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Dec 05, 2025
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PUBLISHED 2025-2026 Credit Catalog
Pre-Health Sciences
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Are you interested in a career in the healthcare field but aren’t sure where you want to focus? Our Pre-Health Sciences certificate program allows you to simultaneously explore different career opportunities and build a related skillset through a variety of foundational courses.
In this program, you will:
- learn the skills, attitudes, and attributes expected of healthcare practitioners
- explore various healthcare professions
- build competencies in communications, math, and statistics
- train in the foundations of healthcare practice, including medical terminology, anatomy, and infection control.
In addition to the prescribed curriculum, you’ll have the opportunity to select from elective courses that most suit your area of interest, including a course in Phlebotomy that can help you secure employment, even if you don’t want to pursue additional education.
This certificate exposes you to numerous healthcare career pathways, serves as a strong foundation for further studies and equips you with the competencies to excel in more specialized programming.
As related, this program’s curriculum overlaps with that of a number of programs in SAIT’s School of Health and Public Safety, and, provides an avenue through which to meet some or all of the admission requirements for many of these programs.
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Traits, skills and aptitudes
Those in the healthcare field tend to be social, methodical, objective, directive and innovative. You need to: - take pride in contributing to a healthy population
- be people-oriented
- be detail-oriented
- be a critical thinker
- have fine motor skills
- work well independently as well as part of a team
- be comfortable handling human blood and tissue
- be able to stand upright for extended periods of time
- be able to perform repetitive movements with your hands, wrists, and arms for extended periods of time
- be able to be comfortable with shift work, including nights and weekends.
Academic path
The curriculum in this certificate overlaps with that of a number of other programs in SAIT’s School of Health and Public Safety, allowing you to receive course credit and get a head start in additional programs if you choose to continue your education. Additionally, completing this certificate will qualify you to meet some or all of the admission requirements for many of these programs, including those in which the curriculum does not overlap. We encourage you to explore all of our programming to identify bridging and pathway opportunities. Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Pre-Health Sciences certificate. Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible
This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies. Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education. Potential careers (NOC): - Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (33101)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)
- Other assisting occupations in support of health services (33109)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and have achieved a minimum score of 50% in each of the following courses or their equivalents: - English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2, and
- Math 20-1 or 20-2, and
- Biology 20 and Chemistry 20, or Science 30.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta. Program outline
The Pre-Health Sciences certificate requires 30 credits (11 courses) to complete. The program spans one year, with two semesters. Required courses
You must complete all of the following courses. Elective courses
You must complete two of the following courses. Suggested schedule of study
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines. Review our grading and progression procedure > Books and supplies
Your books and supplies, including computer requirements, are approximately $2,000. This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page. A laptop is preferable to other device types. Phones are not suitable alternatives. Health and Public Safety program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Health and Public Safety. Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca Program outcomes
- Collaboration - evaluate personal strengths and areas for growth as a member of a professional healthcare team.
- Professionalism - exemplify professionalism when working with diverse groups in the health sciences field.
- Communication - facilitate effective communication of health sciences concepts, terminology, and standards in interprofessional teams.
- Curiosity and life-long learning - create a learning and development plan for a health sciences career.
- Technology and digital literacy - summarize the relationship between technology applications, digital literacy, and health outcomes.
- Ethical problem-solving and decision-making - develop strategies for ethical, inclusive, and evidence-informed decision-making in a healthcare context.
- Resilience and self-awareness - reflect on self-awareness, resilience, and stress management techniques for healthcare professionals.
- Preparation for healthcare careers - incorporate academic skills with foundational knowledge of Canadian healthcare systems.
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