This page contains information on requirements that must be met for a student to be eligible to work or volunteer in a long-term care home. It is important to note that health and safety requirements for student placements vary by home, so students and educators should always verify requirements with the placement supervisor or lead contact at the home.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policies
LTC homes require that students and volunteers do one of the following:
- Provide proof of vaccination of each dose
- Provide written proof from either a physician or nurse practitioner of a medical reason that prevents the person from being vaccinated against COVID-19 and the effective time period for the medical reason; or
- Participate in an educational program approved by the licensee of the long-term care home that, at a minimum, addresses how COVID-19 vaccines work, vaccine safety related to the development of the COVID-19 vaccines, the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19, risks of not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccination.
Criminal record and vulnerable sector checks (Not required for students under the age of 18)
Due to recent changes to the Police Record Checks Reform Act, students under the age of 18 are not eligible to obtain criminal record and vulnerable sector checks for experiential learning and volunteer placements because they are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Tuberculosis (TB) tests and immunization status reports
Ontario secondary school students participating in an experiential learning or volunteer placement can receive a TB test and updated immunization status report through their OHIP coverage by obtaining a letter from the LTC or retirement home stating that the test and/or report is necessary.
Students should first check with their school’s health services department to see if they will provide the TB test before contacting their doctor or local health care provider.