The Practicum Coordinator – Administrative Programs is responsible for developing, coordinating, and maintaining practicum placement opportunities for students in Administrative programs such as Business Administration and Medical Office Assistant. This role supports student success by securing placement opportunities, preparing and coaching students to be work ready, monitoring student progress, resolving practicum issues, and maintaining strong employer partnerships. The role also contributes to program growth by identifying new practicum sites and fostering long-term relationships with placement partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare students for practicum through orientation sessions, workplace readiness coaching, and professional expectations training.
- Guide students in résumé development, interview preparation, and employer communication.
- Serve as the first point of contact for student practicum concerns.
- Provide ongoing support throughout placements to promote successful outcomes.
- Mediate and resolve issues that arise between students and employers.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with healthcare clinics, medical offices, physiotherapy & chiropractic offices, businesses, non-profit organizations, and other employers.
- Identify, secure, and expand practicum opportunities that align with program objectives in collaboration with the Career Pathway Services department.
- Maintain a database of employers, contacts, placement opportunities, and partnership agreements.
- Represent the college professionally at networking and community events.
- Practicum Placement Coordination
- Match students with appropriate practicum opportunities based on career goals, skills, location, and employer requirements.
- Coordinate placement schedules, start dates, and required documentation.
- Ensure all practicum agreements and student records are completed and filed appropriately.
- Verify student eligibility for practicum participation.
- Monitor placement capacity and forecast future practicum needs.
- Maintain regular communication with employers during placements.
- Conduct site visits or check-ins as required.
- Gather employer feedback regarding student performance and program effectiveness.
- Ensure placements meet educational requirements and provide meaningful learning opportunities.
- Address workplace concerns promptly and professionally.
- Ensure students meet all practicum requirements, including applicable certifications, confidentiality agreements, and workplace policies.
- Maintain accurate student and employer records.
- Track practicum hours, attendance, and completion requirements.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, privacy legislation, and workplace safety requirements.
- Collaborate with the Online Programs Manager to ensure practicum experiences align with learning outcomes.
- Analyze employer and student feedback to support continuous improvement.
- Participate in curriculum review discussions related to practicum experiences.
- Maintain practicum tracking systems.
- Prepare placement statistics and related reports as required.
- Evaluate and grade all practicum submissions accurately and within established timelines.
- Participate in departmental and interdepartmental activities as required.
Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Business Administration, Education, Healthcare Administration, Human Resources, Career Development, or a related field.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience in practicum coordination, career services, recruitment, employer relations, healthcare administration, education, or workforce development.
- Experience working with healthcare organizations or business employers is considered an asset.
- Experience supporting adult learners and post-secondary students is preferred.
- Strong relationship-building and networking skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple placements and competing priorities.
- Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and student information systems.
- Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Understanding of workplace professionalism, confidentiality, and privacy principles.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with academic and administrative teams.
Working Conditions
- Primarily on campus with travel to practicum sites as required.
- Occasional flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, may be necessary to support student or site schedules.
- Office setting with regular interaction with faculty, students, and external partners.
