French: Your Key to a Career in Health and Psychosocial Services in Quebec
Are you studying Health or Psychosocial Services at McGill? The French Language Centre (FLC), in collaboration with Dialogue McGill, offers a non-degree French as a Second Language (FSL) program in French for Specific Purposes (FSP), specifically designed for your future professional environment. Our goal : to help you communicate more effectively in French in your workplace.
Eligibility
To take FRSL courses in the field of health and psychosocial services, you must be enrolled in one of the following faculties or programs:
- Schools, departments, and other units of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- All programs within the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences
- School of Human Nutrition
- School of Social Work
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts
Don't speak French yet? We do not offer beginner-level courses, but we invite you to begin your learning with a beginner-level course offered by the FLC.
Why take these courses?
In the field of health and psychosocial services, speaking French isn’t just an asset — it’s essential. Whether it’s to reassure a patient, explain a treatment, or simply connect with someone on a human level, your ability to communicate in French can transform an interaction… and a life.
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FRSL courses (for credit) provide a strong foundation in speaking, understanding, and interacting in professional contexts.
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FIGF courses (non-credit, free of charge) offer a stress-free environment to practice, improve your fluency in both speaking and writing, and explore the language at your own pace.
You will gain confidence, unlock new opportunities, and most importantly, be able to connect with everyone.
Credit Courses – FRSL
3-credit courses focused on French for healthcare and psychosocial services.
Non-Credit Courses – FIGF
Workshop – Prep for OQLF exam
Frequently asked questions
Are these courses for credit?
Some of them are. All courses with a code starting with FRSL are for credit (3 credits). Courses with a code starting with FIGF are non-credit (0 credit) and are therefore offered free of charge.
Who can take these courses?
These courses are open to students enrolled in the following programs :
- All disciplines within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- All programs within the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences
- Dietetics, Nutrition, Social Work and Psychology
- Students who are completing an undergraduate degree with the goal of being admitted to a health-related program
If you are unsure whether your program is eligible, contact dolly.abimansour [at] mcgill.ca (Prof. Dolly Abi Mansour).
Are these courses free?
Refer to the first answer above:
- FIGF courses are free (0 credit)
- FRSL courses are for credit and subject to standard tuition fees
What is the class schedule?
All courses are offered in the evening, starting at 5:30 p.m. */
What is the registration deadline?
The registration period is the same as for elective courses offered by the FLC. This also applies to FIGF (0-credit) courses.
Are the courses online or in person?
Courses are offered in person to promote real interaction, active practice of French, and an enriching learning experience.
Where are the courses held?
All courses are offered on the downtown campus.
Can I take these courses if I am a beginner in French?
No. These courses are not intended for beginner or elementary levels (Levels 1 to 4 of the Québec scale). A B1 level (Level 5 of the Québec scale) is required to enroll in the lowest level offered.
You may contact the French Language Centre to enroll in a beginner or elementary-level course (e.g., FRSL 101, 102, FRSL 105, FRSL 207, or FRSL 208). Once these courses are completed, you may verify your eligibility for the French for Health courses.
Do these courses help prepare for the OQLF exam?
Yes. One of the objectives is to help students prepare for the OQLF exams, which are required in many health fields. If you have taken FRSL 330, FRSL 314 and/or FIGF PMCO, FIGF PMCE you are generally better prepared for success.
OQLF preparation workshops are also offered in collaboration with certain programs. These workshops include practice exams that simulate the real OQLF exam.
To find out if your program is offering a workshop, contact:
- Your program coordinator
- Or dolly.abimansour [at] mcgill.ca (Prof. Dolly Abi Mansour)
Are medical residents eligible for the free courses (FIGF PMCO and FIGF PMCE)?
Medical residents enrolled at McGill are eligible for these courses if they hold Quebec resident status. International students are not eligible.
This program is funded by the Training and Retention of Health Professionals Project at McGill University, Dialogue McGill.
