Pre-WIL Health Requirements

Concerns Regarding Student Safety or the Safety and Care/Service for Clients

The following procedures have been developed to make it easier to identify and address any concerns or issues regarding your safety or the safety and care of clients that may come up during the WIL experience.

A. Communication of General Concerns regarding Your Safety or The Safety and Care/Service for Clients

1. Students will be provided with an Orientation to their WIL site on the first day of their WIL experience. The Orientation may include details of the WIL site's policies and procedures related to communication about the safety of the work environment and/or the safety and care of patients/residents/clients.
2. If a student has any concerns about the safety of the work environment and/or the safe/appropriate care/service for clients:
   

a. The student must immediately report these concerns to the College staff member associated with the WIL experience.

b. The Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Supervisor will discuss this concern with Site Management.

c. For concerns of a serious nature (e.g. concerns impacting a total student group; a serious care/service situation), the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Supervisor will discuss the situation with the Program Coordinator and, potentially, the Department Chair. The Program Coordinator or Chair will immediately contact WIL site management to determine next steps.

Should facility policies require that WIL experience students report safety or care/service concerns immediately to WIL site management, the student should report to the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Officer immediately afterward.

B. Reporting of Incidents of Student Injury during a WIL Experience

1. Should students experience a personal injury of any kind, this must be reported immediately to the WIL Employer and Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Supervisor. The WIL Employer will provide first-aid that may be necessary, including arranging for transportation to emergency medical services if required. The Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Supervisor will notify the Program Coordinator and Chair and complete an Unpaid Work/Education Placement-Accident Report (UWEP-04) and will send this to the College's Occupational Health & Safety Office. Where necessary, the Occupational Health & Safety Office will complete a WSIB 7 form, a Letter of Authorization to Represent Placement Employer and a Work/Education Placement Agreement Form.

C. Reporting of Student Involvement in Situations of Possible Injury to Clients during a WIL Experience or Student Damage to Facility Property

1. Should students be involved in care/service situations where the care/service results in a potential concern/injury to patients/residents/clients of the WIL site, this concern must be immediately reported to the WIL Site in order that care can be given. This situation must also be reported immediately to the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Supervisor. The faculty will discuss this immediately with the WIL site and ensure that an incident report is completed. The faculty must also inform the Program Coordinator and the Department Chair for a discussion of program expectations and implications. It is the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that all documentation is obtained regarding the incident and to inform College officials accordingly.
   
2. Should students be involved in situations where there is alleged damage to resources/physical property at the WIL site, this concern must be reported immediately to the WIL Site and to the College Staff responsible for WIL oversight/Responsible Faculty/WIL Officer. The faculty will inform the Program Coordinator and Department Chair for a discussion of program expectations and implications. It is the responsibility of the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Officer to complete an incident report with the Chair accountable to ensure all documentation is obtained and to inform College officials accordingly.
   

Application to Program

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Policies and Procedures​

Study Abroad Option​ - Subject to Availability 

Guidelines for WIL Placements

Students are responsible for completing all the required hours and clinical assignments of WIL placement to complete the program successfully. All financial costs related to WIL placement are the responsibility of the student.

Confirmation of Placement Times, Dates and Location

Every effort will be made to confirm placement location as well as schedules as early as possible. Given the limited number of placements, students must be prepared for changes even up to a few days before the placement starts.

Student Responsibilities

Prior to departing to WIL placement sites, it is necessary that each student shall have:

• Completed all pre-WIL requirements
  
• Satisfactorily completed all required courses in the Hearing Instrument Specialist curriculum and year-end composite exams leading up to that placement. You must keep all original documents as some sites will request the originals
  

Withdrawals

Leaving or failure to show up at the WIL placement site without communicating with the WIL placement supervisor, or clinical educator, is a serious infraction of professional ethics and is considered abandonment of one's professional responsibilities to the patients and facility. The student will receive a failing grade in the WIL placement and will not have the option to apply for readmission to the program.

WIL Placement Evaluations

All evaluations and communication regarding WIL placement will be conducted as per the guidelines in the Clinical Practicum Handbook and the Electronic Evaluation platform. The Site Clinical Associate will report unsatisfactory performance/attendance immediately to the Program Coordinator. Problem areas will be identified, suggestions for improved performance will be outlined, and remediation will be explored.

