Applied Health Care and Technology Programs In Canada

Quick Facts

Credential
· Bachelor of Science (BSc)
· Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (BScAHN)
· Bachelor of Applied Health Science (BAHS)
· Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BScApp)
· Bachelor of Technology (BTech)
· Diploma/ Certificate

Program Length
· 3- 4 years for direct-entry bachelor's degree
· 2+2 for non-direct entry bachelor's degree
· 2-3 years for diploma
· 12 - 52 weeks for certificate

Entry
· Bachelor's degree - direct entry; entry after 1 or 2 years of certificate or diploma study; entry after previous degree
· Diploma/ Certificate - direct entry

Areas of Study
· General health science, rehabilitation, public health, medical technology
· Specializations include resident care, long-term care, home care, personal support, pharmacy, rehabilitation, emergency services, audiology, massage therapy, natural health & healing, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, diagnostic cytology, sonography, nuclear medicine technology, radiological technology, respiratory therapy, medical lab technology, chiropody, opthalmic medical technology, dental hygiene, dental/ medical assisting, occupational health & safety

Special Features
· industry internships
· practicum

The human body is a complicated system and there are many ways to take care of it. The range of educational options in applied health care and technology reflects this complex and fascinating field.

At the university level, you can choose from several competitive three- or four-year Bachelor's degrees with various majors. For instance, you can take a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in dental hygiene, Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Paramedic), Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (BScAHN). General health studies degrees are also available such as the Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BScApp) in nutrition and food or occupational and public health. Some of these may require 1 or two years of prior study (a diploma program. Universities may also offer 2-year diploma and advanced diploma programs in various applied health care and technology fields.

Finding the right program for you can involve a bit of investigative work, since university applied health care and technology programs can be found in many different Faculties or Schools within a university. Some examples are: Faculty of Health Professions, Community and Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Professional Studies or Faculty of Arts and Science.

Similarly, community colleges often have applied health care and technology-related Faculties, but there are also specialized applied health care and technology colleges. Even some colleges specializing in other fields, such as business, may offer applied health care and technology programs.

Certificate, diploma and pre-university programs are usually 1- 2 year programs, but 3- 4 year Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degrees may also be offered. Programs include resident care, continuing or long-term care, home care, personal support, Indigenous wellness and addiction, pharmacy technician, health care aide, dental assisting, massage, acupuncture, oriental medicine, food and nutrition, paramedicine, respiratory therapy, and a wide range of medical and medical lab technology programs (clinical genetics technology, medical imaging, nuclear medicine, prosthetics, hearing instruments, etc.). In general, community colleges have smaller classes, and their diplomas can either transferred for credit or used to fulfill the prerequisites for university programs.

There are also many private career colleges that specialize in a similar range of applied health and technology care programs. These tend to be more career-oriented, technology-focused and often include business skills training. Facilities are designed for maximum practical clinical experience so graduates are job ready.

Human health--both physical and mental--isn't something you can treat after simply reading about in a textbook. At all levels, the curriculum for applied health care and technology programs generally involves problem-based learning , lecture, theoretical study, lab work, simulation-enhanced education and some kind of clinical placement or practicum.

Check out CampusStarter's database of Canadian Applied Health Care and Technology Schools and Programs