Training and Compliance

Student participating in an on-site placement must complete all safety orientation and training from the site and adhere to the placement site’s health and safety processes, procedures, policies, and directives.

Students should keep up-to-date on all communications and announcements of COVID-19 related policy or procedural changes at UofT and their placement site.

Students completing clinical placements may have additional requirements, including compliance with their program’s directives regarding interactions with COVID-19 positive or presumed positive patients.

Students may not attend in-person at a placement site if they develop any COVID-19 symptoms indicated by Public Health Ontario and must notify U of T’s Occupational Health Nurse immediately by email at ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca if they test positive for COVID-19 .  Students then may not visit the University or placement site until they receive clearance to do so from UofT’s Occupational Health Nurse.

Pre-placement COVID-19 training is mandatory for health science/clinical students

Best Practices

Students completing a placement on-site should follow the following best practices:

  • Wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently and after touching common surfaces
  • Avoid touching their face
  • Avoid congregating in groups, even during breaks
  • Maintain physical distancing as much as possible
  • Wear a mask and/or other PPE when social distancing is not possible or when required by the placement site
  • Wipe computer and work station with disinfectant at the start and end of each work day.

Communicate with University

Students should inform their preceptor and the Office of Experiential Education if they experience any workplace illness/injury or if they become aware of placement circumstances which are unsafe. Students have the right to refuse unsafe work immediately.

Modification Requests

COVID-19 may pose unique challenges for students and the University is committed to providing as much flexibility as possible in the circumstances. Students should inform their Program lead by contacting the Registrar's Office if they believe they require modifications to their practicums based on their personal circumstances.  Please note that Accessibility Services remains available to students experiencing disability-related barriers.

U of T Updates for Students

All students are encouraged to stay up to date with information provided by U of T's Office of the Vice-Provost, Students via their website.