WIL Placement Grades

All WIL Field Placement components will be assessed as a pass/fail grade. Specific rubrics and criteria for competency assessment are available in the course module on eConestoga online. A student's final overall grade evaluation must achieve a satisfactory standard to pass WIL Field Placement Course.

Transportation/Accommodation

It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for transportation/accommodation to scheduled WIL placement locations including transportation costs.

Parking fees

Students are responsible for making their own arrangements for parking at the College or Clinical Agencies and for paying parking fees.

Program WIL Overview

The Massage Therapy Program offers mandatory structured clinical and outreach work-integrated learning experiences that support the integration of foundational knowledge with hands-on clinical practice. Students complete a minimum of 330 hours of direct client care in both the on-campus clinic and community outreach settings, under the supervision of qualified Registered Massage Therapists.

To be eligible for placement, students must complete all required documentation (outlined below) and successfully complete the associated prerequisite courses. Students are responsible for fulfilling all required clinical and outreach hours, as well as meeting all academic requirements within the Massage Therapy curriculum.

These experiences enable students to develop competence in client assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, documentation, and professional communication while working with diverse client populations.

Nature of the WIL Experience

Massage Therapy WIL experiences occur in both on-campus student-led clinics and community outreach placements, collectively referred to as clinical learning environments. Students:

• Conduct comprehensive client assessments and develop treatment plans
• Deliver supervised therapeutic massage treatments within scope of practice
• Monitor treatment outcomes and adapt care plans as appropriate
• Maintain client health records in accordance with professional regulatory standards
• Participate in specialty outreach experiences (e.g., rehabilitation, seniors' care, athletic therapy settings)

Students are assigned to clinic rotations delivered in scheduled blocks and are supervised at ratios that support safe practice and formative feedback.

WIL Learning Outcomes

During clinical placements, students are expected to:

• Demonstrate professional, ethical, and client-centred practice
• Apply assessment techniques to determine client needs
• Implement appropriate treatment plans and self-care recommendations
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation consistent with regulatory requirements
• Demonstrate safe infection prevention and control practices
• Communicate effectively with clients, supervisors, and interprofessional teams
• Reflect on clinical performance to support continuous improvement

Student Requirements for Participation

Prior to participating in WIL experiences, students must complete and submit all mandatory practicum documentation by the deadline identified in the practicum package distributed at the beginning of Year 1. Required documentation includes:

• A complete immunization record including MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and seasonal influenza vaccination (required during flu season, October–March).
• Tuberculosis (TB) testing: Evidence of current two-step testing, or previous two-step testing plus a current one-step test if more than one year has passed.
• Standard First Aid and CPR – Basic Life Support (BLS) certification completed in Canada.
• Annual Police Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) completed within six months of placement start date.

A student with an outstanding charge or who has been convicted of a criminal offence and has not obtained a full pardon will be counselled to withdraw from the program as a successful clinical placement is a requirement to progress through the program.

Transportation/Accommodation

It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for transportation/accommodation to scheduled WIL placement locations.

Parking fees

Students are responsible for making their own arrangements for parking at the College or Clinical Agencies and for paying for parking fees.

Withdrawals

Leaving or failure to show up at Clinic or Outreach placement site without communicating with the Outreach supervisor, or clinical educator, is a serious infraction of professional ethics and is considered abandonment of one's professional responsibilities to the patients and facility.

Professional and Health Expectations

Students must also be in good physical and emotional health to meet the demands of the profession. Students who have health-related concerns are encouraged to consult with the Program Coordinator to understand program requirements and occupational expectations.

Attendance in classroom, laboratory, and clinical learning environments is essential, as clinical competencies require consistent participation. Students should also be prepared for courses that include self-directed and independent learning components.

Applicants and students are expected to demonstrate professional attributes including integrity, reliability, maturity, self-direction, self-discipline, effective communication, interpersonal skills, leadership, and professionalism. Students should be aware that a latex-free clinical environment cannot be guaranteed.

Students who do not meet WIL clearance requirements  will not be able to participate in clinical placements, which may delay program progression.

Supervision and Evaluation

Clinical learning is supervised by Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) who meet professional and instructional qualifications. Clinical Instructors provide:

• Ongoing coaching and formative feedback
• Mid-term and final clinical competency evaluations
• Assessment of professionalism, clinical reasoning, treatment skills, and documentation
  

Clinical courses are assessed on a pass/fail basis, and students must successfully complete required clinical hours and demonstrate competency to progress and graduate.

