Our Training Programs

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

Requesting a placement

If you are a students in one of the following fields and want 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 of BC, contact Heena Vadgama, education coordinator, at hvadgama@bccancer.bc.ca.

Disciplines

BC Cancer accepts students from the following areas:

Before you start your placement

Before a placement can begin, your school must have an education affiliation agreement in place with BC Cancer. Learn more here: http://www.phsa.ca/health-professionals/education-development/student-practice-education/phsas-academic-activities#Affiliations.

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 non-smoking.

For locations, directions and parking details, 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 nearby hospitals
  • 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 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 mreains your main source of support.