Clinical Placement Overview

Clinical placement provides the necessary learning experiences for students to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills to patient care situations. Clinical Supervisors and preceptors, along with the interprofessional health care team will facilitate student learning. Placements will depend on available contracts negotiated by the College with the clinical agencies. Practicum may be provided as a virtual course depending on the availability of hospital placements and extenuating circumstances. 

Overview of Practicum Placements

Clinical days are typically scheduled for Thursday/Friday each week but may be scheduled Monday through Saturday depending on the availability of clinical placements.

• BSN325 - Professional Practicum I  = 12 hours per week for 14 weeks.

• BSN425 – Professional Practicum II  = 12 hours per week for 14 weeks.

• BSN525 – Professional Practicum III  = 12 hours per week for 14 weeks.

• BSN625 - Professional Practicum IV = 12 hours per week for 14 weeks.

• BSN725 - Professional Practicum V = 12 hours per week for 14 weeks.

• BSN825 - Integrated Professional Practicum Consolidation Experience requires the student to work with the preceptor and match their work schedule for the semester. Days/hours will vary (460 hours of preceptored experience with 8 hours of on-campus simulation). 

Practicum Shifts and Hours for Clinical Courses

Clinical practicum shifts may vary. Typically, a day shift usually starts at 0700 and an evening shift starts at 3pm (subject to change). Practicum placements may be consolidated into one day per week. Students are placed in groups of 6-8 or as per agency policy, with one clinical supervisor. Students are expected to arrive and be prepared for clinical practice on the unit at least 15 minutes before the beginning of the shift. 

Practicum Locations

Practicum placements are located throughout the greater Toronto area (GTA). Clinical locations vary from semester to semester. Student preference is considered, not guaranteed. 

Affiliation Agreements

Seneca College has signed affiliation agreements with the practicum agencies where students are placed. This affiliation agreement describes the obligations and responsibilities of the School of Health Sciences and the practicum agencies. Once signed, the agency is listed in the Seneca College’s Liability Insurance Policy which covers bodily injury, property damage, and malpractice to specific limits outlined by the policy. 

Students must also comply with Regulation 518/88 Section 4 of the Public Hospitals Act related to immunization and screening for communicable disease protocols. 

Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 requires that all client information is kept confidential. Students are required to sign and adhere to a client confidentiality agreement during all clinical rotations. Confidentiality agreements are available in the Practicum Placement Office.