Clinical Dress and Appearance Requirements

To maintain all labs as safe professional spaces, appropriate dress must be worn. The dress code is designed to comply with the expectations set out in the interjurisdictional competencies regarding personal hygiene and appearance such as grooming and dress that is appropriate to a professional setting, infection control procedures, workplace health and safety considerations, professional safety and set a standard of professionalism.

• Practical labs require clinically appropriate attire which varies depending on the course. For example, athletic clothing would be deemed appropriate in a therapeutic exercise course. Specific descriptions of clinically appropriate attire are provided by faculty at the beginning of each semester and are reflected in the instructional plan and/or required resources module in eConestoga.
• Practical exams and Field placements such as Clinic and Outreach require students to dress in accordance with program guidelines and additionally the dress requirements of the College of Massage Therapist of Ontario (CMTO) Objectively Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE)
• No ripped clothing, professionally appropriate, longer hair up, nails trim and no polish, body covered except for the upper limb, closed toe rubber soled shoes
• Must wear Massage Therapy program uniform shirt
• Business casual pants that are at minimum below the knee and name tag
• Attire must be clean and not restrictive

These requirements support infection control, professional safety, and the development of professional practice standards expected in clinical environments.

Professional Expectations

Students are expected to demonstrate professional conduct consistent with the standards of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and Conestoga College policies, including confidentiality, safety, attendance, infection prevention, and respectful client interactions. Failure to meet professional expectations may result in remediation or removal from clinical placements.

Pre-WIL Health Requirements

Students must complete mandatory WIL-SIM and WIL-CP health and safety requirements prior to student WIL experiences. Successful WIL-SIM and WIL-CP completion is required for students to progress to program completion.  To qualify for WIL-SIM and WIL-CP experiences, students must present the following at the start of the program following pre-admission information provided by the College:     

• A complete immunization record is required by the Dec 1^st deadline in year one, including MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and Covid-19.
• Standard First Aid and Heart Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of Canada Basic Life Support (BLS) are also required by the Dec 1^st deadline in year 1. Certification of both FA and CPR level BLS must be maintained throughout the program (this will be completed independently. Conestoga College does offer the required training at the student's expense).
• MLS students' FA and CPR level BLS will be valid for 3 years from the certification date.
• Seasonal flu vaccination may be required during flu season (October – March) based on WIL site requirements.
• Prior to the Jan 1^st deadline in year 3 (but completed no earlier than Sept 1^st), the following requirements must be completed:
  
  • TB Testing: Evidence of current 2-step or previous 2-step + current 1-step if more than one year has passed since 2-step testing.
  • A Police Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS).  Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in WIL experiences, jeopardizing progress in the program. Acceptance for WIL-CP is at the agency's discretion; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of the WIL-CP start date.

In addition:

• Students are responsible for Respirator (N95) Fit Testing prior to work-integrated learning experiences. WIL Document Services will offer fit testing clinic dates prior to your WIL-CP.
• Students are responsible for additional requirements a clinical partner puts forward, such as specific immunization requirements, on-site orientations, or safety courses.

Clinical Placement Structure

Clinical placements are a required element of this program; students will be assigned placements at approved training sites only. Alternate sites may be considered in consultation with program faculty; however, there is no guarantee that students will receive their preferred clinical placement.

All expenses associated with completing clinical placement will be the student's responsibility. In addition, while the College will endeavour to consider exceptional circumstances concerning the selection and allocation of clinical placement, financial difficulty, transportation, or accommodation requirements, will NOT be considered as a form of exceptional circumstances.

Clinical Placement Selection Process

Conestoga College will endeavour to ensure a fair and equitable strategy for the assignment of clinical placement. Please note the following:

• The competitive admissions process will NOT be considered with respect to the allocation of clinical placements
• Students will be provided with an opportunity to provide several preferred clinical placements but inevitably may not receive any of their preferred options
• Academic rank or current program grades will NOT be considered with respect to the allocation of clinical placements
• Upon formal application, circumstances that necessitate a student to be within a certain geographic region will be considered. The program chair must review and agree upon this application but will consider only those deemed exceptional circumstances.

