Clinical Externs at UHN

Currently, CEs at UHN include students currently enrolled in academic programs for:

• Nursing (RN or RPN)
• Respiratory Therapy (RT)
• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Physiotherapy (PT)

When working in clinical areas, CEs support patient care and unit workflow by performing a range of supervised activities appropriate to their role and training. These may include:

• Acting as a resource to the interprofessional team where needed for patient care tasks, supplies, equipment, and transportation
• Liaising with point-of-care team members to identify patient care needs
• Assisting with personal hygiene and supporting nutrition, including feeding, patient positioning, transfers, and ambulation

At UHN, all CEs also have the opportunity to be involved in:

• Community-building activities (e.g. pet therapy)
• Individual and group shadowing opportunities
• Leading and facilitating the Clinical Extern Council
• Individualized mentorship and transition planning

In addition, depending on the care area, our Clinical Externs may also be able to participate in upskilled care activities.

Nursing CEs:

• Performing and documenting vital signs
• Low-flow oxygen administration
• Superficial pressure injury care
• Intermittent/indwelling urinary catheterization
• Point-of-care testing-glucose monitoring (POCT-GM)
• Non-blood specimen collection
• Participation in annual vaccination campaign

OT/PT CEs:

• Performing and documenting vital signs
• Mobility programs, ADL practice, and therapeutic activities assigned by supervising clinicians
• Assisting with individual or group treatment sessions
• Equipment checks, cleaning, and organizing therapy spaces
• Patient engagement and transport to therapy

RT CEs:

• Set up the ventilator and equipment
• Acting as a second set of hands during tracheostomy care
• Set up assistance for bronchoscopy and respiratory procedures
• Preparing lines and equipment in the OR and procedural settings

• Gain practical exposure in a real clinical setting under supervision
• Bridges the gap between classroom learning and hands-on patient care experiences
• Brings theory into action at the bedside

• Opportunity to practice essential clinical skills such as vital signs, documentation, and patient interaction
• Builds confidence in performing tasks safely and effectively

• Work alongside experienced healthcare professionals
• May lead to mentorship opportunities and strong references for future job applications

• Gives you an edge in competitive job markets because of the knowledge and experience with clinical workflows, policies, and procedures that you have obtained as a CE

• Explore different clinical settings (e.g., Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, Medical/Surgical Units, Oncology) to find an area of interest

• Learn time management, teamwork, and communication skills in a fast-paced environment
• Understand hospital policies, electronic health records, and interdisciplinary collaboration

Please check the UHN Careers page for Clinical Extern job postings.

No. Applicants must be a student in second year or above of an approved post-secondary Nursing, RT, OT, or PT program.

Nursing CEs must provide a minimum availability of 18.75 hours per week. OT/PT and RT CEs must provide minimum availability of 7.5 hours per week. Please refer to current job postings for additional information.

CEs do not receive academic credit. This is an employment opportunity external to your schooling.