Health Courses in Canada

Introduction to studying a health program at a Canada university or college

Health studies involve diverse disciplines and focus on promoting, maintaining, and improving health and well-being at individual and community levels. Pursuing education in health studies offers numerous benefits and is particularly relevant in today’s global context. Students engaging in health studies gain a holistic understanding of health, including physical, mental, and social aspects. The interdisciplinary nature of health studies programs equips students with versatile skills, allowing them to contribute to various sectors such as healthcare, public health, research, policy-making, and community advocacy.

Canada has a strong healthcare system that constantly needs graduates to engage actively in the smooth functioning of the healthcare sector. Aspiring healthcare professionals are attracted to study in Canada as the country’s universities provide high-quality education in various fields, including health sciences. The education system in Canada incorporates theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, enabling students to become highly skilful healthcare professionals.

Types of Degree

Bachelor’s in Health Studies

Students who wish to undertake a foundational course in health studies can opt for a bachelor’s degree in the subject. By gaining education through a bachelor’s degree, students can understand the multifaceted aspects of healthcare. The curriculum of healthcare courses in Canada generally compromises a diverse range of subjects, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare graduates for various roles within the healthcare sector.

While pursuing an undergraduate degree, students initially delve into foundational sciences like anatomy, physiology, and biology to establish a solid understanding of the human body and its functions. These courses also emphasize ethical considerations within healthcare, ensuring graduates are well-versed in the moral and legal aspects of the profession. Many health science courses in Canada include mandatory internships or clinical placements, providing students with hands-on experience in real healthcare environments.

• Course duration: 4 years
• Course fees: CAD 30,000-139,000
• Entry requirements: Candidates must have a high school diploma in a related field and showcase proficiency in the English language.

Master’s in Health Studies

A master’s in health science course in Canada provides an in-depth and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex health issues humans face. These programs are created to equip students with advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and critical thinking skills required to excel in the healthcare sector. Some programs also train them to build research expertise, eventually preparing them for leadership roles in various healthcare industry sectors.

Students can expect to engage in a multidisciplinary curriculum combining public health, epidemiology, health policy, management, and research methodologies. They also comprehensively understand health’s social, economic, and cultural determinants. Many master’s courses incorporate practical experiences such as internships, field placements, or research collaborations with healthcare organizations, which allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The networking opportunities they get during their university years through seminars, conferences, and industry events enable them to foster professional connections, which can go a long way in their career trajectory.

• Course duration: 2 years
• Course fees: CAD 15,000-57,000
• Entry requirements: Admission requires a relevant bachelor’s degree, and some programs may also prefer candidates with professional experience in healthcare or related fields. Proficiency in the English language is also a must.

PhD in Health Studies

PhD programs offer a research-intensive education, enabling them to cultivate critical thinking, research methodologies, and leadership skills. Usually, PhD programs embrace an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to integrate knowledge from public health, epidemiology, health policy, sociology, and more.

• Duration: 4-6 years
• Fees: CAD 17,988- 88,000
• Entry requirements: Admission requires a master’s degree in a relevant field, a strong research proposal, and, often, professional experience in health-related disciplines. English language proficiency is also required to apply to the Ph.D. programs in Canada.

Scholarships

Canada encourages international students to study in Canada by encouraging them to pursue health studies through different means. Various institutions and organizations provide financial support to deserving candidates through scholarships and awards that offset tuition costs, living costs, and other personal expenses of students.

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: This program is designed to attract and retain exceptional doctoral students in Canada. It includes students pursuing health-related research and offering significant financial support for up to three years.
• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Funding: CIHR provides various funding opportunities for international students engaged in health research. These opportunities cover various health-related disciplines, including clinical, biomedical, and social.
• Trudeau Foundation Scholarships: The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation awards scholarships to outstanding social sciences and humanities doctoral candidates. Health studies students focusing on policy, ethics, and societal impact may find this scholarship particularly relevant.
• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships: This scholarship program supports students from Commonwealth countries, including international students in health-related disciplines. It emphasizes global leadership and cross-cultural experiences.
• University-specific scholarships: The major Canadian universities offer scholarships for international students in health studies programs. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or focused on specific research areas within health studies.
• Provincial Scholarships: Some provinces in Canada have their scholarship programs for international students pursuing health studies. These may be specific to the province’s healthcare priorities or research initiatives.

Jobs and Careers

Health studies graduates in Canada have diverse career opportunities across various sectors. The country has a huge demand for healthcare workers at multiple levels who can contribute to the country’s healthcare system and related fields. These professionals are also among the highest paid in Canada, making the sector particularly attractive for graduates of health studies courses in Canada. Following are the major job roles that health studies can take graduates in Canada:

• Healthcare Administration
• Health Policy Analyst
• Public Health Officer
• Epidemiologist
• Health Educator
• Clinical Research Coordinator
• Health Informatics Specialist
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
• Mental Health Counselor
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Salary

As health science graduates can pursue varied roles within the healthcare industry, their salary packages can differ on multiple factors, such as the specific occupation, level of education, and experience. On average, entry-level positions can start from around CAD 48,000 per year. With considerable experience, mid-level professionals can earn almost CAD 77,000.

Professionals who have been in the healthcare industry for an extended period and who have gained specialized education can take up leadership roles and command salaries as high as CAD 137,815 per year. Remuneration in Canada also depends on location, as major cities like Toronto and Vancouver can offer higher packages than smaller cities.

Where can I study Health Studies in Canada?

To learn more about the best health studies universities in Canada, find details on the top ranking Health Science programs in the EduRank Guide 2024 below:

1. University of Toronto
2. McMaster University
3. University of Ottawa
4. University of British Columbia
5. University of Alberta
6. McGill University
7. University of Calgary
8. Western University
9. Queen’s University at Kingston
10. Dalhousie University

Study Health Sciences in Canada

If you wish to study health sciences in Canada, consider booking a free consultation with SI-Canada today to learn more about the application process, scholarships and other relevant details.

FAQ

What are the most in-demand healthcare jobs in Canada?

Canada’s most in-demand healthcare jobs cover many professions as the country has a diverse healthcare landscape. Healthcare graduates can work as nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory technologists, respiratory therapists, and physiotherapists. With the growing focus on mental health today, psychologists and mental health counsellors are also sought-after professionals in the healthcare industry.

What grades are needed to apply for health sciences courses in Canada?

The specific grades required to apply for health sciences courses in Canada can vary among universities and programs. However, candidates must have a minimum average score of 85% to apply.

Is the GRE required for a degree in health science in Canada?

GRE is not a requirement as some universities consider the scores, and some have other admission criteria.