Students must remember that clinical education is a privilege and can occur only through the gracious partnership of our clinical partner sites. Conestoga College holds its clinical partners in high esteem and has no authority over the requirements for a student attending a particular clinical setting. Students are reminded that in addition to Conestoga College standards, the clinical partner holds full discretion over student expectations with respect to professional attire, behaviours, and access to the facilities.

Students must meet all pre-clinical (WIL-CP) placement requirements described by the

site.

Confirmation of Placement Times, Dates and Location

Every effort will be made to confirm placement location and times as early as possible. Given the limited number of placements, students must be prepared for changes up to a few days before the placement starts.

Student Responsibilities

Prior to departing to WIL-CP placement sites, each student must have the following:

• Completed all pre-WIL-CP requirements
• Satisfactorily completed all required courses in the Medical Laboratory curriculum and year-end composite exams leading up to that placement.

Withdrawals

Leaving or failure to show up at the WIL-CP placement site without communicating with the WIL-CP placement supervisor or clinical educator is a serious infraction of professional ethics and is considered abandonment of one's professional responsibilities to the patients and facility. The student will receive a failing grade in the WIL-CP placement and will not have the option to apply for readmission to the program.

WIL-CP Placement Evaluations

All evaluations and communication regarding WIL-CP placement will be conducted as per the guidelines in the Clinical Practicum Handbook and the Electronic Evaluation platform. The student and/or the Site Liaison Technologist will report unsatisfactory performance immediately to the Program Coordinator. Problem areas will be identified, suggestions for improved performance will be outlined, and possible remediation will be explored.

WIL-CP Placement Grades

Didactic components of the clinical placement will consist of written work in various formats (papers, assignments, forms and plans, handouts, examinations etc.). A passing grade of 65% is required for these components. All WIL-CP placement components will be assessed as a pass/fail grade. Specific rubrics and criteria for competency assessment are available in the Clinical Practicum Handbook and Electronic Evaluation platform.

Transportation/Accommodation

It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for transportation/accommodation to scheduled WIL-CP placement locations.

Parking fees 

Students are responsible for making their arrangements for parking at the College or Clinical Agencies and paying parking fees.

Allocation Process

The MLS Program, Clinical Placement process, intends to provide flexibility in placement allocations, try and accommodate students' first choices, and maximize the use of available placements across the province at the request of the Regional Health Authorities.

The assigned program faculty will complete the allocation process in cooperation with the Program Coordinator by the specified date. All pre-WIL-CP requirements must be completed prior to ranking clinical (WIL-CP) placement sites.

By the ranking form due date, any student who has not met all the pre-placement requirements will not be permitted to submit clinical rankings and be considered for placement until these requirements have been fulfilled.

An internal record of the process will be filed and available for review by Senior Conestoga College Administration.

The following steps are provided to outline the process of placement assignment:

1. Each student will be issued a Clinical (WIL-CP) Placement Site Allocation form at the end of Semester 5.
2. Students will rank list three preferred clinical locations in order of preference. The program will assign students who do not submit their selections by the scheduled deadline. No site may be listed more than once.
3. Where feasible, students will be allocated a placement at their clinical site of choice. If all students can be accommodated with their first choice, then the process is complete.
4. Placements will be assigned in order of ranking (i.e., All first choices will be assigned prior to considering second and third choices).
5. First choices may be posted to allow students to consider an alternative if necessary.
6. If there is an oversubscription of any given site, two faculty members and two students will witness a random draw. The second and third choices will then be considered.
7. Some spaces may be allocated based on individual exceptional circumstances. These circumstances will be reviewed, in confidence, by the Program Coordinator and Program Chair.

Please note that financial constraints, vehicle limitations, or work commitments do not constitute exceptional circumstances and WILL NOT be considered under any circumstance.

Please note that while the rationale for an exceptional circumstance will remain confidential, due to the limited placements and limited class sizes, students cannot expect their receiving a preferred placement to remain confidential

8. After the placement process is complete, the assignments will be emailed to all students through their eConestoga email, and students must sign and return the WIL-CP acceptance form.
9. Each student accepts their clinical placement assignment by completing the Clinical Placement Acceptance Form and returning it to the Program Coordinator by the appropriate deadline.

