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Health Co-operative Education 

The Faculty of Health optional Co-operative (Co-op) program allows undergraduate students in Global Health, Health Studies (including Health Policy, Management & Digital Health), Kinesiology & Health Science, and Psychology to gain paid, full-time work experience during their degree.

This hands-on experience helps you: 

  • Apply what you learn in the classroom. 
  • Build a professional network. 
  • Explore career paths. 
  • Gain valuable skills for employment or further studies. 

Quick Links

Next Steps

  • Enrol in HH/COOP 2999 (Fall 2025)
  • Plan your courses and check eligibility
  • Watch for application updates 
  • Plan for Summer 2026 work term

Prerequisite

HH/COOP 2999 3.00

Applications Open

Fall 2025

Earliest Work Term

May 2026

Duration

Minimum 2 Terms (8 Months)

What is Co-op and Is It Right for You?

The Co-op program in the Faculty of Health provides students with a dynamic combination of academic study and hands-on, paid work experience. Through alternating terms of full-time coursework and full-time employment, students develop practical skills and professional insight, graduating with at least 8 months of real-world experience. Students enrolled in eligible programs have the opportunity to gain meaningful, paid field experience that enhances their career readiness.

  • Students in eligible 90-credit degree programs can complete 8 months of Co-op.
  • Students in eligible 120-credit degree programs can complete 8 – 12 months of Co-op.

Benefits of Co-op 

  • Graduate with work experience that enhances your career prospects. 
  • Earn income to help with tuition and living costs.
  • Explore different career options and discover your strengths. 
  • Network with professionals in your field. 
  • Take a break from coursework while gaining real-world perspective. 

Considerations 

  • Co-op positions are competitive and not guaranteed.
  • There is a one-time, non-refundable $200 Co-op registration/enrolment fee.*
  • Each work term course costs $500 (budget at least $1,000 for two course fees).*  
  • Job locations may involve longer commutes and/or relocation.

*Fees are based on 2025–2026 rates and may be subject to change.

Program Requirements 

First Available Work Term: Summer 2026 

To be eligible for Co-op, you must first complete HH/COOP 2999 3.00 – Preparing for Co-op Work in Health, a 3.00-credit elective course covering job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and more.

Prerequisite Course (HH/COOP 2999 3.00) Details:

  • Offered in Fall 2025
  • Not open to students with 84+ earned credits (final year) 
  • Limited enrolment on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Once enrolled in this course, you may be eligible to register for Co-op in the Fall and apply for approved jobs in January. 

Health Co-op Program

  • Be enrolled in an eligible Faculty of Health undergraduate program. 
  • Have completed or enrolled in at least 30 credits (including HH/COOP 2999 3.00). 
  • Maintain good academic standing (GPA 4.00 on 9.0 scale or 1.70 on 4.0 scale).
  • Must have 45+ earned credits before first work term.
  • Must return to full-time studies for at least one term after final Co-op work term.
  • Co-op positions are competitive and not guaranteed; students must actively search, apply, and secure their own jobs.
  • All positions must be approved by the University and filled through eligible employers.

Securing a Co-Op Position

You are responsible for actively searching and applying to Co-op opportunities. Upon admission to the program, you will gain access to York University Co-op job board. Students are expected to apply to both York-affiliated postings and roles you find through your own independent job search efforts. As a Co-op student, you will also work with your Co-op Coordinator to get support in your job search. Once you’ve secured a position, be sure to notify the Co-op team to ensure the employer and your work term can be formally recognized and processed.

Timeline for 2025-2026 

The timeline for you to participate in this Co-op opportunity is as follows:

Summer 2025

Enrol in HH/COOP 2999 3.00

September 2025

Begin HH/COOP 2999 3.00 (must complete)

Fall 2025

Apply to Co-op program (pay registration fee) 

Winter 2026

Access job board, apply and interview for jobs

Summer 2026

Start job placement and enrol in Co-op work term course

Fees & Registration 

Fees are based on 2025–2026 rates and are subject to change.

Fee Type 

Cost 

Payment timeline 

HH/COOP 2999 3.00 

Regular tuition fees 

At enrolment. 

Co-op registration fee 

$200 (one-time) 

At time of application to Co-op program (you must have completed, or be enrolled in HH/COOP 2999 3.00, and meet eligibility criteria). This fee pays for various Co-op supports, administration and to maintain the job board.  

Co-op work term courses  

$500 (0.00 credit) x 2 = $1000 total 

After securing a Co-op job and at time of enrolment in HH/COOP 3111 0.00 (first work term), and in HH/COOP 3222 0.00 (second work term). These work term courses document your participation in the Co-op program.

Students accepted into the Co-op program and who secure a job will be enrolled in 0.00 credit Co-op course(s) corresponding to their work terms: HH/COOP 3111 0.00 and HH/COOP 3222 0.00. Co-op work term courses (HH/COOP 3111 and 3222) are used to document your participation in the Co-op program. Enrolment in these 0.00 credit courses allows you to maintain active student status at the university for continued academic support during your work term, and for completion to be reflected in a notation on your official transcript.

FAQs

Below are some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you plan and prepare.

No. Obtaining a Co-op position is dependent on you and your application to the posted jobs. However, support will be provided to help you prepare for job applications and interviews, including resume building and interview skills. 

