March 2011
The following information is intended to assist students coming to a BCCA site for approved educational practicums. Information about the School of Radiation Therapy is available on the BCIT website. Student opportunities in nursing are available. The BCCA in conjunction with the University of British Columbia offers postgraduate training programs (residencies) in Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Gynecologic Oncology.
Various research opportunities exist for students with BCCA research programmes. The Interdisciplinary Oncology Program in Vancouver and the Deeley Research Centre (DRC) in Victoria offer placements and courses for graduate and undergraduate students. The DRC also offers a high school internship programme each summer.
2012 Cancer Studentships Notice - Deadline for Application February 13, 2012
Up to 10 summer research studentships will be available to support senior undergraduate university students and/or junior medical or dental students seeking hands-on training in cancer research in British Columbia during the period of May 1 - August 31, 2012. In addition, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation B.C. Chapter is providing funding for 2 summer studentships specifically directed towards breast cancer research. These summer studentships may address any discipline of cancer research including clinical, translational, basic, behavioural and population research areas. These awards may be held at any BCCA site of operation in the province but are restricted to applicants planning to work on a research project that is funded and supervised by a senior health professional that has an appointment in the B.C. Cancer Agency.
The application form is available on the BC Cancer Agency Research website. Deadline for application is Monday, February 13, 2012.
Identification
Students coming to the BCCA for practicums of less than 3 months duration are required to wear a school-issued name badge or identification card at all times during their placement.
Students on practicums for 3 months or longer will be issued a BCCA identification badge. Speak to your on-site practicum supervisor upon arrival to arrange a time to have your photo ID created.
Facility Information
All BCCA facilities are scent-free, non-smoking environments.
Vancouver Cancer Centre is located at 600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver. Directional Map
Visit the Translink Tripplanning Website to plan the best way to travel to the centre. (Choose Vancouver Cancer Clinic as your destination.)
There is limited staff parking available, at a cost of $14.00 per day. Bicycle racks are available. A Cycling route planning website is available from the City of Vancouver.
Abbotsford Cancer Centre is part of the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre facility located at 32900 Marshall Road. Directional Map
Please refer to the Abbotsford Centre FAQ page for information about location and parking.
Centre for the Southern Interior is located at 399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna, adjacent to the Kelowna General Hospital. Directional Map
Transit route #1 Lakeshore will get you to the centre. Limited parking is available.
Fraser Valley Cancer Centre is located at 13750 - 96th Ave. Surrey, adjacent to the Surrey Memorial Hospital. Directional Map
Visit the Translink Tripplanning Website to plan the best way to travel to the centre. (Choose Fraser Valley Cancer Clinic as your destination.) Please refer to the Fraser Valley Centre FAQ page for information about location and parking.
Vancouver Island Centre is located at 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, directly across from the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Directional Map
Transit routes number 8, 11, and 14 will get you to the centre. Visit the BC Transit website for details. Please refer to the Vancouver Island Centre FAQ page for information about parking.
Food Services, Lockers, Showers
Most BCCA facilities have staff lunch rooms, equipped with fridges, sinks and microwave ovens. Cafeterias are available in the cancer centre or in adjacent hospitals.
Lockers for students are very limited and not available in all BCCA facilities. However, students may be able to store belongings in locked staff rooms in each building. Your on-site practicum supervisor can provide additional information about how and where to safely store your items. All students are strongly advised not to bring expensive clothing, jewelery or other personal items with them on practicum.
Staff shower facilities are available in each cancer centre.
Computer System Access
Students will be granted access to BCCA/Provincial Health Services Authority computer systems as required to meet learning goals and objectives.
Learning needs that may involve access to computer systems should be discussed between your school placement coordinator/faculty member and your on-site practicum supervisor at the time your placement is confirmed. Your on-site practicum supervisor will then make all the necessary arrangements to request a user account for you, as well as access to any computer application programs you will need to use.
Students granted access to BCCA/PHSA computer systems may only use computing services for purposes related to their practicum. In addition, you must abide by all organizational policies regarding computer use, and must pay particular attention to ensure that the confidentiality of patient information is maintained at all times. Speak to your on-site supervisor for more detailed information.
Telephone and Cell Phone Use
Telephones in BCCA facilities are intended for business use, except in emergency situations. There are several payphones available in each centre for personal calls.
The use of cell phones on BCCA premises is generally acceptable except in designated areas:
-patient consultation and treatment rooms
-radiation therapy department
-surgical units
-PET/MRI units
However please check with your on-site practicum supervisor to see if there is any sensitive equipment in your assigned work area prior to making a cell phone call.
Under no circumstances may students use cell phone cameras to record images of BCCA patients, client information or other documents.
Library Services
Each BCCA cancer centre has a librarian and a collection of professional resources, both electronic and print. Students are welcome to use BCCA Library resources, but your home educational institution will remain your primary provider of library services.
For more information about how to arrange a practice education placement, or other student placement opportunities within the Provincial Health Authority, please visit the PHSA Student Practice Education Web Page.