Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas Program (A109)
Program Description
Program Overview
The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas (A109) program will prepare you for admission to a variety of Health Sciences programs including George Brown College’s Practical Nursing (S121) diploma program. To develop the skills you need to work as an effective member of a health-care team, you will take courses in biology, chemistry, applied math, social science, human relations, communications and general education electives.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested in pursuing a three-year advanced diploma or four-year degree program at the college or university level, apply to George Brown’s Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (A108) program.
Full Description
Pre-Programs at George Brown College
Pre-programs are post-secondary certificate programs that offer you the opportunity to take courses for career exploration or to qualify for further study. With small class sizes, dedicated teachers and built-in advising and supports, our suite of pre-programs will help you strengthen your academic skills and will prepare you for further coursework.
George Brown's Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program will prepare you academically for future study in several Health Sciences programs by setting a foundation in core mathematics and science courses and providing an overview of the health-care industry.
Upon completion of this program, you will have a variety of program pathway options at other post-secondary institutions and many George Brown programs, including:
- Practical Nursing
- Dental Assisting
- Orthotics/Prosthetics
- Medical Office Administration
- Recreation Management in Gerontology
Today's health-care employers are looking for skilled workers to address a critical labour shortage. Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas will provide you with the practical training, confidence-building and communication skills you need to excel in many health-care programs and careers in the field.
Through classroom and hands-on study, you will explore careers in the health sector, including those in health-care institutions or with health-care providers. You will also gain a basic understanding of social sciences and human relations – essential skills for the field of health sciences.
As a student in this program, you will have access to career development, academic advising and student success services to support your career exploration and other academic needs.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BIOL 1051 | Biology for Health Sciences I – Diploma Pathway |
| CHEM 1021 | Chemistry for Health Sciences I – Diploma Pathway |
| COMM 1000 | Introduction to College Communication |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
| MATH 1142 | Mathematics for Health Sciences I – Diploma Pathway |
| PREP 1012 | Personal and Professional Development |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BIOL 1061 | Biology for Health Sciences II – Diploma Pathway |
| CHEM 1031 | Chemistry for Health Sciences II – Diploma Pathway |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
| MATH 1152 | Mathematics for Health Sciences II – Diploma Pathway |
| PREP 1025 | Speaking with Confidence |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
The School of Work and College Preparation provides applicants and students with access to a Pathway Advisor, who provides information about upgrading options, pre-programs and articulation agreements and helps facilitate the transition into further post-secondary programs.
Returning students who have been removed from this program due to academic penalties must write an appeal letter if they reapply.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit our transfer guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Note: Pathways
The A109 Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program provides a direct path to the following programs at George Brown College: Practical Nursing, Dental Assisting, Recreation Management in Gerontology, Fitness and Health Promotion and Office Administration – Medical.
Each of these programs reserves a limited number of seats per intake for Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas graduates who meet certain conditions (such as a minimum grade point average for the program or minimum grades in specific courses) upon graduation from Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas. Admission to some of these programs is highly competitive.
NEW – Practical Nursing (S121) admission requirements include an online video interview for all qualified applicants (including those through the A109 pathway).
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Contact the Pathway Advisor via email at preparation@georgebrown.ca or via telephone at 416-415-5000 x2874 for program and pathways information.
If you are a former student who wishes to return to the program, contact the Program Assistant via email at Christine.Kissoore@georgebrown.ca.
Learn more about our college preparation programs and work preparation programs.
For more information about George Brown College, call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Thinking about attending George Brown? The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificate and Diplomas program is taught at our St. James Campus at 341 King St. E., Toronto, Ontario.
Sign up for an information session, book a general campus tour to see the common areas of each campus (i.e., cafeteria, student services, the gym, etc.) or explore our virtual tour.
