Make the most of your experience
Preparing for your experiential learning opportunity is key to making a strong first impression and getting the most out of your field experience. Understanding what’s expected of you, knowing what to prepare in advance and learning where to access support can help you feel confident and ready to succeed. This is your chance to apply what you’ve learned, build your skills and show potential employers what you’re capable of – so let’s make it count.
The placement allowed me to put my learning into practice. It also allowed me to make meaningful connections for my future in the workforce.
Hannah, Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program
Non-academic requirements (NARs)
Each program has unique experiential learning requirements. You must satisfy all experiential requirements in order to receive clearance to attend your experiential learning opportunity.
For many programs, documentation called non-academic requirements (NARs) will need to be completed prior to engagement in an experiential learning opportunity. NARs documents may include, but are not limited to, proof of vaccinations, vulnerable sector checks, CPR certification, etc. Additional materials, trainings and certifications may be required depending on industry partner requirements connected to experiential learning. Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.
Please note that NARs are prescribed by our industry partners and therefore may vary from site to site.
Completion of all non-academic requirements is required prior to engagement in an EL opportunity (placement, practicum, etc.). If requirements are not completed, students will be deemed ineligible, and therefore unable to progress.
As a student engaged in a program with an experiential learning element you are responsible for:
- Meeting all the clearance requirements by the posted deadlines. Failure to do so may result in significant academic consequences, as failure to complete experiential learning requirements can impact academic progression and may affect eligibility for graduation.
- Reviewing the timelines for each requirement and getting yourself organized.
- Creating a plan for yourself that leads to timely completion of all requirements.
Student expectations:
- Read all tasks carefully and consider the time required to complete each one.
- Follow the prescribed schedule for completion timelines for NARs.
- Any certifications or checks with expiry dates MUST BE VALID (not expired) for the entire duration of any experiential learning opportunity.
- Retain all documentation.
- Follow instructions related to the uploading and verification of NARs.
- Ask if you have questions.
Before starting your experiential learning opportunity, you may need to complete certain NARs for your program, such as background checks, immunizations or certifications. Review these requirements early and make the necessary arrangements to ensure you’re ready to begin on time. Use the table below to find your program and confirm the specific details.
Non-academic requirements (NARS) search by program
Completing a placement significantly impacted my learning by allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. It provided practical experience in a professional biotechnology setting, enhancing my technical skills and understanding of industry practices. The placement also helped me develop professional connections and gain insights into potential career paths, making me more confident and prepared for my future career.
Maitri, Biotechnology program
Important information for students
Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from experiential learning opportunities. It is important for students to be aware that commutes to experiential learning opportunities (i.e. placement) could be 80 kilometres (km) or more each way (from campus location or home address for distance students). Students must make their own transportation arrangements to ensure timely arrival at the industry partner site. For some programs, relocation or longer commutes may be required.
Additionally, students are responsible for all costs associated with their travel, including parking fees and other transportation-related expenses.
If an experiential learning opportunity is declined due to transportation reasons, Loyalist College cannot guarantee an alternative opportunity. This may result in significant academic consequences, as failure to complete experiential learning requirements can impact academic progression and may affect eligibility for graduation. Therefore, it is crucial that students carefully consider their transportation options and ensure they are able to fulfill all experiential learning commitments.
*Experiential learning at Loyalist College is an educational activity through which students learn while doing, connect classroom knowledge with practical application. Experiential learning can include, but is not limited to, activities such as, placements, field experience, and co-op.
The COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended as there may be external partners (i.e. placement locations) that require this vaccination to meet their operational health and safety standards. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the student being unable to participate in their placement, which could impact their academic progression and graduation.
Learners without an eligible exemption and who choose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccination are advised that partner sites may have vaccination policies which preclude learners from experiential learning opportunities that are required for graduation.
Communication of Non-Academic Requirements: Placement coordinators will communicate with students regarding all non-academic requirements necessary for participation in placements and other experiential learning opportunities. The COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended to help ensure students meet health and safety requirements for participation in these learning activities. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all non-academic requirements are completed and submitted by the required deadlines to maintain eligibility for placements.
Important Information:
- If a student is unable to participate in placement due to vaccination requirements, without an eligible exemption, Loyalist College cannot guarantee an alternative placement. As a result, this could affect the student’s ability to complete required program components and may impact graduation.
Students are encouraged to make informed decisions in consultation with healthcare providers, taking into account their personal health circumstances and the guidance from public health units.
For further assistance, students may contact the college’s Student Health Centre for support with vaccination-related inquiries or to access vaccine resources.
*Experiential learning at Loyalist College is an educational activity through which students learn while doing, connect classroom knowledge with practical application. Experiential learning can include, but is not limited to, activities such as, placements, field experience, and co-op.
For some programs at Loyalist College, completion of a mask fit test is a mandatory non-academic requirement prior to participation in experiential learning opportunities, such as placements or practicums. To determine if your program has a mask fit testing requirement, please review the non-academic requirements (NARs) for your program.
Students in these programs must complete a mask fit test in order to be eligible to begin their experiential learning activities.
Loyalist College offers on-campus mask fit testing appointments:
Please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete this requirement before the start of your placement or practicum.
As part of Loyalist College’s commitment to high-quality, safe, and professionally aligned experiential learning opportunities, students in certain programs are required to complete a standardized Health Form prior to participating in experiential learning.
This form is a critical step to ensure that students meet the immunization and health requirements set by our community and industry partners. Completion of this form helps protect both the student and the individuals they engage with through experiential learning.
The Health Form must be completed by a licensed healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, or nurse practitioner) and includes immunization documentation for:
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Polio (TDAP)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- COVID-19 (Strongly Recommended; Mandatory for some programs)
- Influenza (Strongly Recommended; Mandatory for Paramedic)
Students are required to submit both the completed form and relevant documentation.
Loyalist College’s Health Centre can assist in completing this form.
This Health Form is required for students in the following programs:
- Practical Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Perioperative Nursing
- Personal Support Worker
- Paramedic
- Massage Therapy
- Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA/PTA)
- Social Service Worker
- Community and Justice Studies
Deadlines for submission vary by program. It is the responsibility of each student to confirm the specific deadline for their program and ensure all requirements are completed in advance of their experiential learning. Completion of this health form is required for experiential learning eligibility.
Learn more about the Loyalist College Health Form.
Are you a returning student needing to update your immunizations? Access the TB and Influenza Update Form.
Are you a Paramedic student? Complete the Communicable Disease Form.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Apply classroom theory to real workplace challenges.
- Build industry-relevant experience you can showcase on a résumé and portfolio.
- Test and refine your career goals through hands-on projects and reflection.
- Make employer and community connections to expand your professional network.
- Receive feedback from mentors and supervisors to accelerate your development.
Please click here for specific information related to your program.
If you anticipate needing accommodations during your experiential learning opportunity—such as a placement, co-op, or applied project—the best place to start is AccessAbility Services at Loyalist College. They are here to support you and help ensure your academic and experiential learning needs are met.
You can learn more and connect with them here: AccessAbility Services – Loyalist College.
It’s important to begin these conversations early in your academic journey. Planning ahead allows time to coordinate any necessary supports with both the College and the placement site.
AccessAbility Services can work with you to create a plan and help communicate your needs appropriately, ensuring a positive and inclusive learning experience.
If you experience problems (e.g. being treated poorly by an individual, unsafe work environment, work unrelated to my field, not enough hours, etc.) or have any questions/concerns during the semester, you should connect with the Office of Experiential Learning immediately. The team is here to support you and will provide you with further information and support.
Learn more and contact us
Have questions?
Contact us: experiential@loyalistcollege.com
