Health Sciences (BHSc)
Pioneering advancements in health through science and technology.
Why choose this program?
If you are interested helping patients improve their quality of life and would like a career in health that is at the forefront of technology, the Bachelor of Health Sciences might be for you.
Dalhousie’s Bachelor of Health Sciences is the only fully integrated, nationally accredited, four-year university-based program of this kind in Canada. As a BHSc student, you must specialize in one of four disciplines:
There is also a post-diploma option that allows professionals already working in these fields to expand their career opportunities by earning a BHSc. The post-diploma option is also available in:
Emergency Medical Services Management (for Advanced Care Paramedics)
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Bachelor of Health Sciences Admission Requirements:
Each discipline has specific admission requirements that can be found on the discipline page.
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Post-Diploma) Admission Requirements:
The following requirements are applicable to all disciplines in the post-diploma program.
Your completed Dalhousie application for admission, transcripts from any previous diploma program or other post-secondary institutions attended and the application fee should be submitted to the Registrar's Office. When asked to which program you are applying, please indicate that you are applying to the post-diploma program with the specific professional stream or field of study.
This letter provides you with the opportunity to expand on your experience, including any advanced or specialty education you may have and your interest in undertaking university studies.
Information to be included:
- Two years of post-diploma work experience in your profession.
- Any educational initiatives undertaken since completing your diploma.
- Other professional activities, e.g. in professional association.
- How this program will contribute to your professional development.
- Personal and professional motivation.
- Readiness for university education.
Include a copy of your resume outlining your education, work, and volunteer experiences. Please include the names, addresses, and phone numbers of two references.
Include your current registration number with the applicable Canadian professional association, or submit a photocopy of your current membership card. You must provide proof of successful completion of the Canadian licensing/certification exam in the discipline to which you are applying.
Assessment of non-academic perforance accounts for 20% of the applicant's overall total score. All supplementary information should be attached to the Application Portal.
The School of Health Sciences (SHS) Admissions Committee gives special consideration to applicants who are permanent residents of the Maritime provinces from the following historically under-represented and underserved groups: Indigenous peoples (e.g., Mi’kmaq) and members of racialized minority groups (e.g., African Nova Scotians). Accordingly, students who belong to one of these groups are invited to self-declare at the time of their application. Candidates who do so will be considered individually according to SHS's requirements.
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
As a student in the School of Health Sciences, you will have many opportunities to do hands-on clinical work. During the eight-week summer clinical practicum after years 1, 2 and 3, you’ll put the knowledge learned in the classroom to real-life use in the hospital setting. You may choose to stay in Halifax to complete the practicums, or travel to locations elsewhere in the Maritimes or across Canada.
The following Health Sciences program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Health. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
Bachelor of Health Sciences, with Discipline:
- Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Radiological Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Post-Diploma):
- Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Radiological Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Emergency Medical Services Management (for Advanced Care Paramedics)
- Medical Laboratory Technology
Certificates including Cardiac Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Vascular Ultrasound
What you will learn
The overall four-year program will provide you with the opportunity to develop the skills to practice in your chosen discipline, along with the adaptability and leadership to contribute as part of a health care system. The courses you take will depend on the discipline you are studying, but there are also several foundational Health Science courses that are shared between the disciplines.
Sample courses may include:
Foundations of Health Care Practice
Clinical Skills for Health Sciences
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Health Care Ethics
Culture, Diversity and Health
Interprofessional Health Education
Introduction to Health Research
Canadian Health Care Delivery System
Leadership in Health Care
Foundations in Clinical & Professional Education
Critical Research Appraisal and Practices
Health Law for Non-Lawyers
Careers
As a graduate of the School of Health Sciences you'll be in demand and highly valued. You might find yourself working in a large hospital or a small clinic, dealing directly with patients or working in a lab. Or you could take a different route and end up in a career with a pharmaceutical company, a government agency, or even teaching the next generation of Health Sciences students.
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in science or a professional degree in medicine or pathology.
