The Student Training and Education Program (STEP) is designed for students interested in a career in health care or who would like to volunteer and learn about working in a hospital. STEP is a great way to meet new people, help your community, learn about hospitals, and acquire skills that will assist you in your volunteer work, school, and life in general. Students have to be at least 16 years old to volunteer.
STEP requires a 35-hour commitment throughout the months of July and August. It is a serious commitment for the summer. In order to complete the program, students must be available during the first two weeks of July for the Step Up to Learning sessions and cannot take more than two weeks of vacation during the rest of the summer.
This is a first-come, first-served process. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the large volume of applications and the limited number of spots available, all applications received as of January 28, 2025 will be put on a waitlist for this year's 2025 cohort. Applicants who do not make this year's cohort will be moved to next year.
There are two main components to the program:
After submitting the application form, students will meet with one of our office staff members and learn more about the volunteer opportunities available to them. Students will be placed in one program, with one shift every week for a total of at least six separate volunteer shifts throughout the duration of the program.
2. Career Seminars
Career seminars are 60-minute talks delivered by hospital professionals from various MUHC departments. Doctors, surgeons and nurses are among the speakers, as well as staff from areas such as Dentistry, Research, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy. Students will also have the opportunity to hear from university students who have recently applied to medical school or medical students who are finishing their studies. Students are required to attend eight seminars (number subject to change).
- Additional hospital tours and events will also be offered, such as activities in the Simulation Centre and Trauma Centre tours.
These two components, combined with general orientation and specific training for volunteering, contribute to the minimum 35 hours needed to complete STEP and receive a STEP certificate.