University Transfer – Pathway to Health Sciences
Overview
Earn prerequisites for health sciences programs at VCC or other institutions in a supportive learning environment with attentive instructors.| Tuition | $5,486 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 1 year per course |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Start Dates |
What to expect
What you will learn
- Incorporate critical thinking abilities into systematic inquiry, theoretical reasoning, and decision-making.
- Demonstrate teamwork by working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve goals.
- Demonstrate information literacy skills to determine the nature and extent of information required.
- Apply the appropriate rhetorical mode and presentation style to produce clear, accurate and effective written, verbal, and visual communication for clients and other professionals regarding issues, information, and knowledge in their discipline.
- Utilize accepted research process and abilities in all professional inquires, communications and scholarship.
- Apply and incorporate meta-cognitive processes for continued learning.
- Demonstrate quantitative and analytical skills for entrance into second year university level health science courses.
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The program is at minimum 30 credits. Full-time students can complete the program in twelve months. Part-time students have three years in which to complete the program. Intake for the program is three times a year: September, January and May.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
-
Knowledge of English demonstrated by one of the following:
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English 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent or
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English Language Proficiency demonstrated by one of the following:
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Successful completion of VCC ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1100, or equivalent
-
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) written within the last 24 months with a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0, or equivalent or
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TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test) written within the last 24 months with a minimum score of 82, with minimum scores of 21 in reading and listening and 20 in writing and speaking, or equivalent
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Language Proficiency Exam (LPI) written within the last 24 months with a minimum score of 4, 5 minimum in English Usage and a minimum score of 26 in composition or equivalent. For admission to most courses, a minimum score of 26 on the essay section is required. Applicants who do not meet the requirement will be required to take ENSK 0902 Writing Skills 12 or ENSK 0926 Writing Skills 12 and ENGL 1100 Academic Writing concurrently
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VCC English Language Assessment (ELA) written within the last 12 months, with a minimum score of 145 and a minimum score of 16/20 on the essay portion of the composition section, or equivalent
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Langara English Test (LET) written within last 24 months with a minimum score of 4, or equivalent
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Notes
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Students are required to have successfully completed prerequisite course(s) or equivalents leading to courses in the Certificate (for example: prerequisite course Chemistry 12, or equivalent, needs to be successfully completed in order to take CHEM 1121 Chemistry 1)
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English language with excellent oral and written communication skill.
- Motivated and disciplined.
- Possess analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Some word processing experience required.
Program Availability
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | March 15, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | August 1, 2026 |
Winter 2027 |
|
| Program Start Date | Jan 2027 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | July 15, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
Courses
Option A: Pathway to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English (minimum 6 credits) | ||
| Select one of the following groups: | 6 | |
|
Group 1: |
||
|
ENGL 1100
& ENGL 1200 |
Academic Writing and Introduction to Literature | |
|
Group 2: |
||
|
ENGL 1101
& ENGL 1001 |
Academic Writing for EAL Students and Integrated Language Support 1 (co-requisite) | |
|
ENGL 1102
& ENGL 1002 |
Introduction to Literature for EAL Students and Integrated Language Support 2 (co-requisite) | |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology (minimum 6 credits) | 6 | |
|
BIOL 1120
& BIOL 1220 |
Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 and Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 | |
| Humanities/Social Science (minimum 6 credits) | ||
| Select one of the following groups: | 6 | |
|
Group 1: |
||
|
PSYC 1100
& PSYC 1200 |
Psychology 1 and Psychology 2 | |
|
Group 2: |
||
|
ECON 1100
& ECON 1200 |
Microeconomics and Macroeconomics | |
|
Group 3: |
||
|
SOCI 1100
& SOCI 1200 |
Sociology 1: Intro to Sociology and Sociology 2: Canadian Society | |
| Statistics (minimum 3 credits) | 3 | |
|
MATH 1111 |
Introduction to Statistics | |
| Electives Unspecified (minimum 9 credits) | 9 | |
|
Minimum of 3 additional University Transfer courses |
||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Option B: Pathway to the Dental Hygiene Program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English (minimum 6 credits) | ||
| Select one of the following groups: | 6 | |
|
Group 1: |
||
|
ENGL 1100
& ENGL 1200 |
Academic Writing and Introduction to Literature | |
|
Group 2: |
||
|
ENGL 1101
& ENGL 1001 |
Academic Writing for EAL Students and Integrated Language Support 1 (co-requisite) | |
|
ENGL 1102
& ENGL 1002 |
Introduction to Literature for EAL Students and Integrated Language Support 2 (co-requisite) | |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology (minimum 6 credits) | 6 | |
|
BIOL 1120
& BIOL 1220 |
Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 and Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 | |
| Chemistry (minimum 6 credits) | 6 | |
|
CHEM 1121
& CHEM 1223 |
Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 2 | |
| Psychology (minimum 6 credits) | 6 | |
|
PSYC 1100
& PSYC 1200 |
Psychology 1 and Psychology 2 | |
| Statistics (minimum 3 credits) | 3 | |
|
MATH 1111 |
Introduction to Statistics | |
| Electives Unspecified (minimum 3 credits) | 3 | |
|
Minimum 1 additional University Transfer courses |
||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and Costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,486 | |
| Student union | $145 | |
| College initiative | $91 | |
| Campus resource | $110 | |
| Medical & Dental | $285 | Provided by Student Union |
| U-Pass | $329 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $6,525 |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
How to Apply
Are you interested in this program? Applications are open! Don't forget to:- Submit your official transcripts to the Registrar's Office when you apply
- Check Important Dates for deadlines and registration information
- Apply to the University Transfer Pathway to Health Sciences Certificate. Acceptance into this program will allow you to register in BIOL 1602.
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?