The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) offers Central Healthcare Co-op Programs, providing students with experiential learning opportunities in a healthcare setting. Due to privacy concerns, most healthcare positions are not patient-facing, but include the opportunity to work in clinics or wards to assist medical teams. There may be opportunities to observe patient care but these are never guaranteed.
Within these programs, there are some NON-MEDICAL positions within hospitals such as: gift shop, information desk, welness initiatives for staff, child care etc.
These programs enable students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their skills and understanding of healthcare operations. Many of the hospitals will run seminars, workshops and certification programs for the group of coop students weekly.
Have your Resume and and Cover Letter prepared
Read all of the requirements for the various healthcare positions.
Discuss with your family if transit of up to 1 hour is possible.
Ensure that you will accept the position that you are offered
Ensure that you can prioritize attendance at your coop over other extra-curriculars in the time block that you are assigned
Notify the coop department of your intention to apply to one specific central program (You will rank your top 3)
The coop staff will make every effort to match you to one of your chosen positions based on academic fit. You will be notified which position you are approved to apply for.
Apply only to the central healthcare position designated by the coop department. APPLICATION details for your specific application are your responsibility as we have hundreds of co-op Be aware of all application requirements for your Coop and have them submitted to the dropbox by the internal deadline. This will create a shared folder for you that you can add to.
Prepare for and attend interviews. Interview timing can be ANY time between June and August for S1. Those in the summer are usually virtual. Positions are offered shortly after interviews.
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Coop teachers will reach out to any students who have shown interest in healthcare who are NOT yet placed.
Sunnybrook Applications and applications for local medical clinics, pharmacies, physiotherapy clinics etc. will begin.
If you have been accepted to a central healthcare position in a particular time block your Earl Haig Timetable may change to accommodate your coop.
Semester 1 classes begin. Most healthcare students will attend the first 1-2 weeks of Co-Op at Earl Haig and then move to specific training for their Hospital.
Semester 1 students are all in placement
Semester 2 students who are not yet placed will prepare their applications for Semester 2 Coop.
Students are eligible to apply for only ONE Central position and should select carefully.
Most employers hire only a small number of students from the TDSB each semester. As such, this program has a multi-stage interview process:
Review the options for hospitals including TRANSIT TIME and TYPE of placments. but do NOT apply yet (see below!)
Complete the Application to Central Coop within Earl Haig.
Meet with the Earl Haig teacher coordinating Healthcare and attend Healthcare information sessions.
If you are approved by an EH Coop teacher you will receive information to your TDSB email about your specific application requirements (each hospital is different). If you are not approved, you will be contacted with information about next steps.
Most positions have Interview with a Hospital Volunteer coordinator or on-site TDSB teacher. Some interviews are virtual.
Almost all have medical screening, proof of immunization, 2-step TB test as requirements. These can take time and require a doctor so please do not delay once you receive direction to get medical clearance.
If students are not accepted, they may absolutely find healthcare related position within Standard Coop!
The requirements for MOST of these programs include:
Prioritizing and committing to fully attend the Central Healthcare Program. All positions require a demonstrated pattern of regular attendance and punctuality at Earl Haig.
A demonstrated interest in a career in Healthcare or related field. A history of courses and extracurriculars in this field is an asset.
Strong communication skills
Academic strength in science is required for competitive positions. Some hospitals and some Non-clinical positions are more diverse in terms of the academic levels accepted.
Most require travel of 1 hour from Earl Haig
Almost all positions require a 2-step TB test (done with your family doctor at your own expense) and proof of immunization
MOST programs allow a LIMITED number of Earl Haig students to apply each semester to Medical positions. Earl Haig coop staff will meet with and review academic and attendance history to determine which students would be a good match for these positions).
Note that applications are NOT accepted by Central Healthcare Staff unless they are registered by an Earl Haig Coop teacher. Please use this website to understand the requirements and read about the applications, but speak to the Earl Haig Co-Op department before applying.