Yes, some healthcare programs in Canada accept applicants without a science background, depending on their admission requirements. Medical Office Administration, Personal Support Worker, and Pharmacy Assistant are options worth exploring. However, programs such as Diagnostic Medical Sonography require biology and mathematics or accepted equivalents.

Before choosing a healthcare program, check the academic prerequisites, practical training requirements, and qualifications needed for your preferred career. Explore the Medical and Health Programs at Pharma Medical Science College of Canada to compare your options.

Do all healthcare programs in Canada require science subjects?

No. Admission requirements depend on the program and the work it prepares students to perform. Administrative programs may focus on English, computer skills, and communication, while diagnostic imaging programs often require biology and mathematics.

There are some personal care courses that accept secondary school certificates as a general admission qualification or offer alternative entry. Science prerequisites are not always required for training, and students can learn healthcare terminology and safety procedures during the training.

You can also explore healthcare careers in Ontario that don’t require a university degree when comparing training options.

Which healthcare programs can you consider without a science background?

Several healthcare programs may be accessible to students who did not study science in high school. Admission depends on the qualifications and requirements of each program.

Medical office administration

Medical Office Administration prepares students for administrative work in healthcare settings, including appointment scheduling, medical records, billing, and patient communication.

Pharma Medical Science College of Canada specifies that the required education is Grade 12 or university level, or a science college diploma, and demonstrated competency in the English language. The program does not specifically name Grade 12 biology as one of the admission requirements.

Personal support worker

The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program prepares students to assist individuals with personal care, mobility, and everyday activities.

The Personal Support Worker program lists an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent and requires applicants to pass a literacy test. The college also refers to mature-student eligibility, which applicants should confirm directly with admissions.

Other qualifications include immunization records, First Aid and CPR certification and a criminal record check. It is important for applicants to understand the time and documentation needed before commencing the program or a clinical placement.

Pharmacy assistant

The Pharmacy Assistant program is another option for students without a traditional science background.

Published admission routes include Grade 12-level education, a university degree, or a science college diploma, along with established English competency. Grade 12 biology is not listed as a separate prerequisite.

However, students study pharmacy mathematics, medical terminology, pharmacology, inventory management, and pharmacy procedures. Pharmacy Assistant training is different from the regulated Pharmacy Technician pathway in Ontario.

Diagnostic medical sonography

Diagnostic Medical Sonography has specific academic prerequisites.

Pharma Medical Science College of Canada requires an OSSD with biology and mathematics courses or an accepted equivalent. Students must also meet clinical training requirements.

If you are missing these subjects, contact admissions to confirm which upgrading courses or equivalent qualifications may be accepted.

Admission requirements vary by program and may change. Confirm current eligibility directly with the college.

How can you enter healthcare when science prerequisites are missing?

Students without the required science subjects may have several admission pathways, depending on their educational background and intended program.

Choose a program that accepts your existing qualifications

First, look at healthcare programs that have published admission requirements that are similar to what you have. Medical Office Administration and Pharmacy Assistant are two programs to examine here at Pharma Medical Science College of Canada, as Grade 12 biology is not mentioned as an admission requirement.

Compare the program curriculum and practical training expectations before deciding which option aligns with your career goals.

Confirm your academic eligibility, English competency, and any additional admission requirements with the college.

Use a pre-health sciences or bridging program

Pre-health sciences programs can help students develop foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and anatomy before pursuing further healthcare education. For example, Seneca Polytechnic’s one-year Pre-Health Sciences program covers these subjects and prepares students to apply for further study in health sciences.

However, completing a preparatory program does not guarantee admission. Confirm that your preferred college accepts the qualification before enrolling.

Upgrade only the subjects you need

If your chosen program requires biology or mathematics, you may be able to complete the missing secondary-school credits.

Ask the admissions office which course level, minimum grade, and equivalent qualifications are accepted.

What should you check before applying to a healthcare program?

Before applying, review both the admission requirements and the qualifications needed to complete the program and pursue your intended career.

Review your academic records, science prerequisites, English proficiency requirements, placement requirements and costs of the programs. It is also important to note that some careers may involve ongoing assessment tests or require professional registration or other qualifications following graduation.

The college’s guide to choosing a healthcare diploma for your career goals can help you compare available options.

What will you study if you didn’t take science in high school?

Even when science subjects are not admission prerequisites, healthcare students may study anatomy, medical terminology, infection prevention, workplace procedures, and basic calculations.

For example, Medical Office Administration students learn about medical records and patient confidentiality. PSW students practise personal care and safety skills, while Pharmacy Assistant students study medication-related terminology and calculations.

Practical training requirements also vary. Some programs include laboratory sessions, simulations, co-op placements, or supervised clinical practice.

Always confirm the curriculum and placement requirements before applying.

What if you’re a mature student or applying from outside Canada?

Depending on their age, educational background, and chosen program, mature students may be eligible for an alternative admission pathway. However, mature-student status does not automatically waive program-specific science, mathematics, English, or clinical placement requirements.

International applicants should confirm academic equivalency, English requirements, study-permit eligibility, and whether their intended program qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Pharma Medical Science College of Canada is listed as a designated learning institution (DLI). The IRCC listing referenced in this article indicates that the college does not offer PGWP-eligible programs. Applicants should verify the latest status using the official IRCC designated learning institutions list before paying a deposit.

Your next step: match your background to the right program

Choosing a healthcare program without a science background starts with understanding your qualifications and career goals.

Review the available programs, compare admission requirements, and identify any subjects or qualifications you may need to complete.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, contact our admissions team. Share your educational background and preferred program so the team can explain the applicable admission requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Programs Without a Science Background

1. Can you study a healthcare program in Canada without Grade 12 biology?

Yes. Some healthcare programs do not list Grade 12 biology as a separate prerequisite. However, programs such as Diagnostic Medical Sonography require biology and mathematics or an accepted equivalent.

2. Which Pharma Medical programs are worth checking if I did not study science?

Medical Office Administration, Personal Support Worker, and Pharmacy Assistant are options worth exploring. Applicants must still meet the specific admission and training requirements of their chosen program.

3. Do I need biology to apply for diagnostic medical sonography?

Yes. Pharma Medical Science College of Canada’s published requirements include biology and mathematics or an accepted equivalent. Contact admissions about upgrading options if you are missing these subjects.

4. Can a pre-health sciences course replace missing prerequisites?

Possibly. Pre-health sciences programs may help students meet academic requirements, but acceptance depends on the destination program. Confirm eligibility before enrolling.

5. Do healthcare programs include hands-on placements?

Some programs include simulations, practical training, co-op placements, or supervised clinical practice. Additional documents or certifications may be required before placement.

6. Can mature students or international applicants enrol without a science background?

Some programs may consider mature or international applicants through eligible admission pathways. Applicants should confirm their qualifications and program requirements. International students must also verify study-permit and PGWP eligibility.