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Program
Due to unforeseen circumstances of withdrawal of funding support for the program we are unable to offer the DOHS (both full and part time program) for the year beginning September 2012.
A list of degree, diploma and certificate programs offered in Canada is available at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety:
The Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) program is designed to provide basic instruction in the principles of occupational health and safety. Students are selected on an interdisciplinary basis. The potential candidates are required to have a university degree or equivalent qualifications and work experience. It is suitable for physicians, industrial/occupational hygienists, occupational health nurses, engineers, ergonomists, kinesiologists and other health and safety professionals.
The Program utilizes several unique methods in the training of occupational health professionals. These include: a) combining students with multidisciplinary backgrounds; b) self-directed problem-based learning; and c) small group tutorial approach. Participants must be sufficiently motivated to undertake such training. It is the responsibility of each student to actively participate in the learning process which is done both individually and by group learning.
Students are expected to contribute to the group learning process using their own background and experience. Students will discuss their findings and conclusions as a group and present them to experts having specific experience in the relevant area. These experts are drawn from the university, industry and government.
The problem-based learning format, adapted from that of the McMaster undergraduate Medical (MD) Program, does not suit everyone. Potential students should carefully consider if self-directed learning in a group setting will meet their educational needs.
As of May 2010, a total of 457 students have graduated from the program since its inception in 1979. The backgrounds of our students have been comprised of approximately 25% physicians, 15% nurses, 15% hygienists and the remaining 45% classified as other health and safety professionals. The full-time course has attracted students from across Canada and from 32 countries around the world.