Indigenous Health
Credentials available
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Post-Diploma Bachelor of Health Sciences
Campus
- Lethbridge
Intake
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 admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:
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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 in Alberta? Find your admission requirements here
First year cost estimator
For Indigenous Health
Let us help you understand your tuition and fees for your first year at the University of Lethbridge.
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
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.