Program_Pre Health Sciences

Pre-Health Sciences Certificate

The Pre-Health Sciences Certificate program at Red Deer Polytechnic provides you with an opportunity to examine the roles and responsibilities of a variety of health care professionals. You will explore our different health programs, build a strong knowledge base and receive advanced course credit.
Domestic Status:
Open
International Status:
Open
Next Start date:
Certificate
1 Year
Accepting International Students
Full-Time On Campus Online

About the Pre-Health Sciences Certificate

This is your opportunity to explore the many career options offered in the health and wellness field at RDP to find your perfect path. Or if you already have an idea what certificate or diploma you want to pursue in this field but do not meet the admission requirements, this is a great path to get your there. 

If you do not meet the requirements for your preferred health care program, this program will provide the opportunity to increase your current GPA and/or acquire pre-requisites. 

If you are unsure of your path but are interested in a health career, you can explore concepts related to health and health care. You will also be able to employ effective study, writing, information literacy and digital literacy skills to prepare for health and wellness programs. 

Work-integrated Learning

Work-integrated learning opportunities will depend on the area of focus you choose.  Learn more about the many types of experiential learning opportunities available at Red Deer Polytechnic through the Career Education and Experience Development Centre. 

Further Study

The following programs have designated at least 10% of their total first-year seats seats for admission of graduates of the Pre-Health Sciences Certificate program, provided all other admission requirements are met.

  • Medical Lab Assistant Certificate 

  • Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma 

  • Pharmacy Technician Diploma 

  • Practical Nurse Diploma 

Intakes

Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:

NOTES:  

  • International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
  • Important dates may change 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.   

International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements. 

Eligibility for admission to the Pre-Health Sciences Certificate program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Academic Requirements  

Students applying to Pre-Health Sciences must have a minimum of 50% in:    

  •  ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2, or equivalent 

  • Biology 20, or equivalent  

A minimum of 65% in: 

  • Mathematics 10C or 50% in Math 30-1, 30-2, 30 Applied, 20-1, 20-2 or 20 Applied, or equivalent  

The following programs have designated seats for admission of graduates of the Pre-Health Sciences Certificate program who achieve a Grade Point Average of 3.0, provided all other admission requirements are met. The programs specified below have designated at least 10% of their total first year seats. 

Additional Requirements for Pathway Programs:

  • Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate 

    • Pre-Health Sciences Certificate 

    • Chemistry 20, or equivalent 

  • Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma 

    • Pre-Health Sciences Certificate 

    • 60% in ELA 30-1, or equivalent 

  • Pharmacy Technician Diploma 

    • Pre-Health Sciences Certificate 

    • Chemistry 20, or equivalent 

    • High School Diploma or GED 

    • NAPRA English Language Proficiency 

  • Practical Nurse Diploma 

    • Pre-Health Sciences Certificate 

    • 60% in ELA 30-1, or equivalent 

NOTE: Admission to a pathway program is not guaranteed. Admission to programs is based on a first qualified, first admitted or competitive, based on grade point average, basis. Please note the additional admission requirements for your pathway below. 

Additional Requirements

Technology

You are required to have either a MAC or a PC laptop that meet the following specifications: 

Laptop requirements: 

  • Apple Laptop minimum requirement: 
    MacBook Air with 1.6 GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor, 128 Gb storage solid state, 4 Gb memory 
    Web camera (built in or as peripheral) 
    Microphone 

  • Windows Laptop minimum requirement: 
    Laptop with 2.6 GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor, 128 Gb storage, 4 Gb memory and Windows 10 operating system 
    Web camera (built in or as peripheral) 
    Microphone 

  • Software 
    Latest version of Adobe Flash 
    Google Chrome browser 
    Microsoft Word * 

  • Other 
    USB memory stick (Flash drive) 

* Microsoft Word is used for several purposes. You can either purchase and install the Microsoft Word application or install the free software client to use a Red Deer Polytechnic virtual desktop with the full Microsoft Office Suite of applications. 

English Language Proficiency

Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.  

Prior Learning and Transfer

Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Pre-Health Sciences Certificate, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.   

Program Cost

Students from Canada
Estimated Tuition & Fees
$8,032.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

International Students
Estimated Tuition & Fees
$21,527.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.      

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.     

Program Content

View our course guide for additional program and course information. 

Graduation Requirements

Students must pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. 

Continuing and Professional Education

Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.