Choosing the right post-secondary program can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re interested in healthcare but aren’t sure which career path within health sciences is right for you.
A 1-year Pre-Health Sciences Pathway program can help you explore your options while building the foundation you need for further study. You’ll develop core scientific and academic skills to prepare you for an advanced healthcare program. In addition, you will strengthen your critical thinking and reasoning skills that are essential in healthcare careers. At Fanshawe, students can choose between two pre-health sciences pathway programs depending on their educational and career goals:
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas | Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees |
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas
This 1-year program pathway is designed to help you gain admission to a subsequent 1 or 2-year college certificate or diploma program by earning credits that you may have missed or not had access to in high school. The program moves at a manageable pace, accommodating your learning needs to cover foundational science and math concepts.
Admission Requirements:
Admission requirements can vary based on your educational background. Find out your specific admission requirements here.
Post-graduate opportunities:
Upon completion, graduates will meet the admission requirements for their next post-secondary health sciences certificate or diploma and will be eligible to apply to one of the following Fanshawe programs:
- Community Pharmacy Assistant – Certificate
- Veterinary Assistant – Certificate
- Veterinary Technology- Diploma
- Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant – Diploma
- Fitness and Health Promotion – Diploma
- Pharmacy Technician – Diploma
- *Practical Nursing - Diploma
- Personal Support Worker - Certificate
- Doula Studies - Certificate
- Doula Care Across the Lifespan - Diploma
Note: This pathway program runs from January-August. Admission to the September healthcare programs cannot be guaranteed. Students applying to highly competitive programs are advised to explore the Pre-Health Science Pathways to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program.
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees
This 1-year program pathway prepares you for future health sciences studies in a 3-year advanced diploma and/or a 4-year undergraduate degree. It involves more extensive and rigorous study in courses such as human anatomy, chemistry, and mathematics. It is the recommended pathway for any highly competitive health career program.
Admission requirements:
Admission requirements can vary based on your educational and professional background. Find out your specific admission requirements here. If you are missing the Science pre-requisites, refer to the Pre-Health Pathways for Certificates and Diplomas program.
Post-graduate opportunities:
Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to apply to competitive advanced diploma and degree programs at Fanshawe, including:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Degree
Dental Hygiene - Advanced Diploma
Medical Radiation Therapy - Advanced Diploma
Respiratory Therapy - Advanced Diploma
Which program suits me?
Use the guide below to help you determine which of the two programs best aligns with your interests and career aspirations.
Identify the statement that best describes you:
1. I want to make an informed decision about a career in healthcare through a program that moves at a manageable pace.
Recommended program: Pre-Health Science Pathways Pathways to Certificates and Diplomas
This pathway allows you to:
- Build foundational science and math skills in just one year of study.
- Explore career options through the course curriculum.
- Build your eligibility for further certificate and diploma studies. Then apply for a certificate or diploma (an additional 1-2 years).
- Note: This program is not the foundational pathway program for 3-year diploma programs or degree programs.
2. I know the career I want to pursue - which requires an advanced diploma or degree - and wish to develop advanced knowledge and skills in that specific field.
Recommended program: Pre-Health Science Pathways Pathways to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees
This pathway allows you to:
- Gain advanced knowledge through rigorous learning in just one year.
- Build your eligibility and prepare for competitive advanced diploma and degree programs in health sciences at Fanshawe and other institutions (an additional 3-4 years).
Learn more about Fanshawe’s Advanced Diplomas and Degrees.
3. I have a career goal but need extra guidance in deciding my academic path.
Please schedule a meeting with one of Fanshawe’s recruitment officers and they will be happy to help!