Island Pre-Health Science Advanced Diploma

The Island Pre-Health Science (IPHS) program is designed to be completed in 3-years. Core competencies needed to prepare for upper-level health science and biology courses will be developed in years one and two. Students wishing to leave after two years of fulltime study, assuming all requirements have been met, can apply to graduate with an Associate of Science degree in Island Pre-Health Science. The third year of the program, required to complete the Advanced Diploma, focuses on higher level coursework relating to health science (e.g. pathobiology, epidemiology, pharmacology). This year incorporates a strong Indigenous focus throughout. Students who complete this advanced diploma will be well-situated to proceed to professional programs in the health sciences, or complete a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Biology or other related fields.

The goals of the program are four-fold:

to provide the foundational ideas, theories and concepts needed to pursue further studies in medicine and/or the health sciences;
to understand and analyse the socio-economic, cultural and historical factors impacting healthcare provision on north Vancouver Island and in similar rural areas;
through the application of place-based learning strategies and Indigenous ways of knowing and methodologies, prepare students for working and living in rural, remote communities, and;
to deliver an accessible, regional pathway into medical school and other health science degree programs for prospective students hailing from rural, island communities or wanting to relocate and work in said areas.

The early application deadline date for this program is April 30, 2023. Students who meet all admission requirements will be eligible to receive an early conditional offer of admission.

Admission Requirements

This is a competitive limited entry program. Students who have completed their application and met the program admission requirements will be ranked based on a combination of academic and non-academic requirements.

High school graduation
or or
C+ in Chemistry 12 or NIC
C+ in Biology 12 or NIC
C in Physics 11 or NIC

Qualified or conditionally qualified applicants will be required to complete a supplementary application intake form comprised of questions relating to past experience and future ambitions. This process will give each applicant an opportunity to share their stories and speak to their future goals. A Selection Committee will review submissions and evaluate each applicant according to the overarching goals and purposes of the Island Pre-Health Science Program - as noted above. The application form will ask for elaboration on:

academic performance and awards;
non-academic qualifications: important experiences, relationship experience, regional interest, volunteer experience, any other information they feel is important/relevant;
reason(s) for applying to the Island Pre-Health Science program.

Qualified or conditionally qualified applicants will also be asked to arrange for the submission of two personal reference forms (included in the application intake form) that will be sent to North Island College under separate cover.

Indigenous Priority Admission

North Island College is dedicated to improving its ability to meet the educational needs of Indigenous students. NIC’s Indigenization Plan, “Working Together” outlines our commitment to Indigenization, reconciliation and decolonization. To further advance these goals, North Island College has reserved seating and priority admissions in many of our programs for students of Indigenous ancestry.

Applicants will be considered on a first-applied, first-qualified basis for all programs with the exception of Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, where a selective admission process will be used.

To be considered for a priority admission seat, Indigenous students must:

Self-identify as an Indigenous person
Complete the Indigenous Priority Admission Request for a Reserved Seat form
Meet NIC’s general admission requirements, and/or specific program requirements

International Admission

International students can apply and will be considered after the application deadline on an equal basis with late domestic applicants if unused capacity exists. International students should be aware that their citizenship and residency status may impact their ability to apply to future professional health science programs within Canada, or to become licensed in a specific profession.

Any applicant who is not admitted or does not take a seat in a given year must reapply if they want to be considered in a subsequent year.

Course Requirements

Year 1

Completion Requirements

Students may exit the program after completion of Year 2 with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and will be awarded an Associate of Science Degree in Island Pre-Health.
A minimum of 75% of the Associate of Science Degree in Island Pre-Health must be completed at NIC.
The Associate of Science Degree in Island Pre-Health must be completed within 6 years.
A minimum of 66% or two thirds of the Island Pre-Health Science Advanced Diploma must be completed at NIC. Courses suitable for completion elsewhere include and , and the electives to be completed in the program. All other courses must be completed at NIC.
The Island Pre-Health Science Advanced Diploma must be completed within 3 years.
Upon completion of all course requirements with an overall average grade of C (cumulative GPA of 2.0) students will be awarded an Associate of Science Degree in Island Pre-Health and an Advanced Diploma in Island Pre-Health.