Where Healthcare Careers Begin
The ability to make a difference in someone’s life is one of the most rewarding parts of a career in healthcare. Helping patients in need and improving their quality of life is all part of the job.
Equally important is being prepared for the unexpected. In high-pressure situations, knowing what to do and when to do it can make all the difference. Whether you’re helping patients feel better, caring for animals or giving people a reason to smile (literally), you’ll be prepared for whatever challenges you face thanks to the practical skills you gain in your labs and clinical placements.
Dive into hands-on learning
AC’s Health Studies programs offer a wealth of opportunities to learn by doing through simulations, applied labs, and real-world experiences that may take place on-site, off site, or through a combination of both in clinical placement settings. Here’s a look at just a few of the many programs you can choose from.
Oral health care
Learners in the Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) and Dental Hygiene programs hone their skills at the on-campus AC Dental Clinic. The clinic is a space for students to practice their dental hygiene care and dental assisting skills and work with real clients under the supervision of Registered Dental Hygienists and Dentists.
These programs also prepare graduates to take industry-recognized certification exams, including the National Dental Assisting Exam and the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam. Graduates of Dental Hygiene may also pursue registration with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario.
Veterinary care
The Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician programs enable students to develop their skills through hands-on learning under the guidance of experienced Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians at the Veterinary Learning Centre and Clinic. This facility is fitted with exam rooms, a husbandry area, a surgical suite, a dental suite, a radiography room, and more. Here, students learn to provide medical care to shelter animals to prepare them for adoption.
Students also gain real-world experience by working alongside professionals during off-campus rotations partnering with animal care facilities and clinics in the community. Graduates may be eligible to pursue professional recognition such as registration with the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians and certification through the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science, depending on their program and career path.
Healthcare
Algonquin College is proud to build on more than 50 years of nursing education with its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) degree. This accelerated program is designed to prepare the next generation of nurses and help students launch their careers sooner.
From day one, students learn by doing. In high-tech simulation labs, they work through realistic patient care scenarios that build confidence, sharpen critical thinking and prepare them for real-world clinical settings. By blending classroom learning, labs and clinical placements, the program equips graduates to deliver compassionate, evidence-informed care in a variety of healthcare settings.
The Cardiovascular Technology program offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact in patient care. Students perform non-invasive tests that record electrical signals in the heart to diagnose abnormal heart rhythms and provides a baseline for cardiac health. The equipment in the Cardiovascular Technology Lab prepares students with real-world experience in a lab setting.
Fund your education
Currently, the Government of Ontario’s Ontario Learn and Stay Grant supports students in eligible, high-demand health programs. At Algonquin College, this includes the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) and Practical Nursing programs.
After students successfully apply to and enrol in an eligible program, they can apply for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant. This funding covers the cost of tuition, books, and other direct educational expenses such as equipment. With the need for healthcare professionals at an all-time high, this grant will make all the difference for students and patients alike.
Call to action
Become a well-rounded career-ready health care professional with the skills and experience to make a difference. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact, explore our AC Health Studies programs today.
