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Pre-Health Sciences Certificate

The Pre-Health Sciences Certificate introduces students to diverse career options available in the health field. Students who have an interest in health care but are uncertain about career direction have an opportunity to explore fundamental concepts related to health. Students will also develop essential skills in studying, writing, information literacy and digital literacy which will prepare them for a successful career in a variety of environments and career pathways within the health field. This program is designed to be completed over one year and will include a combination of hyflex and online courses.

Courses will be offered online, with options for face-to-face and hyflex classes in Lac La Biche, along with practicum placements to provide hands-on experience.

This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is 0111010246767.

Please Note:  This program is eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP).

Domestic Apply

Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).

Domestic Funding Options

Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.

Domestic Information Request

If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.

International Student Apply

International students, once you have chosen your program and checked the admission requirements you are now ready to apply for admission.

International Student Study Permit

Your study permit is the document that allows you to stay in Canada and study. It is different from a student visa, which is the document that allows you to enter Canada.

International Information Request

Our international student representatives are happy to answer your questions about programs, services and any immigration related questions that you may have. Please use the form link provided.

Learning Technology Support

Career Potential

A Pre-Health Science Certificate can open doors to a variety of career paths in the healthcare field. While the certificate itself is often a stepping stone for further education, it can help you prepare for roles such as Health Care Aide, Medical Office Assistant, Pharmacy Assistant, Laboratory Technician, and many more. 

Students have the opportunity to continue their studies at Portage College in programs such as Primary Care Paramedic, Practical Nurse, or Advanced Care Paramedic.

For some of these careers, additional certification or education may be required, but the Pre-Health Science Certificate will provide a solid foundation for pursuing these paths or further training in specialized healthcare fields.

Credentials
Pre-Health Sciences Certificate

Admission Requirements

  • English 30-2 at 60%
  • Biology 30
  • Math 30-2 at 60%

Transfers:

Transferable to other Alberta post-secondary institutions such as Athabasca University, Bow Valley College, the University of Alberta, and Concordia University. Please refer to Transfer Alberta for more detailed information based on the courses selected.

Certification:

Pre-Health Sciences Certificate

 

Program Start/End Dates
August 28, 2025 to May 29, 2026

Application Deadline
Domestic Student: August 15, 2025
International Student: May 15, 2025 
Study Permit Deadline: August 1, 2025 for Fall 2025

Location
Courses will be offered online, with options for face-to-face and hyflex classes in Lac La Biche.

TBD

TBD

Click here to view Other Fees for Service

Course Listing

  • ANATOMY I

    Course ID: BIOL230

    Name: ANATOMY I

    Hours: 45

    Credits: 3

    This course provides an in-depth study of the structures of the human body and their interrelationships using a systems approach. The correlations between structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) are noted. Major topics include body organization, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary and reproductive systems, the general and special senses, and human development. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students.

  • CAREER INTERNSHIP 1

    Course ID: INTD205

    Name: CAREER INTERNSHIP 1

    Hours: 130

    Credits: 3

    This unique, optional course provides students the opportunity to put classroom learning into practice in a 100-hour work experience. Students can apply their academic knowledge and skills to meaningful experiences in the workplace within their field of study and/or their career goals. This course involves 30 hours of employment training activities prior to entering the 100-hour placement. Students are responsible for securing an approved work-experience placement; the work experience is monitored and evaluated by the employer.

    Pre/Corequisites: Completed 12 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (prior to enrolment) and permission from the Coordinator or designate

  • COMMUNICATIONS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

    Course ID: COMM135

    Name: COMMUNICATIONS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

    Hours: 45

    Credits: 3

    This course explores basic and therapeutic communication skills for the health professional. Communication skills required for the development of caring relationships and to overcome barriers will be discussed, as well as, the skills needed for interprofessional practice, group and family communication. Conflict resolution, self-reflective practice and health teaching are key components of this course. PREREQUISITE: Admission to a Health & Wellness program

  • ELECTIVE

    Course ID: ELEC100

    Name: ELECTIVE

    Hours: 45

    Credits: 3

    ELEC100

  • INTRODUCTORY COMPOSITION

    Course ID: ENGL102

    Name: INTRODUCTORY COMPOSITION

    Hours: 45

    Credits: 3

    This course helps students to develop the academic writing skills they use throughout their university studies. Students learn to identify good writing, and develop needed research, analytical, and organizational skills. Starting with building good sentences and paragraphs, the research essay is the most important genre in this course. By analyzing, summarizing, synthesizing, and critiquing a variety of texts, students learn how to develop their own analyses and arguments with appropriate and correctly documented primary and secondary sources. Readings by or about indigenous and minority peoples form no less than 50% of the readings in this course. A review of grammar and sentence structure is a key component of this course.  Students are advised to choose a research topic in line with their career goals.  
     
    Prerequisite 60% in ELA 30-1
  • INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY

    Course ID: PSYC104

    Name: INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY

    Hours: 45

    Credits: 3

    This course is a prerequisite to other psychology courses at Portage College. This Introductory psychology course is intended to inspire an interest in, and an appreciation for, the field of psychology.  Topics in this course include the history of psychological science, psychological research methods, the structure and function of the brain and nervous system, learning, sensation, perception, memory, consciousness, thought, and language.

    Prerequisites: 60% in ELA 30-1

  • INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS & RESEARCH METHODS

    Course ID: STAT141

    Name: INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS & RESEARCH METHODS

    Hours: 45

    Credits: 3

    This introductory statistics course provides students in a variety of disciplines with basic knowledge regarding the theory and application of statistics. Prerequisites: 50% in MATH 30-1 or Math 30-2 at 60% and 60% in ELA 30-1

  • PHYSIOLOGY I

    Course ID: BIOL231

    Name: PHYSIOLOGY I

    Hours: 45

    Credits: 3

    This course provides a study of the overall function of the human body. Major topics include fundamental chemistry, homeostasis, cytology and cell physiology, cell signaling and communication, and muscle, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive physiology, as well as fundamental genetics as it applies to human physiology. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students.

    Pre/Corequisite 60% in ELA 30-1 and BIO 30 BIOL230

  • PHYSIOLOGY II

    Course ID: BIOL232

    Name: PHYSIOLOGY II

    Hours: 45

    Credits: 3

    This course focuses on the study of homeostasis and how it is altered by physical, biochemical, microbial or genetic factors, providing an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of human body function, pathophysiology (disordered physiology) and disease processes. The course summarizes the normal function of each organ system and then presents a number of major diseases of each system, showing how symptoms and signs of selected diseases are produced by pathophysiology. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students.

    The prerequisites are 60% in ELA30-1 and BIOL230 & 231

  • PERSONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

    Course ID: HEED105

    Name: PERSONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

    Hours: 45

    Credits: 3

    This course will introduce you to the physical, social, mental, occupational, emotional, environmental and spiritual dimensions of personal health and wellness. These dimensions are described within the context of the Canadian Health Care System and your own individual community. Topics include primary health care, nutrition, exercise, stress management, weight management, eating disorders, common health issues and their prevention. You will be expected to integrate knowledge of the seven dimensions of health and apply this knowledge to a self-analysis of your own health and physical fitness. Finally, you will incorporate change management theory to develop, implement and evaluate a personal wellness plan. The intent of this course is to promote a healthy lifestyle. By examining determinants of health, the current health care system, the seven dimensions of health and applying these concepts to your own lifestyle, you will be better equipped to function as role models and act as change agents for health promotion in your community. Prerequisite 60% in ELA 30-1

We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.
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