The 3.00 prep course (HH/COOP 2999 3.00: Preparing for Co-op Work in Health) has regular tuition fees. There is a one-time, non-refundable $200 fee to register in the Co-op option. Fees cover the overall administration of the program, customized job search and career support services for Co-op students and access to the Co-op job posting board. Upon securing a work term, the fees for the 0.00 credit work term courses ($500 per course) apply. These are the approximate fees are for the 2025-2026 year only, and are subject to change. 

No. The Co-op preparatory course can be counted as elective credits. The Co-op experience is optional and not required for degree completion. 

At this time, the preparatory course, HH/COOP 2999 3.00: Preparing for Co-op Work in Health, is not open to students entering the last year of their degree.

Completion of two 4-month work terms will be reflected in a notation on the student’s official transcript. 

No. Students must complete the minimum requirements for a Co-op experience, which is 2 terms. You will, however, still benefit from the one term of experience, networking, and skill-building opportunities. You will still be able to complete your degree requirements. 

 A Co-op Coordinator will be able to assist you in advocating for your needs in a workplace setting. Co-op is not an academic course. The employer and student would need to manage any accommodations that are required by the student in the context of an employee-employer setting. One aspect of a Co-op experience that may be supported by an academic accommodation would be the final submission to the university of the self-assessment of the Co-op experience, and employer feedback etc., where deadlines could be extended as needed. It is highly recommended that eligible students register with the Student Accessibility Services.  For more information: SAS Guide to Navigating Placements with Disabilities. 

No. It is an expectation that Co-op students prioritize their industry learning experience while on a work term and work full-time based on their employer’s regular business hours.  Students will not be given time off in a job to complete coursework. However, Co-op students are able to take a maximum of one course per term, up to 3.0 credits per semester with permission from the Co-op Office. The course should not interfere with regular business hours of Monday to Friday, 8 am – 5 pm; whether you are working in a hybrid, remote or in person capacity. The course must be fully online, during weekends or after your work hours. Please contact the Co-op team to learn more about how to request permission.

Yes. Student’s enrolment in the Health Co-op work term course(s), HH/COOP 3111 and 3222 will maintain their status as full-time students and be able to access all regularly available resources.

You may apply for OSAP during your Co-op work terms to help with living expenses. Funding amounts depend on your income and resources (including parental or spousal, if applicable). When students receive a Co-op job offer, they are enrolled in the 0.00 credit work term course (HH/COOP 3111 or 3222) for each term. Enrolment in the course is considered full-time course load of OSAP purposes.

Before applying, keep in mind:

  • Co-op earnings must be reported as study period income. 
  • OSAP usage will count toward your OSAP lifetime limit 

If you’ve previously received OSAP, you may be eligible for Continuation of Interest-Free Stats (CIFS). Contact Registrarial Services if you have questions about applying while on a Co-op work term. 

If you receive a failing grade in a Co-op course, please connect with a Co-op Coordinator as soon as possible to discuss your options and determine whether the grade can be addressed or rectified.

Yes. However, international students will need to apply for a Co-op Work Permit. Co-op Coordinators will assist you in this process to ensure you are ready to enter your work term.  

This depends on when a work term occurs. A work term in the summer may have minimal effect on a student’s course of study, and two back-to-back terms in fall and winter will delay a student’s completion of a 4-year degree by one year. Specific plans of study are dependent on the student’s degree program, when they opt for Co-op, and how long they will spend with an employer. It is important to know that a Co-op is a commitment that will change and potentially lengthen your degree experience. When planning how a Co-op work term fits within your degree progression, it is important to meet with Faculty of Health Advising and your program advisors to understand degree requirements and course offerings. 

Yes. This will be generally described in the preparatory course. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their skill level and jobs that will align with those skills. Additional support will be provided upon admission to the program as students are encouraged to discuss their job search goals and plans with their Co-op Coordinator. Students will also be granted access to the York University Co-op job board.

Students in 120-credit degree: To earn the notation on the official transcript, students must complete a minimum of two alternating 4-month work terms or two consecutive 4-month work terms. The work terms total cannot exceed more than 12 months.

Students in 90-credit degree: To earn the notation on the official transcript, students must complete a maximum two alternating 4-month work terms or 2 consecutive 4-month work terms. The work terms total cannot exceed more than 8 months.

*We strongly encourage each student to discuss their work and study plans with their Co-op Coordinator upon admission.

Sample Sequence: 8 months

Year

Fall (Sept – Dec)

Winter (Jan – Apr)

Summer (May – Aug)

1

Study

Study

OFF

2

Study (including
HH/COOP 2999 3.00)

Study & Job Search

Work (HH/COOP 3111)

3

Study

Study & Job Search

Work (HH/COOP 3222)

4

Study

Study

Graduate

Sample Sequence: 12 months

Year

Fall (Sept – Dec)

Winter (Jan – Apr)

Summer (May – Aug)

1

Study

Study

OFF

2

Study (including
HH/COOP 2999 3.00)

Study & Job Search

Work (HH/COOP 3111)

3

Work (HH/COOP 3222)

Study & Job Search

Work (HH/COOP 3222)

4

Study

Study

OFF

5

Study

Graduate

For More Information

The Faculty of Health Co-op option will be coordinated and supported through a centralized office at York. If you have more questions about this optional Co-op experience, please contact at askcoop@yorku.ca.

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