Our Training Programs

BC Cancer offers internship, residency and fellowship training programs through approved student placements.

Requesting a placement

If you are a student in one of the fields listed below and would like a placement at BC Cancer, contact your school’s program coordinator. They can submit a request through HSPnet.

If your school does not use HSPnet or is outside British Columbia, contact Heena Vadgama, education coordinator, at hvadgama@bccancer.bc.ca.

Disciplines

BC Cancer accepts students in the following fields:

Before you start your placement

Before a placement can begin, your school must have an education affiliation agreement in place with BC Cancer.

Medical students and residents

Preparing for your practicum

If you have an upcoming placement, visit the PHSA Student Practice website for important information.

**Health unit coordinator / nursing unit clerk students: Follow the Clerical Student Expectations checklist before your placement starts.

Facility information

All BC Cancer locations are scent-free and smoke-free.

For locations, directions and parking information, visit Clinics & Centres.

Food services, lockers and showers

  • Most sites have staff lunchrooms with fridges, sinks and microwaves.
  • Cafeterias are available either in the cancer centre or in a nearby hospital.
  • Student lockers are limited and not available at all locations.
  • ​You may be able to store your belongings in a locked staff room. Ask your on-site supervisor for guidance.

Tip: Do not to bring valuable items like expensive clothing or jewellery.

Staff showers are available at all BC Cancer centres.

Computer access

You will receive access to BC Cancer / PHSA computer systems if needed for your learning goals.

Your school coordinator and on-site supervisor should discuss your access needs when confirming your placement.  Your supervisor will arrange your account and system access.

You must:

  • Use systems only for your practicum work
  • Follow all organizational policies
  • Keep patient information confidential at all times

Talk to your supervisor if you need more details.

Phone and cell phone use

  • Facility phones are for business use only, except in emergencies
  • Payphones are available for personal calls
Cell phones are allowed in most areas, but not in:

  • Patient consultation or treatment rooms
  • Radiation therapy departments
  • Surgical units
  • PET/MRI units

Check with your supervisor before using your phone in your work area.

Important: Never use your phone camera to take photos of patients, records or documents.

Library services

Each BC Cancer centre has a library with online and print resources. You can use BC Cancer Library resources, but your school library rem​ains your main source of support.