Health & Wellness

Why Should You Join?

Participating in SHSM gives you the opportunity to:

• Earn valuable certifications that can be added to resumes

• Participate in unique experiences in your area of interest

• Earn a red seal on your OSSD that is highly-recognized by many Universities, Colleges, Apprenticeships, and employers

• Gain useful skills in your area of interest 

• Gain further understanding of available pathways and explore future opportunities

• Participate in hand-on experiences

All of this and more at no cost!

Certifications:

Health & Wellness SHSM students are required to complete a mix of compulsory and elective certifications. These are offered to students at no cost and are of value to future employers. Through gaining these certifications, students gain experience, skills, and items to add to future resumes. 

Compulsory Certifications (4): 

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C  or Health Care Provider (HCP) - both include automated external defibrillation (AED)

• Infection Control

• Standard First Aid

• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Elective Certifications (2): 

These will be organized and selected by the school and may vary from year to year. Students must complete two elective certifications. The following are examples of possible elective certifications available to students:

• Advanced Training in a Technique

• Customer Service

• Leadership Skills

• Personal Training

• Personality Inventory

• Wrapping and Taping 

• Stress Management Techniques

See the chart below for a complete list of available certifications:

Experiential Learning and Career Exploration:

Students participating in Health & Wellness SHSM will participate in experiential learning and career exploration opportunities. This requirement allows students to gain a further understanding of various careers in the health and wellness sector. This is offered at no cost to the students.  

• One-on-one observation of a cooperative education student at a placement in the sector (an example of job twinning)

• A day-long observation of a skilled tradesperson in the sector (an example of job shadowing)

• A one or two-week work experience with a member of an industry association or a professional in the sector (an example of work experience)

• A volunteer experience in a long-term care facility

• An experience coaching an elementary school student in reading as part of a reading buddy program, or other curricular or extracurricular activities

• Assisting in an exercise class in a long-term care facility

• Attendance at a health and wellness sector career fair

Learn more about experiential learning here: YCDSB Experiential Learning

Reach Ahead Experiences: 

SHSM students must take part in a reach ahead experience organized by St. Jean de Brebeuf. These experiences enable students to have confidence in their ability to be successful, refine skills and work habits, and make informed choices about future careers and next steps. Reach ahead opportunities could include:

• Interviewing an employee in the field of work the SHSM student is considering

• Visiting an approved apprenticeship delivery agent to investigate a program of interest to the SHSM student

• Interviewing a college or university student enrolled in a program of interest to the SHSM student

• Attending a number of college or university classes in the student's area of interest

• Attending a conference or workshop held by the sector

• Completing a dual credit course or Level 1 apprenticeship. See below for more information regarding Dual Credit

Connection to the Community OR Experiential Learning:

The following details possible opportunities available to Health & Wellness SHSM students at no cost. Below are specific opportunities offered depending on the student’s area of interest.

Students interested in Social & Community Services may have the oppourtunity to: 

• Job shadow members of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) 

• Attend workshops and presentations delivered by mental health nurse consultants in areas such women abuse prevention, crisis intervention, and reducing stigma

• Visit local fire halls, attend workshops delivered by paramedical staff

• Possible co-op placements:  Daycare centres, Child life/Pediatrics Clinic, Customer Service Rep at Family Services Office

Students interested in Health Care will have the opportunity to:

• Job shadow with community medical professionals: physiotherapy, dentistry, massage therapy, chiropractic care, optometry, to name a few

• Secure clinical and non-clinical co-op placements at local hospitals and health care facilities (nursing, pharmacy, medical imaging, medical office administration) 

• Attend university/college lectures, participate in labs and campus tours in the areas of health and wellness such as biotechnology and forensics

• Possible co-op placements:  various positions at Hospitals – Laboratory, Surgery Unit, Fracture Clinic, Pharmacy, etc, Dental Assistant, Medical Office Clerk, Wellness centre staff

Students interested in Sport, Recreation & Leisure will have the opportunity to: 

• Visit a local community centre to learn program planning and facility development

• Job shadow a personal trainer at a local fitness club

• Possible co-op placements: assisting program development at Community or Youth Centers, Aquatics Instructor/Lifeguard, Personal Training Assistant at Fitness Centers.