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 O111010246767.
Please Note: This program is eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP).
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 Language Arts 30-2 at 60%
- Math 30-2 at 60%
- Biology 30
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 31, 2026 to April 30. 2027
Locations
Lac La Biche Campus
Delivery
Hyflex
Domestic Student Fees Application Fee $53.50 Fall Term Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $2,594.46 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $3,174.94 |
Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $2,594.46 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $2,848.44 |
Part-time Fees Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170. Tuition Deposit – $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs) Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act. Health & Dental Fees You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609. Athletics & Recreation Fees These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online. Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
International Student Fees Application Fee $160.00 Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable) If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy. Fall Term Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $7,650.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Guard Me Insurance | $602.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $8,832.73 |
Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $7,650.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $7,903.98 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act. Health & Dental Fees You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609. Athletics & Recreation Fees These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online. Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.