Co-operative Education

Co-operative Education Opportunity

How would you like to…
work in various locations across Canada in various health-related roles?
earn money while completing your BASc in Health?
build your resume with 12-16 months of employment in addition to your degree?
discover who you are, effective job search strategies, and professional skills that build your career?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, the BASc Health Co-op Education program is the right fit for you.

St. Francis Xavier University is excited to launch the BASc Health Co-op Education Program in September 2017. StFX has offered a Co-op Education in selected programs since 2003. We have taken and translated our expertise to this new program.

Co-op is an educational program in which you alternate semesters of academic study with semesters of full-time paid employment in positions related to your academic and/or career interests. As with the BASc in Health program, BAScH co-op students will be able to explore health from a multiple disciplinary work experiences.

The Co-op Process
First, meet with your Co-op Coordinator who reviews the program requirements, helps you to develop your academic co-op plan, and identifies various positions/organizations that best match your skills and career interests.

Second, complete our professional development courses. Through dynamic and engaged teaching, Co-op staff review course curriculum that helps co-op students be more be more successful in the program and also on work experience

Third, complete a minimum of 12-16 months of work experience.

Your work term sequencing options:

4 months plus 8 months
8 months plus 4 months
12 months consecutive with a single employer

While on work term, the Co-op staff engages with students and their supervisors to promote a purposeful learning work experience. Through reflective assignments, students gain more meaning about who they are as a student and as a professional.

Finally, co-op students complete our COOP 405 (3 credit) course that runs in September or January. Students complete a formal debrief with their co-op peers, group presentations, and paper.

Discover

A professional development curriculum that assists students in identifying and evaluating academic and career goals.
Productive and meaningful work that contributes to the organization and also to your personal development.
An intimate, student-focused program that provides collaborative learning opportunities and individualized leadership through the career development process.

Grow

Your academic studies [knowledge] by having the opportunity to integrate class room-based learning into the world of work.
Self-confidence, critical thinking, and curiosity about the world of work.
Who you are as a student, an engaged citizen, and a leader.

Achieve

A skill-set that prepares you to be a global citizen who can adapt and collaborate with others in an ever-changing world.
A degree with co-op education that is recognized and valued by many organizations.
Your potential.

Testimonials

“Co-op has an unlimited amount of possibilities. You can go anywhere you want to go and get great experience in what you want to do. I would recommend co-op to anyone who is willing to work hard, likes to meet new people, and wants to get a head start on their future!” Chelsea, Co-op BBA Grad

“In my co-op experience I was able to gain relevant work experience through different jobs in my field, and further my knowledge and expertise in these areas. I now feel confident in my career choice, and well connected with employers who can make this choice a reality.” Ivan, Co-op BIS Grad

"The Co-operative Education Program is truly underestimated by students. Within the first few months of my Co-op work term, I have realized that this experience will be essential in deciding the path I pursue when I have completed my undergraduate degree. The exposure I've had from the Co-operative Education program has made evident the opportunity in future professions and careers. The intimidation of what is to come after university is gone and the transition from classroom to career has become something I can look forward to. As a student, I cannot advocate the Co-operative Education program strongly enough." Sara, Co-op BBA Grad

“The co-op program opens the door to countless opportunities for work terms and developing professional relationships. It gives you an opportunity to try out different professions so you can really find out what the right future is for you. If you are willing to work hard, are open to new experiences and want to increase your post-graduate employability, then the co-op program is right for you!” Nicole, Co-op BBA Grad

“Co-op has enabled me to recognize and build upon my strengths, grow as a professional, as well as an individual. From my experiences as a Nutrition Co-op Student in northern Saskatchewan, I have gained a profound sense of independence and confidence in my abilities as a nutrition professional, which has solidified my decision to pursue a career in the field of human nutrition and dietetics.” – Jenna, Co-op HNU Grad

"Being a co-op student is almost like watching the previews in a movie theatre. You get a sneak peek into what's "coming soon," while still being able to make an educated decision on which route to take (or movie to see!) I am so fortunate to have received these "sneak peeks" into three different sectors that my degree can lead me to, each building my workplace, people, and educational skills over the course of 12 months. This opportunity is one I would highly recommend, because honestly, who doesn't love the previews?" Lindsay, Co-op HNU Grad

“I joined for career direction. I was able to work in government and for not-for-profit. I was able to research and experience various options in my field. It is nice to know I have choices.” Maggie, Co-op BIOL Grad

Potential Employers and Job titles

Potential Employers (Selected sample)

BASc in Health Co-op students could work for employers in business, industry, research, education, government and the not-for-profit sector.

Assisted Living Centres
Colleges and Universities
Community Care Access Centre
Consulting Firms
Departments of many major companies
Fitness and Recreational Centres
Government Agencies (Federal, Provincial, Municipal)
Health Advocacy Organizations
Health Research Centre s
Hospitals
Insurance Companies
Local Health Integration Networks
Long-term Care Facilities
Medical Offices
Public Health Agencies
Social Services Agencies
Workplace Safety Boards

Potential Co-op Job Titles

After researching various job boards, the following co-op positions have been discovered (to name a few). With the launch of the new BASc in Health program, the Co-op Staff will work with faculty to build a list of potential jobs and organizations that would benefit from hiring a BASc in Health Co-op student.

Analyst
Clinical Research Assistant
Community Care Research Assistant
Community Health Educator Co-op
Consultation and Skill Development Student Intern
Corporate Wellness Assistant Co-op
Guest Services Coordinator
Health & Safety Student Officer
Health Information Specialist
Health Policy Researcher Co-op
Health Program Planner
Health Promotion Co-op
Health Promotions & Events Assistant
Health Systems Planner Co-op
Healthy Project Coordinator
Junior Policy Analyst
Marketing & Special Events Coordinator
Medical Administration Student
Medical Writer
Outdoor Education Intern
Patient Flow Facilitator
Project Assistant, Health Services Research
Project Assistant, Hospital Reports
Project Coordinator Co-op
Public Health Analyst
Rehabilitation & Mental Health Assistant
Rehabilitation Research Assistant
Research Analyst Co-op
Research Assistant
Restorative Care Assistant
Volunteer Resources Team Assistant