Lay foundations for success in preparation for healthcare studies.

This 14-week preparatory certificate is designed for international students to prepare them to transition into their chosen healthcare program.
This program delivers numerous topics in compact module blocks for easy assimilation, balanced between theory and practical application.
Enjoy a more personalized learning environment with our small classes

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

Competitive?

Winter 2025

Spring 2025

Fall 2025

Schedule

Winter 2025

Level 01

Program Summary

Credential

College Certificate (14 Weeks)

Program Delivery

View delivery information

Program Code

1630X01FWO

Area of Interest

Health Sciences

School

School of Health Studies

Campus

Ottawa

Other Campuses

Perth

Learn the fundamentals of Canadian healthcare and develop your communication skills, all while settling into student life in Canada. Over the course of one semester in the Introduction to Canadian Healthcare Studies program, you prepare for the rigorous academic and professional challenges, expectations and standards of your chosen healthcare program. This Algonquin College Certificate is intended for international students with a conditional acceptance to any of the following programs:...(read more)

Overview

Lay foundations for success in preparation for healthcare studies.

Cardiovascular Technology
Dental Assisting
Dental Hygiene
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Massage Therapy
Medical Device Reprocessing
Medical Radiation Technology
Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
Paramedic
Practical Nursing
Respiratory Therapy

As an ICHS student, you work to refine the breadth of skills required for success in the healthcare field. Throughout the program, you develop a number of strengths:

comfort with language skillsets
a foundation in medical terminologies
essential research and analysis skills
critical thinking skills relevant to healthcare and your everyday life in Canada
effective learning strategies to support your academic success

You personalize your learning experience by focusing assignments in a number of courses on your personal, academic and professional interests. You work towards your academic and vocational goals through scenario-based activities, field trips, laboratory visits and/or practical exercises.

An additional benefit of completing ICHS is that you will carry one credit in Communications forward with you into your chosen program of study. This program provides you with an opportunity to gain occupation-specific knowledge and language, as well as the academic skills, to step confidently into a health sciences Ontario credential.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

Are looking to strengthen their potential for success in their healthcare program of study.
Seek to expand and improve their communication and interpersonal skills.
Possess problem-solving and analytical skills.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

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Level 01

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

ENL1813S

Course Name:

Communications I

Course Description:

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Code:

HLT0221

Course Name:

Academic Reading, Writing and Researching

Course Description:

Establishing the fundamentals of academic practices helps to promote success in current and future studies. Students create texts with the a... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Code:

HLT0222

Course Name:

Healthcare in Canada and Basic Medical Terminology

Course Description:

Learning how the Canadian healthcare system works is vital for students to understand their future professional role within it. Students exp... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Code:

HLT0223

Course Name:

Navigating Learning Environments

Course Description:

As learning occurs in classrooms, online, and in labs, strengthening best academic practices supports the achievement of academic success. S... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Code:

HLT0224

Course Name:

Professional Learning Skills for Healthcare

Course Description:

Being a member of a healthcare team requires professional conduct and a commitment to professional practice. Students learn what makes an in... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Code:

HLT0225

Course Name:

Multiculturalism and Establishment in Canada

Course Description:

Being provided with resources and tools to help transition into life in a different country supports students' ability to thrive academicall... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Code:

HLT0294

Course Name:

Communicating in the Canadian Workplace

Course Description:

Regular and confident engagement in spoken communication prepares students for success at college and in the workplace. Students use critica... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

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Careers & Pathways

Careers

This program is a pathway program into healthcare programs. It is not intended to prepare students to enter directly into industry.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

View all Algonquin College pathways

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

Discuss the Canadian healthcare system, the role of the healthcare professionals and the terminology and basic practices related to health and wellness.
Communicate competently at the level required for post-secondary studies, showing flexibility and clarity of thought and expression.
Read and interpret academic texts using effective reading and note-taking strategies.
Develop a sense of personal and professional responsibility as an international post-secondary student.
Develop and apply personal development strategies to ensure academic success in post-secondary studies.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.

Additional program related expenses include:
Cost of textbooks: approximately $215.50.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

Select the Academic Year:

Admissions Next Steps

College Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility

Minimum 18 years of age.
International Student status (foreign national with a valid study permit).
Conditional acceptance into a health studies Ontario College Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma at Algonquin College.

Application Information