Did you know Canada’s healthcare system is the 25th best in the world according to the Index of Healthcare Innovation? That means if you were to work as a healthcare professional in the country, you would be among the global healthcare ‘hotcakes’.
Quality online education can get you up there. Here is the catch, you can get much of this at zero cost!
In this article, I will show you the 10 best free online healthcare courses with certificates in Canada. Whether you are a medical enthusiast, a professional looking to upskill, or simply curious about health-related topics, you are in the right place.
These courses not only provide quality education but also offer a certificate upon completion. These certificates will be essential when seeking employment.
If you are ready to get into the details, I am too. Let us delve into the world of Canadian healthcare certificate courses!
Before I begin, you may want to check out the 6 Free Online Medical Courses with Certificates. If not, let me just continue.
List of 10 Best Free Online Healthcare Courses in Canada With Certificates
- The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness
- Introduction to Psychology
- Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care
- Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers
- The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise
- Heart Failure Disease Care Path Integration
- Using Infection Control to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
- Elderly Care and Caring for the Disabled
- Basic Life Support
- Safe Surgical Care: Strategies During a Pandemic
These are the Top 10 Free Online Healthcare Courses in Canada with Certificates
The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course provider: it is offered by the University of Toronto.
- Duration: it lasts approximately 14 hours.
Mental health depreciation is a ravaging devil in the world today. In this self-paced course, you will learn about how social factors contribute to mental illnesses.
Understanding the social factors related to mental health and illness will help in reducing the occurrences of this malaise. It also aids treatment.
In the course, you will also learn about some mental illnesses and how to deal with them. The course highlights how families and communities can aid people struggling with mental illnesses.
The course begins with a historical and present overview of mental health. You can access the certificate when you upgrade to the paid plan.
The course is offered by the University of Toronto. The reviews look good, with many people talking about the informative nature of the course.
For more information about the course, see The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness.
Introduction to Psychology
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course provider: it is offered by the University of Toronto.
- Duration: it lasts about 22 hours.
Introduction to Psychology is another top healthcare certificate course in Canada offered by the University of Toronto. The course describes the workings of the human mind.
In this self-paced course, you will learn about the human brain and how it controls cognitive abilities like memory, perception, learning, attention, and consciousness.
Human development is another major topic in this psychology course. You will learn about the dynamics of human development.
The closing modules talk about mental illnesses and the psychology behind them. Although it is not related to the mental illness course highlighted above, I recommend you take it as an introductory course to mental illness.
For more information about the course, see Introduction to Psychology Course.
Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course provider: it is provided by the University of Toronto.
- Duration: it will take you about 29 hours of study to complete.
Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care is a self-paced online course offered by the University of Toronto. The course provides invaluable information on how to deal with dementia.
The course highlights the role of family and community care in treating dementia. As a healthcare professional or a caregiver, this is an important topic that can give you a holistic treatment approach.
One thing I love about this course is its practicality. The instructors shared their personal experiences on how they dealt with dementia in their patients.
They also shared information on recent research developments associated with dementia. They also touched on several other related topics, including elder abuse, and advance care planning.
As with all Coursera courses, the certificate is available when you upgrade to the paid plan. This is one of the best free online healthcare courses with certificates in Canada.
For more information about the course, see Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care.
Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course provider: this course is offered by the University of Toronto.
- Duration: it takes only about 5 hours to complete this course.
Healthcare workers are among some of the most affected by mental health illnesses. A recent study by the CDC showed that 69% of physicians have undergone depression with thoughts of suicide.
Work stress is one of the major causes of mental health challenges as a health worker. This course provides information on how to manage it.
In this course, you will learn effective strategies to build resilience to mental illnesses. It is a self-paced course, so you can take your time to digest the course content.
The course was created due to the increased pressure on healthcare professionals during the pandemic. However, it is very relevant even now.
For more information about the course, see Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers.
The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course provider: it is provided by the University of Toronto.
