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Co-op Program

Student smiling while looking into a microscope

Optional Co-op Program

With TMU’s optional Medical Physics co-op, you can get hands-on professional work experience as part of your academic program. Co-op adds an extra year to the regular, full-time program, but gives you experience on your resume before you graduate. Our co-op programs are accredited by CEWIL (external link)  (Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning, Canada).

CEWIL Accredited program badge

How Does Co-op Work? 

Learn how co-op works:

  • Admission requirements
  • Program fees
  • Work/study terms
  • Hiring processes
  • Salary/wages

Program Duration

Co-op adds one extra year to the regular, full-time program.

  • Total program length: Five-years, full-time
  • Work experience gained: 12–20 months over 3-5 work terms

When to Apply?

Unlike at most universities, there's no rush to decide right away. Explore your options, ease into your first year, and apply for co-op in May, after completing second semester.

Minimum Recommended GPA: 3.0

Application Process and Requirements

Students who have completed the first semester of the regular program must apply through the department for admission to the Co-operative program before the end of the first year. Enrolment in the Co-op program is limited. Admission will be based on a portfolio which includes the student's grade point average, a resume and a statement of intent. Screening interviews may also be required. The Career, Co-op & Student Success Centre does not guarantee placements but provides resources to help students find placements.

Students must successfully complete a minimum of four work terms in order to graduate from the Co-op program. Once the requirements are satisfied, the possibility of doing another work term is at the discretion of the Career & Co-op Centre, in consultation with the Faculty Advisor.

Job Search Support

The Career, Co-op & Student Success Centre can help you find suitable positions and provide career counselling. Guides, resources and advice are available:

  • Personal branding, LinkedIn profiles, portfolios
  • Job search toolkit, resumes, cover letters
  • Interviewing, salary negotiations
  • Job boards and on-campus opportunities
  • Workshops on workplace skills, such as emotional intelligence and teamwork

Work Term Schedules

The co-op program involves a combination of work and study terms. Work terms may last for a single term, or with approval, may be extended to 8, 12 or 16 months of continuous employment. See the sample schedules below.

Semester Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Fall Semester 1 Semester 3 Semester 5 WKT 605 Semester 7
Winter Semester 2 Semester 4 WKT 505 Semester 6 Semester 8
Spring/Summer   WKT 406 WKT 506 WKT 606  
Semester Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Fall Semester 1 Semester 3 Semester 5 WKT 506 Semester 7
Winter Semester 2 Semester 4 Semester 6 WKT 605 Semester 8
Spring/Summer   WKT 406 WKT 505 WKT 606  
Semester Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Fall Semester 1 Semester 3 Semester 5 Semester 7 WKT 606
Winter Semester 2 Semester 4 Semester 6 WKT 506 Semester 8
Spring/Summer   WKT 406 WKT 505 WKT 606  

Real-World Placement Opportunities

With our downtown Toronto campus and network connections, students often land roles at nearby research hospitals. Others have worked within government and industry, inside and outside the province.

Sample roles:

  • Research Assistant
  • Radiation Protection Training Co-op
  • Health Physics Co-op Student
  • Junior Metrology Lab Researcher
  • Lead Testing Co-op Student
  • Signal & Image Analysis Co-op

 

Sample Employers:

  • Mount Sinai Hospital
  • St. Michael’s Hospital
  • Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
  • Ontario Power Generation
  • Xerox Research Centre of Canada
  • Defence Research & Development Canada