Additional Guidelines for WIL-CP Placements

The clinical practicum is a vital part of the students' education. It allows students to apply theoretical knowledge and skills in a real work environment to become clinically competent. It is, therefore, essential that students prepare for the experience. Students are responsible for completing all the required hours and clinical assignments of WIL-CP placement to complete the program. All financial costs related to WIL placement are the responsibility of the student.

Attendance

Competence

Professional Behaviour

Cancellation of Clinical Experiences

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement Guiding Principles and Policies

WIL Placement Hours

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement

Students are responsible for completing all the required hours and clinical assignments of WIL placement to complete the program successfully. All financial costs related to WIL placement (including pre-WILs requirements) are the responsibility of the student.

Field Placement Preparation (OPA1260) Courses

The Field Placement Preparation course covers essential skills, knowledge, and professional behaviours required during field placements. Successful completion of this mandatory course is required, prior to attending clinical fieldwork experiences in the OTA PTA program.

Assignment of WIL Placements

Students will be assigned their placements. Factors that may influence the assignment of placement include (but are not limited to): 

• Meeting ALL WILs requirements (completed health passport) in a timely manner.
• Ensuring varied learning experiences/opportunities over the course of placements, including facility types and experiences.
• Facility specific requirements.
• Students on probationary status may be placed in specific facilities to monitor progress closely.

Most WIL placement locations are within the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, however, some placements are further away. There are no guarantees that all locations will be accessible by public transportation.

All expenses associated with completing clinical placement will be the student's responsibility. While the placement team will endeavour to consider exceptional circumstances concerning the selection and allocation of clinical placement, financial difficulty, transportation, or accommodation requirements, will NOT be considered as a form of exceptional circumstances.

Requesting Specific WIL Placements

Students are not allowed to arrange their own placements. Students may indicate a type of placement/facility of interest; however, this does not constitute a guarantee. If there is a facility that you are aware of, that is interested in hosting students, let the Placement team know, and they will contact the facility if appropriate using the proper procedures. If the facility is confirmed as a placement site, student assignment will still be based on the factors or criteria previously described.

Confirmation of WIL Placements

Placement locations and dates are usually confirmed 3-4 weeks prior to placement start dates. However, in unforeseen circumstances, students must be prepared for changes. 

Students are not eligible to receive confirmation of a placement assignment if they have not completed the mandatory WILs requirements by the due date and this will result in a course failure.

Student Responsibilities

Communication With Your Placement Site 

Once your placement site and contact information have been shared with you, you are expected to reach out to your preceptor within three business (3) days. Failure to do so may jeopardize your placement and could result in its cancellation. Please cc your field placement team at OTAPTA@Conestogac.on.ca in your initial email to the facility/ preceptor. 

Professionalism

OTA PTA students are placed in practice environments through formal affiliation agreements between the college and clinical partners, which outline the responsibilities of both parties. As guests in these settings, students must follow all site policies and procedures. Inappropriate or unsafe behavior may result in removal from the course before completion, and students withdrawn from placement due to such concerns will receive a failing grade. 

A professional dress code is required. Ask about the specific requirements of your placement site in your initial email to the facility. The standard dress code for clinical placement is the OTA PTA program polo shirt, name tag, dress/casual pants and closed-toe, rubber sole shoes (running shoes).

Additionally,

• Long hair must be tied back, up and secured
• Minimal to no jewelry – this is both for the safety of the client and yourself
• Nails should be kept neat and short; long artificial nails are not allowed
• No hats to be worn (exceptions related to the Human Rights Code)
• No denim or sweatpants
• Nametags (displaying name and student OTA PTA title) must be worn
• Scented products (perfume/cologne, aftershave, hair and body products) must not be worn
• Personal hygiene products such as unscented deodorant should be used
• No gum chewing is permitted
• No personal use of cellular phones in patient care areas

Students may be expected to comply with other requirements in certain settings.

Attendance 

Attend placement for the full duration according to the schedule outlined by the facility. Students are expected to arrive 15 minutes earlier than the official start time and remain for the full duration of the shift.

Work hours may vary from site to site. Even if you surpass the minimum required hours, you are expected to remain for the full duration that placement is scheduled for.  

In the event of inclement weather, the student should make a judgement whether to attend or discontinue the shift. The student is responsible for notifying the preceptor and placement team via email in a timely manner. Note that even if Conestoga College is closed, clinical sites may remain open. If the clinical site remains open, the student is expected to attend if they can travel safely.