- Duration: it will take you about 12 hours to complete this course.
The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise is a self-paced beginner course introducing physical therapy. The course provides insights into the concepts and benefits of physical therapy and exercise.
The course focuses on exercise for cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, cancer, sports injuries, and arthritis. By the end of the course, you will have understood the importance of exercise in maintaining daily health. This will improve your life and aid you in administering medical advice to your patients and clients.
Although the course had a good rating on Coursera, many learners complained that the teaching was not conversational. This can make your learning a bit difficult, so you should take note of that.
The certificate is only available when you opt for a paid plan. However, you can access course materials for free if you do not have the funds.
For more information about the course, see Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise.
Heart Failure Disease Care Path Integration
- Course provider: this course is offered by the University of Alberta.
- Duration: it will take you about 1.5 hours to complete this course.
Heart Failure Disease Care Path Integration is a free online healthcare course offered by the University of Alberta. The course provides an evidence-based approach to caring for patients living with heart failure.
In this course, you will learn everything there is to know about heart failure. You will also learn about the developments in the management of heart failure through pharmacologic interventions. Heart Failure Disease Care Path is the shortest free online healthcare course with a certificate in Canada
The course delves into the guidelines of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and other approved bodies in fighting heart failure.
It is a free online course accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. It is also approved by the University of Calgary Office of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development.
For more information about the course, see Educational Materials and Free Courses.
Using Infection Control to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course provider: it is offered by the University of East Anglia.
- Duration: it takes about 3 weeks to complete.
Using Infection Control to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance is a 3-hour-a-week course offered by the University of East Anglia. It is open to learners from all parts of the world.
In this course, you will learn about antimicrobial-resistant infections. You will also understand how diseases spread, and how it contributes to antimicrobial resistance.
The course describes how infection control can help to reduce antimicrobial resistance. It includes practical sessions on how you can help patients avoid contracting these infections, thereby reducing the spread.
One advantage of this course is that it provides opportunities for communities. Having group discussions on the subject will further help you digest what you learned. It also expands your knowledge as you learn from fellow healthcare workers and professionals.
For more information about the course, see Infection Control and Antimicrobial Resistance Course.
Elderly Care and Caring for the Disabled
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course provider: this course is offered by Advance Learning.
- Duration: it takes an average of 1.5–3 hours to complete this program
If you are into caregiving, this is a course for you. It is a free course offering knowledge and skills to take your caregiving career to the next level.
In this course, you will learn new skills and caregiving concepts you probably did not know about. You will also learn about the health conditions associated with aging.
The course provides instructional lessons on the techniques for treating these age-related conditions. As a bonus, you will understand how to assist those close to the elderly when they die.
I think it is essential to be able to respond to the emotions of the people around your patient when he or she dies.
The teaching in this course is as simplified as possible. You receive a certificate of completion if you get at least 80% score on the assessment.
For more information about the course, see Elderly Care and Caring for the Disabled.
Basic Life Support
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course provider: this course is offered by National Health Care Provider Solutions.
- Duration: it typically takes 4–5 hours to complete this course.
Basic Life Support is a free online healthcare certificate course open to individuals all over the world. The course breaks down the process of life support, beginning from the first maneuvers till your patient recovers.
In this course, you will learn the differences in the steps in administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in adults, children, and infants. By the end of the class, you would have mastered the art of CPR.
The course contains instructional videos with simulations. Learning this way will give you more confidence when faced with real-life scenarios.
It is a self-paced course. The learning materials are also available at any time, so you can learn and relearn as you like.
The certificate you earn at the end of the course not only increases your employability but makes you a certified lifesaver.
For more information about the course, see Learn how to perform Basic Life Support (BLS).
Safe Surgical Care: Strategies During a Pandemic
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course provider: it is offered by the University of British Columbia.
- Duration: it will take you about 5 weeks to complete this course.
