CNC launches critical pathway for prospective healthcare professionals

The College of New Caledonia (CNC) is creating new opportunities for learners interested in healthcare careers through the development of the new Health Sciences Discovery Pathway, a tuition-free preparatory program planned for delivery this fall.

Supported through a one-time contribution of $197,364 from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, the new program is designed to help learners build confidence, strengthen academic readiness, and explore healthcare career options before entering competitive health science programs..

The one-year initiative is intended to support a range of learners, including Indigenous learners, adult upgrading students, mature learners returning to education, and individuals interested in healthcare careers who may not yet feel ready to enter a direct-entry health science program.

It is also designed to reduce barriers to healthcare education through tuition-free access, low student fees, and embedded pre-admission readiness components such as CPR “C,” Criminal Record Check (CRC), SPECO, and Violence Prevention training.

Healthcare professionals continue to be in high demand across British Columbia, with approximately 199,200 projected healthcare and social assistance job openings by 2035.

“Healthcare careers are essential to the strength and wellbeing of our communities, particularly across Northern British Columbia,” said Wendy Male, Dean, Human Services, University Transfer, and Business Studies . “The Health Sciences Discovery Pathway creates an opportunity for learners to build confidence, explore different career options, and develop the foundational skills they need before entering health science programs. We know that not every learner follows the same pathway, and this program recognizes and supports that reality.”

Students participating will have the opportunity to explore healthcare career options before committing to a specific profession.