Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees

Notice:

To effectively participate in remote learning, students in this program must have reliable Internet access and meet these device requirements.

About the Program

The program curriculum is designed for students who wish to concentrate on the health sciences field and prepares students for application to Conestoga College's School of Health & Life Sciences advanced diploma or degree programs (Respiratory Therapy, Paramedic, McMaster University Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science, Bachelor of Environmental Public Health, etc.). Students wishing to apply to Biotechnology Technician, Fitness and Health Promotion, Hearing Instrument Specialist, Practical Nursing, Nutrition and Food Service Management and Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant programs are still able to do so by taking either the one-year Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas or upon completion of this one-year Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees.

Students will be introduced to the health sciences field, college life and workload, and will be able to increase their competitiveness to support their application to health sciences advanced diploma and degree programs.

Program Information

Length: One-year Ontario College Certificate program
Delivery Sequence: Doon (Kitchener) - September/2021 - Fall | Winter
Location: Kitchener - Doon
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 210

Note:

This is a highly competitive program. Apply by February 1 (for September).
Note for domestic students: Upon successful completion of the Pre-Health Sciences program, students may apply to Conestoga College's School of Health Sciences advanced diploma or degree programs (Respiratory Therapy, Paramedic, McMaster University Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science degree, etc.), as well as to the health sciences diploma programs.
Note for international students: the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees is a pathway for international students interested in studying in either the Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science degree or the Bachelor of Environmental Public Health degree ONLY. Students interested in studying in a health science-related two-year diploma program should apply to the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas. Please check the International Program Listing to confirm program availability. Not all programs are available to international students: https://www.conestogac.on.ca/international/programs/program-list.jsp.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status (See Mature Student definition for details.)
Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1250), or equivalent
Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics, C, U or M, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Mathematics for Health Sciences (MATH1395)
For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading

Note re: Admission Requirements

Applicants to the BScN program using a pre-health sciences program as the basis for admission should be aware that the full pre-health sciences program (no exemptions or equivalencies) should be completed in the year immediately prior to the applicant's anticipated start date in the BScN program.

Admission Procedures

An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.
A sound English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs may apply (70% in 2019).

Tuition & Fees

Tuition fee details for the 2020-2021 year are listed below. Fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time. Books and supplies are additional.

Domestic Fees

Estimated fees based upon the previous academic year (2020 / 2021) for Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees - Program # 1214

Doon - Fall 2020 Level 1 & 2 (Program Start: 2020-09-08)
Description	Fall 2020	Winter 2021
Full-time Program Tuition	$1348.00	$1348.00
Recreation/Athletics Fee	$0.00	$0.00
Graduation/Alumni Services Fee	$20.95	$20.95
Administration Fee	$18.40	$18.40
Technology Enhancement Fee	$142.75	$142.75
Capital Development Fee	$77.08	$77.08
CSI Association Fee	$84.50	$84.50
CSI Health Plan Fee	$295.00	$0.00
ONE Card Fee	$12.75	$12.75
CSI Legal Protection (optional)	$30.00	$0.00
CSI Advocacy Fee	$0.00	$0.00
CSI Event Fee and Campus Life (optional)	$15.00	$15.00
CSI Student Clubs and Societies (optional)	$3.50	$3.50
Locker Fee	$0.00	$0.00
Alumni Services	$0.00	$0.00
Student Spaces	$0.00	$0.00
Graduation fee	$0.00	$0.00
Academic Support Fee	$0.00	$0.00
CSI Academic Support Fee	$0.00	$0.00
Health and Wellness Fee	$0.00	$0.00
CSI Health and Wellness Fee	$0.00	$0.00
Career Services Fee	$0.00	$0.00
CSI Career Services Fee	$0.00	$0.00
Sustainability Fee (optional)	$5.00	$5.00
Student Services	$50.65	$50.65
CSI - Student Frosh Kit Fee (optional)	$0.00	$0.00
Session Total	$2103.58	$1778.58
Year Total		$3882.16

International Fees

Estimated International fees based upon the previous academic year (2020 / 2021) for
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees - Program # 1214

