NIC Pre-health Programs in Comox Valley

A new dedicated university-level pathway at North Island College will help make it easier for students to pursue careers in the medical and health sciences.

The Island Pre-Health Science program was developed in response to the
growing demand for health science and medical professionals across the
region. Applications are open now, with the first intake starting in
September.

The program is a jumping off point for students wanting to pursue a
professional degree in medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, chiropractic
practice, optometry, health science research and other related areas.

A key feature of the new program is to have students learn about the
communities around them and form deeper roots. The program will
provide students with a rural and Island framework to identify
challenges and opportunities in North Island communities. It will also
include Indigenous ways of knowing and methodologies.

Students can graduate with an Advanced Diploma after three years of
full-time study. The program will be based in the Comox Valley, with a
mix of lecture-and-lab, lecture-and-tutorial and lecture-only courses.
A program support person will help students and the development of
integrated learning opportunities.

One of the driving factors for NIC in creating the program is the need
for more medical professionals. For example, the Comox Valley alone
has an estimated 17,000 individuals who lack a primary care provider.
Over the next decade, the demand for health care professionals is only
expected to increase.

The program will begin in Fall 2023. A virtual information session
will be taking place Thursday, Feb. 23 from 7-8pm. To learn more about
the program and the info session, visit www.nic.bc.ca