Faculty of Health typical co-op jobs

Faculty of Health students secure competitive co-op jobs in industries across the world. 

Co-op is an opportunity to take academic theory to industry and bring industry knowledge to the classroom. Regardless of program or major, every student’s co-op experience is different. 

Faculty of Health students work in research roles, industry roles and entrepreneurship. Throughout co-op work terms students grow into roles with more responsibility and academic relevance. 

This list of sample co-op jobs is organized by program and includes descriptions based on real co-op work term positions held by Waterloo students. We have not included employer names to maintain employer confidentiality. This list is intended to help you understand what your co-op pathway may look like based on your program. However, you should explore diverse employment opportunities throughout your co-op work terms to find out where you want to take your career post-graduation.

Sample co-op jobs

Health Sciences

Junior

Records management assistant

Verify and upload records while maintaining quality assurance of corporate and clinical documents. Co-ordinate the management of documents according to established policies and guidelines. Assist with the destruction and purging of patient clinic records and other hospital documents.

Intermediate

Disability case associate

Support disability case managers in managing their disability claims and work in partnership to bring their files to resolution. Engage clients through respectful verbal and written communication to understand the medical, social and personal dimensions of their workplace absence.

Senior

Genetic counsellor assistant

Update and create patient pedigrees for genetic counsellors. Prepare patient charts, collect relevant medical records for accurate assessment of a patient's family members and schedule appointments. Learn to use risk model software systems to accurately generate risk profiles for patients.

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Kinesiology

​​​​​​​Junior

Chiropractic assistant

Assist the chiropractor and gain experience with the day-to-day operations in a clinic setting. Prepare treatment rooms for each patient, assist with booking clients and aid the chiropractor with conducting appointments.

Intermediate

Health and safety ergonomist

Provide ergonomic support and assist in the development of solutions for numerous workstations and work cells. Generate strategies and techniques for improving worker safety, health, efficiency and comfort.

Senior

Health coach

Assist in the development of health education in the form of an app at a health information company. Collaborate with the software team to help develop program functionality, conduct surveys and interviews to engage with current app users. Conduct research and literary reviews.

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Public Health

Junior

Assistant co-ordinator, volunteer resources

Assist with program planning and implementation for volunteer programs and events at an immunization clinic. Independently conduct recruitment and placement of volunteers for short term events and programs. Organize and manage volunteer orientations and training sessions.

Intermediate

Fundraising campaign assistant

Execute a national health campaign for a non-profit health agency. Co-ordinate multiple fundraising events to raise awareness and funds for the agency. Prepare health promotion material for individual events and oversee the event day experience for participants.

Senior

Strategic engagement and advocacy researcher

Complete environmental scans and literature reviews to identify current trends and needs in the healthcare landscape. Identify key issues and create opportunities for engagement and advocacy. Work closely with the bilingual health policy strategist to research and report on key topics.

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Recreation and Leisure Studies

Junior

Outdoor education facilitator

Facilitate and assist with scheduled programs (high ropes, canoeing, orienteering, archery, hikes, environmental activities, games and campfires.) Chaperone students at meals and in cabins. Interact with students and teachers in a respectful and professional manner.

Intermediate

Recreation programmer

Assist with the provision of therapeutic social/recreational activities, activities of daily living (ADLs), monitoring and behaviour interventions for adult day program participants. Identify unsafe conditions or practices and take appropriate action to address them including reporting or removing hazards.

Senior

Marketing event co-ordinator

Responsible for planning and execution of various types of events across 30+ locations in Quebec. Strategize with the marketing team to drive interest for events. Ensure event inventory is accurate and replenished. Plan and create event social media content.

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Recreation and Leisure Studies – Therapeutic Recreation

Junior

Vocational/residential assistant

Ensure that the physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational and recreational needs of the residents are met. Ensure the home is safe, clean and inviting to all. Respond to each resident’s needs by respectfully supporting them with their day-to-day activities.

Intermediate

Community recreation facilitator

Implement recreation programs both independently and in collaboration with other staff. Support clients on a one-to-one basis in community programs (community fitness, swimming, etc.) Provide age and need-appropriate activities to support the community.

Senior

Recreation therapy assistant

Work in a regional in-patient healthcare center assisting with a schizophrenia program. Collaborate with experienced recreational therapists. Facilitate programming and develop new patient-specific and group programming.

Recreation and Sport Business

Junior

Athletic support personnel

Provide direct support to elementary and secondary school teachers, coaches and families of schools in health and physical education. Provide on-site event management support at regional and citywide championship events. Collaborate with community groups to share resources and expertise.

Intermediate

E-sports event co-op

Lead and support the events team including action items, coordination of timelines, deliverables, follow-ups and evaluations at a post-secondary institution. Schedule general events staff for events and ensure all shifts are covered. Collaborate with the marketing, operations and directors to communicate event details and updates.

Senior

Tournament operations assistant

Complete pre-event planning, packing and preparation for a provincial sports organization. Travel to each tournament and set-up/tear down operations equipment. Assist with starting and scoring of groups. Deliver high-quality customer service to all partners, facilities, volunteers and members.

Recent health co-op experiences

University of Waterloo Health student, Kaitlyn Neustaedter, smiling
Thursday, May 9, 2024

Co-op advice: don’t take a backseat to your life

By: Aadya Dixit | 5 min read

Kaitlyn Neustaedter (she/her) is a fourth year Faculty of Health student, minoring in psychology with an option in aging studies. She discusses her growth as a new professional through co-op and the importance of self-advocacy and intentionality during the application process.

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