Academic Placements & Learning Opportunities Here
At GBGH, we welcome students and new graduates across various departments through placements, co-op opportunities, and early career programs. If you are motivated to pursue a career in health care, GBGH provides hands-on experience in a supportive learning environment. You will work alongside skilled interprofessional teams, gaining practical skills while contributing your own knowledge and fresh perspectives.
We believe in fostering learning and engagement beyond employment. Through strong partnerships with academic institutions, we offer student placements, internships, and hands-on learning experiences to help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Whether you are a student seeking a placement, an extern looking to develop clinical expertise, or a new graduate transitioning into practice, GBGH provides opportunities to support your professional growth.
Extern Program
The GBGH Extern Program provides students and internationally educated healthcare professionals with hands-on experience in a hospital setting. Externs work as unregulated healthcare providers, collaborating with interprofessional teams under the supervision of qualified professionals. This program helps participants develop clinical skills, build confidence, and gain valuable hospital experience before entering full-time practice.
Who Can Apply?
GBGH offers Extern roles in the following disciplines:
- Nursing
- Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs)
- Paramedicine
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Respiratory Therapy
Eligibility requirements are set by the Ontario Ministry of Health and may change annually. To confirm your eligibility and learn more about the program, visit the Ontario Health Human Resources page.
Why Join the GBGH Extern Program?
- Gain hands-on hospital experience in a supportive learning environment.
- Work alongside interprofessional teams and learn from experienced mentors.
- Build confidence in your skills while preparing for your future career.
- Flexible scheduling to support your academic commitments.
How to Apply
Extern opportunities are posted on the GBGH Careers page when available. Interested candidates should check for postings regularly and apply through our Careers page.
New Graduate Guarantee Program
GBGH is a proud participant in the Nursing Graduate Guarantee (NGG) program that is designed to support Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses who are within 12 months of registering with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) by providing them with a full-time employment opportunity.
The NGG program at GBGH consists of:
- Nursing and interprofessional orientation learning modules to support a comprehensive understanding of Standards and Policies.
- A competency-based learning pathway and learning plan to support the nurse’s learning needs.
- 12 weeks preceptor shifts for unit(s) specific to NGG hire, to support the transition of the new graduate into practice.
- Regular check-ins and mentorship with the Nurse Educator.
GBGH supports new nursing graduates’ transition into practice in the following areas/specializations:
- Inpatient Acute Medicine
- Emergency Department
- Critical Care
Are you interested in applying to this exciting initiative with GBGH? To get started you will need to confirm your eligibility for the program on the ministry NGG Portal website here.
Upon confirming eligibility, to be considered for current Nursing Graduate Guarantee (NGG) postings, applicants must apply on the New Graduate Guarantee Portal.
Have you completed a clinical placement with GBGH? If you have, please connect with the People Services Team at HRQuestions@gbgh.on.ca to discuss your potential candidacy for the New Graduate Guarantee Program. Please note that you will still need to apply through the HFO Portal above.
Post Secondary Placement Program
GBGH accepts students at the diploma, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels who need to complete a supervised practicum as part of their academic requirements.
Who Can Apply?
Students from a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Respiratory Therapy
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Social Work
How to Apply for a Placement:
- First, contact your school’s student placement coordinator, who is responsible for requesting placements at GBGH.
- If you are unsure who your placement coordinator is, check with your school administration.
- GBGH cannot accept individual student requests—all placements must be arranged through an academic institution.
For more details, review the GBGH Student Guidebook (PDF).
High School Coop
Cooperative education placement opportunities provide valuable insight into healthcare careers, allowing students to explore their interests while developing practical skills in a professional environment.
To support and recognize students pursuing careers in healthcare, GBGH offers a bursary award for a secondary school student who has completed their co-op placement or mandatory community service hours with us. Eligible students can apply, and the recipient will be chosen through a selection process.
Who Can Apply?
Students currently enrolled in their high school Co-Op program who are interested in the fields of:
- Direct Healthcare (PSW, Nursing, etc.)
- Recreational Therapy
- Medical Administration
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Laboratory Services
- Trades / Maintenance
- Human Resources/People Services
- Communications
How to Apply for a Co-Op Opportunity:
Let your co-op teacher know you are interested in a healthcare career. Co-op teachers in our area will reach out to the GBGH team to inquire about placement availability.
Together with your co-op teacher and a GBGH academic relations representative, you will determine if a placement at GBGH is the right fit for you.
Please note that GBGH cannot accept individual student requests—all placements must be arranged through your co-op teacher.
Opportunities After Graduation
Looking for a career after your placement? Visit our Careers page to explore open positions at GBGH.