All absences—whether due to illness or other reasons—must be communicated to both your preceptor and your field placement team. If the absence is not illness-related, it must be requested in advance and approved by both the preceptor and the college. Any required make-up time must be coordinated in consultation with your preceptor.

Placement Evaluation and Grades

A midterm and final evaluation should be conducted by the preceptor in writing and verbally for level 4. The student and/or the preceptor will report unsatisfactory performance immediately to the Placement team. Problem areas will be identified, suggestions for improved performance will be outlined, and alternative solutions will be explored toward the goal of improved performance. 

All WIL Field Placement components will be assessed as a pass/fail grade. The preceptor(s) recommend Pass or Fail, however, the final decision rests with the Program team.

Attendance

Competence

Professional Behaviour

Cancellation of Clinical Experiences

Guidelines for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement Site Allocation

Objectives:

 The goal is to allocate students to WIL placement sites in a fair and equitable manner, in partnership with Conestoga College. While student preferences will be considered, placement decisions are made based on site availability and other logistical factors.

Guidelines for WIL Placements

Students are responsible for completing all required hours and clinical assignments during their WIL placements in order to successfully complete the program. It is important to note that all financial costs associated with the WIL placement, including transportation and accommodation, are the responsibility of the student.

Confirmation of Placement Times, Dates, and Location

Efforts will be made to confirm placement locations and schedules as early as possible. However, due to the limited number of placements available, students should be prepared for possible changes, which may occur up to a few days before the placement begins.

Withdrawals and Absenteeism

Failure to show up at a WIL placement site without prior communication with the WIL placement supervisor or clinical educator is considered a serious breach of professional ethics. This behavior is regarded as abandonment of professional responsibilities and will result in a failing grade for the WIL placement. Students will not be eligible for readmission to the program in such cases.

WIL Placement Evaluations

All evaluations and communications concerning WIL placements will be conducted in line with the guidelines outlined in the Clinical Practicum Handbook, as well as through the Electronic Evaluation platform. Any issues related to student performance, whether identified by the student or the Site Clinical Associate, must be reported to the Program Faculty and/or Program Coordinator immediately. The issue will be assessed, and recommendations for improvement and remediation will be explored.

Transportation and Accommodation

Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation and accommodation to and from the WIL placement locations.

Parking Fees

Students must arrange their own parking at the College or Clinical Agencies and are responsible for any parking fees incurred during their placements.

Student Responsibilities

Before departing for WIL placement sites, each student must:

• Complete all pre-WIL requirements.
• Successfully finish all required courses within the Paramedic program.

Attendance

Students must attend 100% of their clinical experience and fully participate in providing patient care. Attendance is essential for the successful completion of clinical practice and will be carefully monitored. Absenteeism may jeopardize completion of the program, and students may be required to provide verification of absence, including a health care provider's note if necessary.

Competence

Patient and client safety is paramount. Students are expected to demonstrate professional conduct, personal and professional growth, and are accountable for safe, competent, and ethical practices. All Paramedic students have an obligation to protect the public by being competent in their role.

Competence encompasses not only technical expertise but also the professional attributes necessary for effective practice. Students are responsible for regularly practicing their skills and maintaining readiness to provide care in practice settings. If necessary, students may be referred back to the lab for additional practice or skill development.

In clinical practice, students must prioritize patient safety. If a student is unprepared for clinical day or lacks the necessary competence, they will be asked to leave the clinical setting. Unsafe practices may result in immediate removal from the course, leading to a failing grade for the course.

Professional Behaviour

Students must maintain professionalism at all times during clinical placements. This includes adhering to the policies and procedures of the practice site, especially regarding infection prevention and control. Failure to attend required orientation sessions will result in the student being unable to proceed with the placement.

As guests at clinical placements, students must follow the agency's regulations and dress codes. Students are expected to present themselves in a professional manner, adhering to uniform requirements, and contributing positively to team functioning. Professional behavior and appearance are vital in fostering good relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.

Inappropriate behavior, including actions that jeopardize patient safety or violate professional standards, may lead to removal from the course. Students removed from a placement for such reasons will receive a failing grade and will not be permitted to continue in the program.

Guidelines for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement Site Allocation

Objectives

Allocations

Final Publication of Allocation