In Canada, most careers in healthcare require a certain degree of post-secondary education. Whether you choose to become a nurse, doctor, lab technician, personal support worker, or any other role within the industry, you will need to apply to a healthcare post-secondary program in Ontario or in the province where you currently live.
If you are ready to begin this process or are simply considering it, this article will be very helpful to you. Keep reading to learn all about healthcare post-secondary programs in Ontario and how to apply to them.
First things first. You should know that in Ontario and the rest of Canada there are three different types of post-secondary schools: universities, colleges, and institutes, depending on the programs they offer, which range from degrees and diplomas to certificates. Most of these schools offer two main terms per year, one beginning in fall and the other in spring, plus an optional summer term.
Now, in terms of cost, all post-secondary schools charge tuition fees depending on the program chosen, the school itself, and whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student. Due to all of these variables, tuition fees range between $2,500 and $11,400 a year, according to data published by the government.
It should be noted that tuition costs are just a part of the overall costs for post-secondary education, as students also need to purchase materials (textbooks and school supplies), food, transportation, and in many cases, housing. Fortunately, in Ontario and the rest of Canada, there are certain financial support programs available to help students cover these costs. And for those who don't qualify to get government assistance, there are also special bank loans and private scholarships that students can apply for if they need to.
In Ontario, the requirements for admission to a post-secondary program include having an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD/OSSGD). For students who went to school in a different province or country, equivalents like the GED (General Educational Development Certificate) and all Grade 12 diplomas are usually accepted. However, students should know that there's an order of preference for admission established by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. First, permanent residents of Ontario, second permanent residents from other Canadian provinces and territories, and then other applicants from other countries.
To apply to a post-secondary program, students need to visit the Ontario Colleges (OCAS) website, which is the official application processing centre for undergraduate admissions to Ontario Colleges. Once there, both domestic and international students need to pay certain application fees and submit the required documents, which usually include official transcripts for any education completed (or in progress). For internationals, they should also submit a copy of their valid passport and study permit, and proof of English Proficiency test result-IELTS (academic) required by the specific program they are applying to.
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In some cases, academic testing and/or upgrading may be necessary to meet certain admission requirements of post-secondary programs, as admission requirements vary depending on each program. For instance, most schools require students to have certain computer skills, but the level of computer literacy required varies by program.
Once all requirements are met and the admission process is completed, students should expect an Offer of Admission letter sent through OCAS.
There are numerous healthcare-related post-secondary programs offered by schools in Ontario, including programs to become a PSW, DSW, physiotherapist, social worker, mental health worker, child and youth worker, medical assistant, nurse, dietician, and many other healthcare worker roles.
To learn more about healthcare-related post-secondary programs in Ontario, you can visit the website of the college, university or post-secondary institute of your preference, but in the following list you will find some interesting information about the most common programs these days:
Becoming a PSW is a great career choice for people who are compassionate and dedicated to helping others. Students who choose this occupation should also possess certain interpersonal skills such as good communication and teamwork, as these will complement the technical medical skills they will develop from their classes and internships later on.
Nursing programs in Ontario are in high demand at the moment, especially due to the staffing shortages generated by the pandemic, but also because nurses play an integral role in the healthcare sector by providing care, assisting in the performance of medical procedures and promoting healthy lifestyle choices to patients.
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Social Worker programs are usually short in duration (usually two years in any Ontario college) and they are ideal for students interested in learning about psychology, social assistance, and problem resolution. Once graduated, social workers have an ample field of work and can usually find employment in private or public social agencies and programs.
For people interested in nutrition management and dietetics, careers in these fields are great because they combine food and healthcare, but their skills can also be applied in other related food services, so they will have diverse work opportunities and paths to choose from.
In these programs, students learn all about anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation to treat musculoskeletal conditions, and help patients develop new skills.
Does one or more of these healthcare-related post-secondary programs in Ontario interest you?
Then get to it and apply! And don't forget to come back here, even before graduation, to create a free healthcare worker account to get matched with healthcare organizations for practicums and internships, and then start your job search process with us as soon as you graduate. Our platform also allows you to stay connected to your college, university, or post-secondary institute, so you'll see that becoming part of our community comes with many benefits.
Healthcare is an exciting and rewarding field to get into, and we want to support you every step of the way. Let Caring Support help you develop your career and find success in healthcare.
Visit our main page caringsupport.com for more information.
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