Matching Process and Procedures for Students

Field Placement is often the part of the program students look forward to the most—and for good reason. It is where textbook knowledge and classroom learning come to life, where theory meets practice, and where you begin to see yourself stepping into your professional role in the Addictions and Mental Health field.

With that excitement can come nervousness, which is completely normal. To support you through this important transition, firm guidelines, processes, and procedures are in place to ensure fairness, organization, and success for every student.

Your Field Placement Coordinator, Odessa, takes great care to ensure you are fully informed and supported throughout this journey. She communicates consistently with students, provides orientations and information sessions, visits classes, and shares detailed instructions so you always know what to expect. Odessa’s approach to matching is thoughtful and intentional, designed to give you the best possible learning experience.

Prerequisites for Field Placement Eligibility

Before participating in the matching process, students must:

• Complete all pre-requisite courses listed in your program plan.

• Submit all required pre-placement documentation by the stated deadlines (e.g., Vulnerable Sector Check, immunizations, CPR/First Aid).

• Maintain good academic standing within the program.

• Attend all mandatory Field Placement workshops and orientations, including the two sessions integrated within AMHW-102.

• Complete an Area of Interest Form to indicate placement preferences.

💡 Tip: Check your prerequisites early—missing one can delay your progress and eligibility for Field Placement.

Your Role in the Matching Process

• Follow the process step by step.

• Remain professional in all communications and interactions.

• Manage your time carefully to ensure all deadlines are met.

• Be patient—matching is a detailed process and can take time.

• Stay organized and check your myCentennial email 2–3 times daily for instructions and updates.

Placement Matching

• The Field Placement Coordinator assigns all official placements.

• Student preferences are considered, but specific placement requests cannot be guaranteed due to the competitive nature of placements.

• Matches are permanent and must be accepted to fulfill course requirements.

• Students are generally matched to one agency per placement course.

Interviews and Independent Search

• Students may be required to interview with their assigned agency. Treat this as a professional employment interview.

• If a student is unsuccessful in the interview, they will be placed on an Independent Search and must find their own placement.

• AMHW-310 interviews typically take place between April -September.

Continuity Between Placements

• Students are expected to remain at the same agency for Field Placement 1 and 2 whenever possible.

• Staying at one agency allows you to:

  • Build on prior knowledge and skills

  • Take on more advanced responsibilities and leadership opportunities

  • Deepen understanding of agency context, procedures, and professional roles

• Remaining at one placement provides a richer learning experience and promotes professional growth.

Mandatory Acceptance of Placement

• Field Placement is a required course.

• Students must attend the agency they are assigned.

• Refusal to accept a placement may jeopardize eligibility for AMHW-310 or AMHW-410.

Deadlines and Professional Conduct

• Meet all placement-related deadlines, including forms, interviews, and required documentation.

• Failure to meet deadlines may result in mandatory withdrawal from AMHW-310 or AMHW-410.

• Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism throughout the matching process.

Examples of Unprofessional Behavior:

• Not responding promptly to emails or calls from the agency

• Failing to attend or arriving late to interviews

• Being unprepared (e.g., missing resume, cover letter, or paperwork)

• Communicating in a disrespectful or unprofessional manner

Consequences:

• Unprofessional behavior may result in placement on Independent Search and a required meeting with the FPC.

• Repeated unprofessional behavior that risks the program’s reputation may lead to ineligibility to continue in the Field Placement course.

Support and Expectations

• The Field Placement process can be challenging; the Field Placement Coordinator is available for guidance and support.

• Maintain professional and respectful communication at all times with:

  • Centennial College faculty and staff

  • Field agency staff

  • Fellow students

• Your communications with the Field Placement Coordinator is practice for professional communication in the field. Demonstrating professionalism during the matching process reflects your readiness for this key learning experience.

✅ Field Placement Readiness Checklist

Before you can be matched, confirm that you have:

• Completed Area of Interest Form

• Completed your Professional Profile

• Completed all required prerequisites in your program model route

• Submitted your Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

• Submitted all pre-placement documents

• Met all stated deadlines

• Maintained good academic standing

Another Note for You💌

Field Placement is one of the most exciting parts of the program—it’s where textbooks and classroom learning truly come to life!

With all that excitement (and sometimes nerves), remember: there are clear guidelines, processes, and procedures to keep everything running smoothly. Your Field Placement Coordinator is working hard to match you with the best learning opportunity, but this is a team effort. Your role is to:

• Stay informed

• Follow the process

• Meet your deadlines

• Manage your time

• Remain professional at all times

Do your part, and together the experience will be transformative. ✨