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Ontario College Certificate

College Access

In the College Access program, you will learn how to build foundational academic and personal skills through supportive coursework that prepares you for future college success.

CIP Code: 24.0102

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
0101
Fall, Winter, Spring
1 year
2 semesters
Full-Time
Online Live
+8 more
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted
Distance Education Program
Important

The curriculum for this program is currently under review and the courses may change.

Get Ready to Be a Student Again!

Do you have an interest in pursuing a postsecondary education and not sure what program suits you best? The College Access program at Confederation College will help you prepare for success in postsecondary education while exploring career and education options. Our program is offered on the Thunder Bay campus as well as in various communities. We collaborate with other programs at Confederation to provide help and guidance for pursuing the education you need for a career you will love. You’ll be able to upgrade or refresh your math and communication skills, while also taking courses that transfer into other diploma programs, allowing you to transition into your destination program. You also get the full support of our professors and staff who are ready to help at every step. We want to see you succeed at college so you can take the next step to a great job!

Top Highlights

  • A great option for recent high school graduates or mature and returning students who want to ease into college life
  • Develop skills to help you succeed in college – and your future job
  • Receive support that will prepare you to get the admission requirements you need to enter other college programs
  • In addition to increasing academic skills, you’ll have opportunities to explore your strengths and gifts as you develop personal, career, and educational goals
  • Successful completion of many of the courses in the College Access program are transferrable toward other postsecondary programs

Contact Information

Program Files

Get detailed information about program requirements, courses, and student resources.

Taking College Access taught me what to expect and how to navigate through my first year in college.

GF
Gailynne F
Graduate of 2022

College Access gave me the tools, confidence, and resources I need to further pursuit academia. I definitely recommend to upcoming students.

AW
Amber W
Graduate of 2022

The College Access Program helped me achieve my educational goals and build confidence through community involvement and supportive instructors.

RM
Raymond Moonias
Graduate of 2012

The College Access program empowered me with learning tools for life and future education, with supportive teachers who encouraged me every step of the way.

SS
Shannon S
Graduate of 2009

The College Access program gave me confidence, new learning techniques, and a strong foundation to succeed in my Business Accounting program.

SK
Susan K
Graduate of 2009

Admission Requirements

Fall, Winter, Spring

Fall, Winter, Spring (0101)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

  1. 19 years of age or older
  2. or Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (E/C/U) Level.
  3. or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
  4. or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
  5. or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program - LBS level 5 Communications and LBS level 4 Mathematics.

Admission Requirements for International Students

This intake is not available for international students.

Tuition & Fees

Fees for Domestic StudentsProgram Code: 0101

Year 1
Total: $4,990.00
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$2,740.00
College Service Fee:$863.00
Health Fee:$305.00
Bus Fee:$332.00
$4,240.00
Program Fees
Books & Supplies:$750.00
$750.00
Note

Please note that fees are estimated and are subject to change.

Fees shown on this page are for full-time students attending the main Thunder Bay campus for Fall 2026.

Costing for Regional Campuses & Distance Education Students:

If this program is available at Regional Campuses, or to Distance Education students, see the following links for costing information.

Courses

1 intake

Fall, Winter, Spring0101

Semester 1

CA 101

Critical Reading & Thinking

42 hours

In this course, students examine the role of the critical reader and thinker as an active participant in the learning process. In today's increasingly complex world, reading comprehension, critical reading, and critical thinking skills are essential tools students require for success in their post-secondary studies and in the workplace. Through exposure to a diverse range of reading sources, students will be encouraged to extend their reading comprehension, critical reading, and critical thinking skills; explore different reading strategies, and sub-skills that will provide students the opportunity to develop the attributes of an active, critical reader, and thinker.

CA 103

Personal Management & Career Pathways

42 hours

In this course, students are provided opportunities to develop the personal and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in future post-secondary studies. Working within a framework of goal-directed learning and self-evaluation, students are encouraged to become active participants in the learning process and, ultimately, to become empowered, independent learners. An examination of learning styles, preferences, personal interests, student rights and responsibilities, effective personal management strategies, interpersonal communication skills, and personal wellness provides students with a foundation for pursuing their future studies confidently.

CA 104

Mathematical Foundations

56 hours

This course is designed for students to examine and develop foundational mathematical skills required for navigating various aspects of daily life, the workforce, and other college programs. This course recognizes the importance of mathematics as a practical tool for making informed decisions, solving real-world problems, and enhancing critical thinking skills. The content is specifically tailored to address the mathematical challenges encountered in everyday scenarios, equipping students with the confidence and proficiency needed in their personal and professional lives. Students solve problems using whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percent, budgeting, credit and debt, savings, and financial planning.

