Students at PHO
Students are the future of public health. At PHO, we are committed to building capacity and knowledge for the next generation of public health professionals. We are proud to provide an enriched and engaging learning environment that builds and strengthens knowledge and skills and to offer experiential learning experiences that span a variety of public health areas.
Student Placements
At PHO, students gain practical experience in public health through hands-on placements. We help students define and meet program-specific objectives, as well as their own personal learning goals.
Students are able to explore opportunities for career development through:
- collaboration with teams of public health experts
- informal networking with PHO staff
- preparing presentations and reports
- mentoring sessions
- participating in events such as PHO Rounds and Journal Club
Careers
Accessing Student Placements and Careers at PHO
Student placement and career opportunities are posted through PHO’s Career Portal. To apply for a position, you will need to create a login using the link below to access our current postings. This is a different login than your MyPHO account. Need additional help accessing our current opportunities or applying for a job? Check out our Careers Frequently Asked Questions.
Student Spotlights
Victoria Bursey
Master of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health
Dalla Lana School of Public Health
University of Toronto
"This placement enhanced my understanding of how research and scientific evidence at the provincial level inform public health practice and decision-making."
During her placement with PHO's Environmental and Occupational Health team, Victoria supported a project focused on the public health response and investigation of non-communicable disease clusters. She conducted a literature review and jurisdictional scan to identify emerging evidence and best practices, contributing to a resource designed to support Ontario public health units. Through this work, she strengthened her skills in evidence synthesis, communication and project management, while gaining a deeper understanding of how research informs public health decision-making.
Shaelyn Fitzpatrick
Master of Public Health
School of Public Health Sciences
University of Waterloo
"This experience deepened my interest in public health education, capacity building and knowledge translation."
During her placement with PHO's Capacity Building team, Shaelyn contributed to projects focused on workforce development, experiential learning and education planning. She synthesized and translated evidence into a knowledge product designed to support public health organizations and professionals, prepared recommendations to enhance applied and experiential learning web content and contributed to the planning of future education offerings. Through this work, she strengthened her skills in research synthesis, knowledge translation and communicating with diverse audiences.
Student Placement Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of students placements are offered at PHO?
We offer a range of student placements throughout the year, from programs such as masters of public health, medical lab technology, health sciences, health informatics, and medicine and medical residencies. Check the PHO Careers Portal for current opportunities or speak with your academic institution.
What opportunities are there for Indigenous students?
PHO has an Indigenous Internship Program. For more information, visit the Guide to PHO’s Indigenous Internship Program.
Are there opportunities to work remotely or in a hybrid model?
Placement format may vary depending on the team, project and work location. At this time, some placements may be virtual, hybrid or require on-site work. At PHO, we are committed to ensuring an equitable and accessible work environment. View our Accessibility Multi-Year Plan for more information.
What are the application requirements for a placement at PHO?
Placement opportunities are only available to students who are currently enrolled in an academic program and are required to complete a training placement to fulfill program requirements.
When are placements at PHO posted? How do I apply for a placement at PHO?
Generally, summer placements are posted on the PHO Careers portal in early January. There are limited opportunities for placements at other times in the year. Check the PHO Careers Portal for current opportunities or speak with your academic institution.
How many placements are available?
The number of student placements is based on supervisor capacity at PHO to ensure experiences are meaningful and impactful for the students.
Where else can I gain public health experience?
There are so many ways to gain experience and learn more about public health in Ontario. Please visit the Education and Events section of our website to explore our upcoming events, recorded presentations, as well as our free online learning modules. Organizations such as community health centres, college and university groups and clubs, and non-profit organizations are other examples of places to gain experience and knowledge.
I recently graduated, can I still apply for a placement?
Our placement opportunities are only available to students who are currently enrolled in an academic program and are required to complete a practicum or training placement to fulfill program requirements. Please review our current job postings through PHO Careers Portal.
What level of learners do you support?
PHO currently supports placements for students enrolled in higher education programs. We do not offer placements for high school students.
Do you accept volunteers?
We are not currently able to support volunteer placements.
MyPHO
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