Academic Requirements

College Eligibility

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
• Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility

• English Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
• Mathematics Grade 11 (MBF3C or equivalent).
• Biology Grade 11 or 12.
• All applicants must complete an assessment of their knowledge and skills through the Test Centre, and pay an exam fee. Results from the Algonquin College Health Program Admissions Test (AC-HPAT) will be utilized to establish minimum eligibility and applicant ranking. The AC-HPAT can only be written once per academic cycle. For further information on the HPAT and how to book your assessment, please visit Algonquin's Test Centre.
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).

International Applicants:
International Applicants who meet the program eligibility requirements are required to complete preparatory courses (4-months in duration):Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS). Students who successfully complete the introduction will then proceed to their original health program of choice. The ICHS requires applicants to submit an academic IELTS score.

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Police Records Check Documentation
Though not an admission requirement, applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Records Check program requirements.

Students must provide the College with a current Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) prior to the deadline identified by the department and students are responsible for any associated costs. If this documentation is not submitted on time, students may not be placed and registration in the program will be jeopardized. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate and will be asked to withdraw.

Field Placement Eligibility:
Field placements occur in first and second year of the program.

Hospital and Field Placements/Outreach require Health and Safety, N95 Mask fit, WHMIS and OWHSA training. There are additional costs associated with training that should be anticipated by students which are not covered by tuition fees.

To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of Standard First Aid certification, CPR level C, PRCSVS, and complete immunizations through ParaMed and pay associated costs. ParaMed services are the third-party provider who collects all field placement documentation for the School of Health and Community Studies.

Students may be expected to travel outside of their immediate area of residency. It is the student's responsibility to arrange transportation and incur all costs associated with fieldwork placement. As well, there is a potential for evening and/or weekend labs.

Should you require further information, please contact the Program Chair.

Language Requirements

IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 80, with a minimum in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4; Listening 4; Speaking 4; Writing 4; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and 95 in Production.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.