Indigenous Overview
This two-semester Ontario College Certificate program prepares individuals for successful admission to, and future success in, diploma and degree-level Health Sciences programs and other post-secondary studies. Program content provides students with the required knowledge and skills to meet admission requirements for a range of diploma and degree-level programs and with transferable post-secondary credits where relevant. Students acquire knowledge and develop skills in communications, mathematics and sciences preparing them for the rigours of their next academic program. Complementing the study of anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and the option of physics, is the opportunity to learn about the health sciences and potential careers while meeting general education and essential employability skills mandated by Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities policy.
Program Details
Program Highlights
Students will study required courses such as Communications, Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, in addition to choosing an option of Physics or a Social Science course. The Communication courses enable students to improve academic writing and critical thinking skills which are important to their success in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Students receive hands-on experience in microscopy and other basic laboratory skills and may also use the Nursing Simulation Lab to enhance their learning of Anatomy and Physiology.
Students seeking admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, or 75% average, in this program to be eligible for consideration.
Note: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is in high demand and admission is not guaranteed with the completion of this program as there may be ranking and residency limitations.
Program Outline
2025-2026
This course covers key concepts in atomic structure, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, and quantities in chemical reactions. Data collection, data analysis and laboratory techniques will be covered in the laboratory component of the course.
As the first mathematics course for Pre-Health students, the content covers numeracy, percentages, proportions, conversions, and dosages using mental math. Fundamental algebra, linear functions and linear systems of equations, 2D and 3D geometry, and exponential and logarithmic functions are also explored. All concepts have a health care focus and include real world applications to the health sciences.
This course enables the learner to develop a foundation in the fundamental concepts and applications of Biological Sciences. The learner studies and explores fundamental principles of cellular organization, structure and function as they relate to metabolism, interaction with its external environment, growth, disorders, cellular reproduction, inheritance, and the basis of microbes and infectious diseases. This course enables the learner to examine these concepts with a systemic approach to the study of the human body.
This course is designed to help students develop and practice the communication skills needed to succeed in college and workforce environments. Emphasis is placed on improving foundational communication strategies-reading, writing, listening, and speaking—and on developing research and critical thinking skills.
Students apply critical thinking and problem-solving techniques to physics concepts related to the health science field. Concepts studied include kinematics, forces, work, energy and power, thermodynamics, fluids and pressure, nuclear physics, electrostatics, magnetism, waves and electromagnetic radiation.
Students explore trends, current and emerging technologies, careers, and the societal impact of the ever-changing healthcare field, in a seminar format. Students will benefit from hands-on experiences and discussions with industry experts from a variety of health-related fields. The course emphasizes the variable nature of healthcare in a connected world.
This course builds on the concepts developed in CHEM103 with emphasis on energy changes and rates of reactions, chemical systems and equilibrium, acids and bases, stoichiometric calculations, and oxidation-reduction reactions. Nomenclature and reactions of organic compounds including selected biomolecules are covered. An emphasis is placed on applications of these topics in health care and environmental issues. Data collection, data analysis, laboratory techniques, and report writing are covered in the laboratory component of the course.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 103
This second level biology course builds upon the concepts introduced in BIOL 110. The course uses a systems approach to the study of the biological structures and physiological functions of the human body. Organ systems of the human body are explored with an introduction to common pathologies with examples taken from current scientific research.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110
This course introduces statistical terminology and diverse methods used in describing, analyzing, and interpreting health sciences data in a variety of formats. Empirical and theoretical probability and inferential statistics will be explored using numerical methods and statistical software
Students develop skills as writers and researchers in professional areas. Students apply critical thinking and analysis skills to assess, interpret, and extrapolate evidence as they explore issues in their professional areas. Emphasis is placed on the analysis and evaluation of issues within professional literature and communication with a variety of audiences.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U or M level including the following prerequisites:
- Grade 12 English at C or U level
- Grade 11 Math at C, U or M level
For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.
Applicants are highly recommended to apply to the September intake of the Pre-Health Science Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program if planning to start a highly competitive program the following September.
If you are missing prerequisite courses, enroll in the Career/College Prep program - free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.
Bonus Points
Full-time Pre-Health Sciences students who achieve a GPA of 3.00 or better for at least one semester will receive an additional 10 percent in their admission assessment when applying to any post-secondary diploma program at St. Lawrence College. This will be particularly beneficial for programs that are highly competitive and therefore ranked.
- Are your transcripts from outside of Canada? Please visit Applying to SLC - With Your Transcripts for more information.
Fees
2025-2026
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Brockville
Our Brockville campus has a modernized library, complete with individual and group study space, a newly renovated cafeteria, student common lounges, and more.
Career Opportunities
The program is designed to give students a strong foundation in core course to support future health sciences academic endeavours, but are not designed to prepare students for a specific career opportunity at the end of the one year certificate program.
Testimonials
Program Contacts
Program Contact
Trisha Morrow
tmorrow@sl.on.ca
613.345.0660 ext. 3192
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.