Bridging classroom to career: The role of work-integrated learning

When Nidah arrived in Canada from Qatar, she was eager to continue her career in healthcare. However, despite her skills and education, she quickly discovered that finding work was not easy because employers were looking for candidates with Canadian education and work experience.  

Nidah found her way forward by enrolling in the customized Medical Office Skills Certificate Training program at Vancouver Community College. The program was delivered in partnership with Sources Community Services Society and the Partnership Development Office, with funding from the Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills. The 22-week program combined classroom learning with hands-on experience. Nidah explains that it gave her “a strong foundation in medical terminology, office procedures, and electronic records, and I especially valued learning practical skills like communication, scheduling, and handling confidential information.” 

One of the most transformative parts of her training was the three-week work-integrated learning placement at the BC Centre for Disease Control. There, she gained experience using medical software, handling referrals, and supporting clinical staff in a real healthcare setting. “The work placement allowed me to apply what I had learned in class to a real clinical setting and gave me confidence,” Nidah says. The placement also helped her develop her soft skills: “I polished my adaptability, teamwork, and time management skills. I learned to support patients with empathy, maintain professionalism under pressure, and work effectively with different providers. Every shift brought new insights.” 

This combination of classroom training and practical experience not only strengthened her skills but also gave her a competitive edge in the job market. “Having Canadian work experience on my resume made a huge difference. Employers could see that I was job-ready and I started getting more interview calls.” 

Nidah shares a speech at her program graduation

Today, Nidah is working as a Medical Office Assistant at TELUS Health – Care Centres. Silas Rae, Team Manager of Clinic Operations, Client Services, highlights the impact of her training: “From day one, Nidah demonstrated exceptional readiness and professionalism that made her an ideal fit for our team. Her comprehensive training through Vancouver Community College, combined with her hands-on work placement experience, provided her with both the technical skills and practical confidence needed to excel in our fast-paced healthcare environment. At TELUS Health Care Centres, we deliver comprehensive primary and specialty healthcare services to communities across Canada, and Nidah has seamlessly integrated into this dynamic setting while consistently delivering excellent results. She is a testament to the quality of VCC's Medical Office Skills Training Certificate program and the value of experiential learning in preparing graduates for meaningful healthcare careers.” 

For Sources Community Services Society, outcomes like Nidah’s reflect the true value of the collaboration with VCC. “Partnering with Vancouver Community College to deliver Medical Office Skills training has presented an amazing opportunity to support community members to gain the tools they need to build a brighter future. The comprehensive skills training, paired with meaningful work experience placements ensured students were not only job-ready, but also more confident, and prepared to enter the job market and healthcare field. This program has been especially empowering for newcomers—equipping them with Canadian training and certification, hands-on experience, and a clear pathway into the labour market. It's more than training—it's a launchpad for career development.”  

Nidah is proud to continue her healthcare journey in Canada, and she encourages future students to see the placement as an important stepping stone. “Treat your placement as an extended job interview. Be punctual, professional, and eager to learn. The relationships you build and the references you gain can open doors later on.” For her, the Medical Office Skills Certificate Training program was not only about earning a certificate. It was about building a bridge to meaningful employment and beginning a new chapter in her career in Canada. 

Photo credits to Nidah