Doon - Fall 2020 Level 1 & 2 (Program Start: 2020-09-08)
Description	Fall 2020	Winter 2021
International Program Tuition	$6250.00	$6250.00
Recreation/Athletics Fee	$0.00	$0.00
Graduation/Alumni Services Fee	$20.95	$20.95
Administration Fee	$18.40	$18.40
Technology Enhancement Fee	$142.75	$142.75
Capital Development Fee	$77.08	$77.08
CSI Association Fee	$84.50	$84.50
CSI Health Plan Fee	$295.00	$0.00
ISR	$375.00	$375.00
ONE Card Fee	$12.75	$12.75
CSI Legal Protection (optional)	$30.00	$0.00
CSI International Health Fee	$500.00	$0.00
CSI Advocacy Fee	$0.00	$0.00
CSI Event Fee and Campus Life (optional)	$15.00	$15.00
CSI Student Clubs and Societies (optional)	$3.50	$3.50
Locker Fee	$0.00	$0.00
Alumni Services	$0.00	$0.00
Student Spaces	$0.00	$0.00
Graduation fee	$0.00	$0.00
Academic Support Fee	$0.00	$0.00
CSI Academic Support Fee	$0.00	$0.00
Health and Wellness Fee	$0.00	$0.00
CSI Health and Wellness Fee	$0.00	$0.00
Career Services Fee	$0.00	$0.00
CSI Career Services Fee	$0.00	$0.00
Sustainability Fee (optional)	$5.00	$5.00
Student Services	$50.65	$50.65
CSI - Student Frosh Kit Fee (optional)	$0.00	$0.00
Session Total	$7880.58	$7055.58
Year Total		$14936.16

Financial Assistance

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.

For more information, please visit Financial Services/Awards.

Graduate Opportunities

A five-mark (5) bonus will be granted to any applicant who has successfully completed Conestoga's Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program and who is applying to any of the following Conestoga diploma programs: Biotechnology Technician, Fitness and Health Promotion, Hearing Instrument Specialist, Practical Nursing, Nutrition and Food Service Management, Paramedic, Personal Support Worker, Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant, and Respiratory Therapy.

On average, 88% of graduates from the last three years (2017 to 2019) found employment within six months of graduation.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Pathways & Credit Transfer

Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.

Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.

Learn more about PLAR.