Safe Surgical Care is a free online healthcare course by the University of British Columbia. It is a self-paced course that only requires 3–4 hours of your time each week.
If you are a surgeon, or pursuing a career in that line, this course is good for you. The course prepares you for surgery during a pandemic.
Performing surgery during a pandemic can be risky as you get exposed to infection. In this course, you will learn how to protect yourself while still carrying out your duties efficiently.
The training will cover features of a pandemic that are important to you as a surgical professional. It will also include topics that help you understand different pandemic timescales and how surgical care delivery must change during these timeframes.
The course materials are available for free, and you can access them at any time.
For more information about the course, see Safe Surgical Care: Strategies During a Pandemic.
Best Institutions Offering Free Online Healthcare Courses with Certificates in Canada?
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is one of the best universities offering free online healthcare courses with certificates in Canada. The school ranks among the top 5 universities in Canada, and top 120 in the world.
The University of Alberta offers several online on-demand healthcare courses. It offers courses for caregivers, doctors, and other health professionals.
Its online healthcare courses are short and specialized. If you are looking for specialization in any field, this is one place to turn.
For more information about the institution, visit the University of Alberta.
University of British Columbia
Ranked even higher than the University of Alberta is the University of British Columbia (UBC). It is a public research university with several campuses in Canada.
In the area of healthcare, this university delivers quality. It offers several top-notch courses for healthcare professionals.
Its online courses are mostly in video formats. You can complete them at your pace, and within a short time.
Once you complete the assignments, you earn the certificate. How cool is it to have a certificate from one of the top 20 universities in the world without leaving your room?
One of its most popular free online healthcare courses is medical billing and coding. If you also fancy schooling in the U.S., you can check out some accredited Medical Coding and Billing schools in California.
For more information about the institution, visit the University of British Columbia.
McMaster University
McMaster University is a public research university in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1887, it has excelled tremendously in the area of healthcare.
This Canadian university offers several free online healthcare courses with certificates. The courses range from anatomy and physiology to medical research. These courses are short programs that you can utilize to build your knowledge and skills in specific areas of healthcare.
McMaster University recently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world for life sciences and medicine. Holding such a high-value certificate can fetch you employment in any organization.
For more information about the institution, see McMaster University.
University of Toronto
From my research, I found more free online healthcare certificate courses offered by the University of Toronto than by other institutions.
Established in 1827, the university has experienced scientific advancements through research. It was the birthplace of insulin and stem cells, among many other discoveries.
These scientific breakthroughs have contributed to it constantly staying at the top. Safe to say it is living up to its motto, “As a tree through the ages.”
The university offers several free online healthcare courses with certificates. Whether as a caregiver, a nurse, or a medical researcher, there is something for everyone.
For more information about the institution, visit the University of Toronto.
It is safe to say the University of Toronto offers the highest number of free online healthcare courses with certificates in Canada. From my experience learning online, it is very important you check the syllabus or content of any course you want to enroll in to ensure it is rich and also check its rating and reviews.
Francis Tisk (Editor-in-chief)
FAQs On Best Free Online Healthcare Courses With Certificates in Canada
Are Online Certificates Valid in Canada?
Yes, online certificates are valid in Canada. However, for any certificate course you want to choose, check if the institution offering it has accreditation from the appropriate bodies.
Is Canada a Good Place for Healthcare Workers?
Canada is a great place for healthcare workers. Reports show that more than 40% of immigrant healthcare workers who recently moved to Canada got an important role in the healthcare sector. This shows the high demand for healthcare workers in the country.
Conclusion
Like hitting a gold mine, free online healthcare certificate courses in Canada provide a perfect opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in your field. What makes it even better is that you do not have to do too much.
These courses make quality education accessible from the comfort of your home and at zero cost. You even get a certificate as a badge for your achievement. So do your little research and pick the best course for yourself.
If you want to level up your career as a healthcare professional, you should try out these courses. Happy learning!
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