Pre-Health Sciences Pathway for Certificates and Diplomas
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Program Overview
The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program prepares students for further study in healthcare and science-related fields. You’ll build foundational knowledge in biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry and mathematics while developing communication, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Through faculty-led learning and career exploration, you’ll gain the academic confidence and transferable skills needed to succeed in your next postsecondary certificate or diploma program and move toward a rewarding healthcare career.
Program Details
Program Code
PCD1
Credential:
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
30 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2027 January
London
Open
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2027 January
London
Open
Your Learning Experience
If your goal is to enter a healthcare certificate or diploma program, the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program can help you get there. In less than one year, you’ll strengthen your science and math knowledge, develop essential communication and critical-thinking skills, and explore the many career opportunities available in healthcare. You’ll learn from faculty experts while earning postsecondary credits that may be transferable to other health sciences or science-related programs.
This program provides a pathway to a range of Fanshawe certificate and diploma programs, including:
- Community Pharmacy Assistant – Certificate
- Veterinary Assistant – Certificate
- Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant – Diploma
- Fitness and Health Promotion – Diploma
- Pharmacy Technician – Diploma
- Practical Nursing - Diploma
Looking to pursue an advanced diploma or degree instead?
Fanshawe’s Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees is designed specifically to prepare students for that next level of study. Explore the Advanced Diplomas and Degrees pathway.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
1. Examine fundamental biological concepts, processes and systems of the human body, including the structure, function and properties of the molecules of life, cells, tissues and organ systems in relation to homeostasis and health.
2. Examine fundamental concepts, processes and systems of chemistry, including matter and chemical bonding; quantities in chemical reactions; solutions and solubility; acids and bases; as well as nomenclature, structure and properties of organic compounds in relation to health and the
human body.
3. Solve basic numeric problems and interpret data related to health sciences and other science-related fields using mathematical concepts, including algebra, basic probability and descriptive 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.
Related Programs
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, mature
student status
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBT Overall score of 4.5 with no score less than 4 in any band
- IELTS Academic Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands
- CAEL Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening
- PTE Academic Minimum score of 53 with no score less than 45 in any of the four bands
- Cambridge English Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162
- ESL4/GAP5 Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10
- Duolingo Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95
- LanguageCert Academic Overall score of 65 with no score less than 60 in any of the four skills
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available
spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will
be:
1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
2. Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date,
Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come,
first-served basis until the program is full)
3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| BIOL-1056 | Introduction to Human Biology | 3 | ||
| This introductory course provides a foundational understanding of human biology by examining the characteristics of life and the organization of living systems within the human body. Emphasizing health and wellness, the course explores cellular biology and the structure and function of essential biological molecules. Students investigate major microbial groups and their interactions with the human body, and learn how the body defends itself from injury and infection. The course also highlights major organ systems and their roles in maintaining homeostasis, with real-world health applications integrated throughout. | ||||
| CHEM-1119 | Foundational Chemistry for Health 1 | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to fundamental chemical principles through real-life applications relevant to human health and healthcare fields. The course develops essential measurement and quantitative skills, including the use of SI units, scientific notation, significant figures, and unit conversions. Students will study the nature of matter and chemical bonding, focusing on atomic structure, the periodic table, isotopes, ions, and the formation and naming of compounds. The course also examines chemical reactions and quantities, emphasizing chemical equations, reaction types, stoichiometry, the mole concept, and calculations involving mass and moles. Throughout the course, students will build scientific literacy and problem-solving skills applicable to health-care careers. | ||||
| MATH-1234 | Foundational Mathematics for Health 1 | 3 | ||
| This introductory mathematics course will prepare students for the health care field by developing critical thinking skills and building intuition and confidence with numeracy skills. This course covers foundational mathematics topics such as an introduction to algebra, the order of operations, calculations with integers, fractions and decimals, converting between forms of numbers (fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, and proportions), unit conversions, and linear equations (including graphing and interpretation). | ||||
| HLTH-1329 | Personal & Professional Development | 3 | ||
| This course will enable students to increase their knowledge of study skills and determine their own learning styles. Relevant health examples will be used for the learner to develop critical thinking skills and explore personal perceptions and attitudes. Careers in the School of Health Sciences will be used as a reference as an opportunity for the student to develop personal and academic goals and explore career choices in health care. | ||||
| WRIT-1048 | Reason & Writing 1 for Health Sciences | 3 | ||
| This course will introduce health sciences students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
[1] Total program costs are approximate and subject to change. They do not include additional fees such as the health and dental plan, bus pass, or general expenses. Learn more about ancillary and additional fees.