making me a more confident, mature, knowledgeable student. The manner in which the teachers in this program prepare you for lab reports and assignments has placed me ahead of my classmates at University. This program didn’t just teach me about Chemistry and Biology, it gave me a chance to excel and mature as a person by developing a strong work ethic, becoming a punctual student and developing a passion for understanding and applying concepts not only within a classroom setting but in all aspects of life.

Matt Lukey, program graduate

I couldn’t imagine not taking this program and going to University without it. Most importantly, the faculty cares about the content of what they are teaching and their students. This makes the program successful.

Brian Garden, program graduate

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 by installing 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 newfound skills in hopes of continued success.

Deanna Haworth, program graduate

I highly recommend this program for the excellent preparation it provides for entering the health field. It has given me the knowledge and confidence to pursue my goal of being a nurse.

Ciera Vandelaar, program graduate
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