Dec 22, 2024  
2025-2026 Academic Calendar 
    
2025-2026 Academic Calendar

Island Pre-Health Science Advanced Diploma


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The Island Pre-Health program sets you up for advanced health training in fields like medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. In the first two years, you’ll build core skills in health sciences and biology, then focus on advanced studies in pathobiology, epidemiology and pharmacology in year three. You’ll also gain hands-on experience working with local health professionals and learning from Indigenous Elders and communities. Graduates are well-prepared to apply for various advanced health programs.

Admission Requirements


  1.   or   or ENG 104  
  2.   
  3. C+ in Chemistry 12 or NIC CHE 060   
  4. C+ in Biology 12 or NIC BIO 060   
  5. C in Physics 11 or NIC PHY 050   

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:

  1. academic performance and awards;
  2. non-academic qualifications: important experiences, relationship experience, regional interest, volunteer experience, any other information they feel is important/relevant;
  3. 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.  

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.

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 to this program. A limited number of seats will be available for international students who apply before the application deadline date, and any other applications 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. 

Additional Admission Information

This is a limited entry program, with a set number of seats per intake.  Students who have met the admission requirements, which includes academic and non-academic requirements, will be offered admission to the program, on the basis of first applied, first qualified, first invited. 

The application deadline date for domestic students, and a limited number of international students, will be March 31st. As applications are reviewed as they are received, prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. Applications will continue to be reviewed if space exists after the deadline date, until all seats are filled. Waitlisted students will be notified if seats become available.

Before Classes Begin

All students in the program must complete Indigenous Cultural Safety training provided by the program.

Course Requirements


Completion Requirements


  • Upon completion of all course requirements for the program 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.
  • The entire program must be completed within 7 years.
  • A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed at North Island College.
  • A student will not be awarded a second Associate of Science in Island Pre-Health if an Associate of Science degree was already awarded.
  • 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.

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