Indigenous Health

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All programs Faculty of Health Sciences Department website

Credentials available

Bachelor of Health Sciences
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Sciences

Campus

Lethbridge

Intake

Fall

Admission requirements

Program description

Indigenous health is Canadian health. The health of Indigenous peoples in Canada is a complex social justice issue that can only be addressed by people who are creative, skilled, culturally competent, committed and passionate about righting historical wrongs and acting to create a more inclusive, equitable society.

Understand the historical and contemporary causes of current issues such as poverty, water and food security, addictions, youth suicide, family violence.

Learn traditional Indigenous teachings and contemporary perspectives by engaging with elders, knowledge keepers, health care professionals and other Indigenous peoples. Learn how Indigenous values, knowledge and practices foster healthy children, youth, adults, elders, families and communities.

Develop transferable and portable skills and practices to assist organizations and communities to respond to critical health issues facing Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. Apply what you have learned and gain valuable workplace experience by completing a practicum with a provincial or Indigenous organization.

Work Environment
As a graduate of Indigenous Health, you will carry transferable and portable workplace skills and knowledge to work within varied settings such as Indigenous organizations and communities dedicated to health and healing, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, and mainstream health facilities serving Indigenous peoples. You'll be able to help employers identify and understand the needs of Indigenous peoples and then develop the programs and services needed to make those needs, and assist with evaluating and planning for future organizational and community development.

Possible careers

Health promotion and disease prevention
Program and policy development and evaluation
Community-based research
Community outreach
Cultural broker/health advocacy
Wellness counselling

On average, people change their career three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

Admission requirements for Indigenous Health

Choose a Province/Territory:

For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:

This course is required:

English Language Arts 30-1

Three of these courses are required:

Aboriginal Studies 30
Art 30 or Art 31
Biology 30
Chemistry 30
Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
Dance 35
Drama 30
Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
Mathematics 31
Physics 30
Science 30
Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
One or more distinct languages at the 30 level

One additional requirement from this list:

That has not already been used
May be from the list above
Must be at the 30 level
Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
Cannot be a Special Project

This program also requires

You must also meet a meet a Spoken English Language Proficiency (SELP) requirement.

When the number of applicants exceeds the number of available spots in this program, the minimum admission average for your high school courses may need to be higher to be competitive.

Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here

First year cost estimator
for Indigenous Health

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Sample classes

PUBH 1000: Introduction to Public Health
INHL 3300: Traditional Indigenous Health Concepts
INHL 3310: Contemporary Issues in Indigenous Health
INHL 4350: Practicum in Indigenous Health (15.0 credit hours)

Quick links

View uLethbridge Program Planning Guides

Additional information

June 1

BHSc Indigenous Health Post-Diploma program

In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants to the Indigenous Health Post-Diploma program must have completed an Approved College Diploma and have a minimum diploma GPA of 3.00 on the University of Lethbridge 4.00 scale. If you are considering applying to the program with a diploma GPA below 3.00 (but not less than 2.00), you may be considered for admission if you have extensive practical experience in a relevant field.

BHSc Indigenous Health Second Degree program

Applicants to the Indigenous Health major who have previously completed an approved undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.00 will have the opportunity to complete an individualized 20-course program in just two years.

All applicants to the Faculty of Health Sciences must meet a Spoken English Language Proficiency requirement.

For detailed current information on admission and program requirements, visit the Registrar's Office website.