Healthcare-related programs are now among those that high school students can apply to under the Dual Credit Program.

The program allows students to take certain college courses or apprenticeships that count both toward a high school diploma and a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree.

By including healthcare-related courses, the provincial government says it opens up opportunities for another 1,400 students to take part.

“This further increase in hands-on learning will help more students graduate with the real life and job skills they need for fulfilling careers in health care, from nurses to paramedics,” says Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Education.

Beginning this fall, students will get exposure to careers in health care, with courses that could include foundational learning in anatomy and key communication skills.

The province is providing $3.3 million over three years to accommodate the increase in students in the program.

“Expanding the Dual Credit program is another way our government is giving students the opportunity to pursue health-related professions, growing our healthcare workforce now and for years to come,” says Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

The expansion builds on last year’s announcement to include the skilled trades as part of the Dual Credit program.