CA 105

Computer Foundations

42 hours

In this course, students gain the knowledge and confidence needed to perform basic computer skills. Computers are an important aspect of post-secondary education, the workforce, and personal life. Students will be introduced to the required technology needed to communicate effectively in the educational environment and the workplace. Students will develop new computer skills by using Windows file management software to produce professional documents, spreadsheets and presentations with Microsoft Office software.

CA 106

Personal Development

28 hours

In this course, understanding and developing key strategies for learning are essential skills to ensure academic and career success and to strengthen future learning opportunities. Students explore the theories and principles of learning, brain function, learning styles, motivation and group dynamics. Special attention is placed on analyzing oneself as a learner and preparing for future personal and post-secondary goals through a collaborative and supportive learning environment using interactive workshops, discussion board activities, team presentations and journal writing.

AL 100

Indigenous Language and Culture

42 hours

In this course, students will experience an introduction to the development of oral language and culture. Students will explore vocabulary related to conversational topics, the writing systems and relationship of language to cultural expression and revitalization.

Semester 2

CA 203

Contemporary Issues in the Media

42 hours

This course provides opportunities for students to develop an informed, critical awareness of the role the media plays in shaping societal views and develop a broader understanding of the role media plays in our lives. Students will explore the history and evolution of media technology from its early years to contemporary media issues. Students will be invited to consider the commercial implications of media production, the values associated with media messages, the current state of each medium, and the credibility of media sources. A range of media issues will be examined within a framework of applied critical thinking and ethics, and the continuing implications of a more connected world.

CA 204

Community Connections

42 hours

This course invites students to relate a personal understanding of values, beliefs, worldview, and identity both to an examination of the social, cultural, and political aspects of communities and how knowledge of interpersonal communication is the foundation for creating a healthier community. An exploration of how communities are bound by the individual and how effective interpersonal communication strategies such as personal choice, politeness, ethical behaviour, and conflict resolution provide a framework for interacting with others in course-related activities, in future post-secondary studies, and in the workplace.

CA 205

Global Citizenship

42 hours

In this course, students explore the concept of global citizenship, focusing on the roles and responsibilities individuals have in a globally interconnected world. Students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to understand and engage with diverse cultures, communities, and global issues. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will examine global issues, with a focus on fostering cultural competence, ethical awareness, and social responsibility in a global context. This course will encourage critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and the development of a sense of social responsibility.

CA 206

Professional Development

28 hours

In this course, students explore the essential skills needed to transition successfully into the workforce. The course will cover a range of topics such as self-assessment, career exploration, job search strategies, resume building, networking, interview techniques, workplace etiquette, and lifelong career management. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to create a professional image, build a career plan, and develop competencies that employers value.

CA 209

Culminating Experience

56 hours

This course serves as the culminating academic experience providing students an opportunity to showcase the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the academic year. Guided by their professor and through individual and collaborative work, students will synthesize their knowledge gained and will design, execute, and present a comprehensive project addressing a number of topics covered in the program. This comprehensive project will demonstrate that the student has acquired the necessary information to be successful in other post-secondary programs and in the workforce. Students will continue to explore areas such as effective communication, college readiness, personal management, critical reading and thinking skills, critical self-reflection and workplace etiquette.

CS 050

College Writing

42 hours

In this course, students will be introduced to academic writing styles with a thematic focus on current issues. This course will help students to express themselves clearly and correctly in written form. Students will critically analyse assigned readings and express their thoughts. The course will also focus on the development of an academic paper utilizing the APA style of documentation.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Demonstrate mastery of essential math skills appropriate to the entrance levels and requirements of other postsecondary programs.
  2. Read, comprehend, analyze, and synthesize information from a range of sources and for a variety of purposes.
  3. Demonstrate an informed, critical awareness of the media.
  4. Utilize common computer features and applications to a level of competency required for postsecondary programs.
  5. Apply a range of critical thinking strategies.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of personal skills, values, and preferences within a context of making informed career decisions.

Meet the Program Staff

3 staff members

Careers

College Access is a pathway to other post secondary programs. As a graduate you will have obtained the skills and confidence needed to pursue your career aspirations and to succeed in other college programs.

Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

Students at Confederation College

We're here to help

Have questions before you apply?

Not sure if this is the right fit? Our recruitment team can help you navigate admission requirements, program details, and campus life.