Program Courses

Course Details (1214)
Course Code	Course Title and Description
Level 1
BIOL1026	Human Biology I Description: This course will give students a basic introduction to cell biology and the human body. Topics covered in this course include cell structure and function, and a detailed study of both the anatomical and physiological processes that occur in some of the major organ systems in the human body (nervous, endocrine and reproductive). The course includes laboratory exercises designed to enhance understanding of the lecture material. Hours: 56 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
CHEM1001	Introductory Chemistry Description: The course emphasizes terminology, classification of matter, bonding, chemical reactions, nomenclature, properties of solids, liquids, gases and solutions, bases and pH and an introduction to organic chemistry. Hours: 42 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
COMM1085	College Reading & Writing Skills Description: This course focuses on the reading, writing and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse, summarize, and discuss a variety of readings and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising in response to written prompts. This course prepares students for post-secondary writing tasks, research, and documentation. Hours: 42 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
CON0101	Conestoga 101 Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities. Hours: 1 Credits: Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
HEAL1475	Pre-Health Foundations Description: This exploratory course is intended to support student success in a postsecondary environment, as well as to examine the fundamentals of the Canadian Health Care System. Students will expand their knowledge and skills in areas such as learning styles, study techniques, note taking, test taking, time management, collaboration, professionalism, research, and development of academic goals. Additionally, this course will provide the students with an opportunity to identify current issues and trends affecting health care in Canada and to relate these to their preferred health care careers. Students will explore how Canadian Federal and Provincial Health Care Policies differ from those in other jurisdictions around the globe and they will explore Health Care issues they may encounter as a result of Canada's increasingly diverse population. Students will discuss strategies for providing competent care regardless of their own biases in relation to health care issues. Hours: 56 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
MATH1177	Mathematics I for Pre-Health Advanced Description: This course provides the student with the basic math skills necessary to succeed in their post-secondary health care -related education. Students will recall fundamental math skills such as: order of operations; calculations with fractions, decimals, percent, ratio and proportion; converting between metric and imperial system measurements; manipulating algebraic equations; solving word problems; creating and interpreting graphs; and interpreting basic statistics. Students will gain theoretical and practical knowledge through lecture and practical application. Hours: 56 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Electives: Program Option Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours
View Program Option Electives
Please note that all courses may not be offered in all semesters. Go to your student portal for full timetabling details under "My Courses".
COMP1076	Computer Software Applications Description: Students will use Microsoft Office to create reports, electronic presentations, brochures, flyers, posters, and in creating budget models. They research content and imagery using an Internet browser and learn effective electronic filing. Hours: 42 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
PHYS1116	Physics I for Pre-Health Sciences Description: Students will apply critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques to basic physics concepts including kinematics, dynamics, work, energy and power. Students will also be introduced to nuclear physics, with an emphasis on its application to health sciences careers. The course includes laboratory exercises designed to enhance understanding of the lecture material. Hours: 56 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Level 2
BIOL1010	Biological Sciences Description: This course will explore various sub-disciplines of biology including cell biology, Genetics, Classification and Evolution, Diseases and Immunity, and Ecology. Students will learn basic concepts in these areas, while continuing to develop critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills. Practical laboratory and field exercises will reinforce the lecture material. Hours: 42 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
BIOL1046	Human Biology II Description: As a continuation of Human Biology I, this course will give students a thorough understanding of the human body. Students will build on their previous knowledge as well as examine new organs systems not covered in Human Biology I (skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive and urinary). Both the anatomical features and physiological processes of each new organ system will be studied in detail. Homeostatic imbalances as they relate to medical conditions will also be emphasized. Understanding of the lecture material is enhanced through laboratory exercises. Hours: 56 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: BIOL1025 or BIOL1026 CoRequisites:
CHEM1130	Chemistry of Biological Molecules for Pre-health Advanced Description: This course explores the basic concepts of organic and biological chemistry. Organic chemistry will be studied with an emphasis of structures, properties and reactions that are relevant to biological molecules. The course will describe and characterize the four major types of biological molecules, which are, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and proteins. The principles of metabolism will be explored, focusing on the production of biological energy, distinguishing between anabolism and catabolism, emphasizing the involvement of enzymes and cofactors, and examining the interrelationship among the major metabolic pathways. Laboratory exercises designed to reinforce theoretical concepts will be included. Hours: 56 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CHEM1001 or CHEM1050 CoRequisites:
COMM1200	English II for Health Sciences Description: This course is designed to introduce the communication skills necessary for academic and professional success. By analyzing cases that reflect real life communication situations, students will attain the skills in problem solving and decision making required in professional communications. Emphasis will be placed on producing effective written documents. The course also helps students to develop basic oral presentation skills. Hours: 42 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: COMM1085 or COMM1190 CoRequisites:
MATH1185	Mathematics II for Pre-Health Advanced Description: A continuation of Math I for Pre-Health Advanced, this course will enable students to further the concepts and skills learned in Math I. Emphasis will be placed on application of mathematical skills to problems encountered in medical careers. Students will also be introduced to the interpretation of the statistics reported in scientific and health-related research papers. Upon completion of this course, students will have the skills necessary to apply math skills throughout their continuing education. Hours: 42 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: MATH1175 or MATH1177 CoRequisites:
Electives: Program Option Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours
View Program Option Electives
Please note that all courses may not be offered in all semesters. Go to your student portal for full timetabling details under "My Courses".
CLTR1140	Cultural Diversity for Health Sciences Description: This course will explore the health care system and how it addresses diversity. Recognizing that Canada's diversity continues to grow, health care is faced with the challenges and opportunities for health care delivery that is respectful, inclusive and culturally competent. This course will explore the personal, professional and systemic barriers that give rise to prejudice, discrimination and oppression and will compel students to analyze and address issues around diversity from a health care perspective. Special attention is paid to developing a strong awareness of self as it related to diversity issues. Hours: 42 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
PHYS1171	Physics II for Pre-Health Sciences Description: As a continuation of Physics I, this course will examine physics topics other than mechanics. Topics will include current electricity, wave motion, optics, fluids and thermodynamics, which emphasis on applications of these topics in the health sciences. Understanding of the lecture material is enhanced through laboratory exercises. Hours: 56 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: PHYS1115 or PHYS1116 CoRequisites:

Program Outcomes

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.

Program Advisory Committees

The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.

For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.

Program Handbook

Handbook

Apply Now

Domestic students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228. OntarioColleges.ca 60 Corporate Court Guelph, Ontario Canada N1G 5J3. Detailed steps on the application process may help you to apply.

International students should apply online using the Ontario Colleges.ca International applicant portal. Please note that not all programs are open to international students; check the list of open programs on our International Student Programs web page before applying.

For additional program information, call the Information Centre at 519-748-5220 ext 3656.

Disclaimer

The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.