The Healthcare Career Essentials program is composed of a wide range of courses for students preparing to enter the health care industry. Students will be exposed to health care pathways including dental hygienist, rehabilitation therapy, ultrasound, paramedic, sterile device processing, pharmacy, nutrition, x-ray technician, and nuclear medicine. Successful students in this program will develop fundamental knowledge and skills that are applied in this demanding field, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, infection prevention and control, and a hands-on medical lab.
Courses included in this program:
See the program page and the SAIT Dual Credit page for further information about being a SAIT dual credit student.
Program Details
Eligibility
Open to CBE high school students who:
- Are in grades 11 or 12 as of September
- Have a strong interest in exploring a pathway in health sciences
- Are punctual and reliable and have strong communication skills
- Are able to arrange transportation to and from the SAIT Campus for this in-person program
Pre-requisite/Co-requisite requirements:
- Successful completion of Bio 20
- Chem 20 and/or Bio 30 would be an asset
- Students should be on track to successfully pass the following courses or equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
Location & Delivery
Blended/hybrid learning:
- In-person learning days will take place at SAIT Main Campus - 1301 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0L4
- Online synchronous learning
Online synchronous learning means participating in live, real-time classes where you interact with your instructor and classmates simultaneously.
Duration & Time
Semester 1 | September to December OR
Semester 2 | February to June
Program Times
- Students can expect a combination of 3 in-person classes and 1 online synchronous session from 1:00 – 4:00 PM per week.
- Exact schedules are communicated before the start of each semester.
Timetable Requirements & Recommendations
Students must have no afternoon classes in their timetable at their home high school to accommodate this program. A lighter course load is recommended in the mornings as well.
Workload
Students can expect a total of 12 synchronous hours per week (in person and online) and approximately 8-12 hours of additional independent work per week for a total of 20-22 hours per week.
Program Benefits
- Get a jump start on your post-secondary education while still in high school
- Build confidence through developing learning strategies and skills that support your learning transitions
- Learn about ongoing opportunities and experience post-secondary learning
- Taught by experienced instructors who are connected to the industry and support students in making meaningful connections to career pathways
- Earn high school credits and post-secondary credits
Credits
20 Credits, 30 Level CTS and
7.5 Post-Secondary credits
Courses Included in this Program
Course Name and Outline | SAIT Credit | High School CTS Credit |
|---|---|---|
Medical Terminology (MEDT211) – course outline | 1.5 | 5 |
Healthcare Professionalism (PROF240) – course outline | 1.5 | 5 |
Infection Prevention & Control (INFC215) – course outline | 1.5 | 5 |
Anatomy & Physiology (ANPH209) – course outline | 3 | 5 |
Medical Simulation Lab (MSIM001) In this course students will participate in laboratory activites and observe technologies associated with the individual health professions taught at SAIT | 0 | 0 |
Total Credits | 7.5 | 20 |
Career Map
Considerations
- Students must have space in their full-year timetable to accommodate the program delivery, location, and dates.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program location. Support may be available – reach out to your Off-Campus Coordinator, guidance counsellor or email uniquepathways@cbe.ab.ca if you require support.
- Students are expected to attend every day and meet all safety and behavioural expectations of the program partner site. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.
- Students must meet all course assignments, quizzes, and test deadlines.
- Students must submit a personal learning schedule with their application, which outlines when they will work on their Dual Credit coursework outside of class time.
- Students must be registered as a full-time student, taking at least one course at their home high school during the program (work experience excluded).
- Students will be expected to communicate regularly with both their CBE supervising teacher and their course instructor.
How to Apply
- Read through the course(s) and/or program(s) of interest.
- Review program choice with your school Off-Campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counsellor for program readiness and timetabling concerns.
- You are highly encouraged to attend the Unique Pathways Information Night to ask questions of our program partners and determine if the program is a good fit for you. Connect with your Off-Campus Coordinator or Guidance counsellor if you are unable to attend.
- Download and fill in the Dual Credit Application Form Package when available.
- Refer to the application checklist and ensure all items are complete.
- Book an appointment with your Off-Campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counsellor before the deadline to complete your application, including signatures from all parties.
- The school will submit the application to Unique Pathways on your behalf.
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Last modified: 2026-06-17 18:06:14.304038 +0000 UTC