The hallways of Niagara Health’s Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines were filled with the next generation of healthcare professionals on the morning of Dec. 5.
Students from NC’s Office Administration – Health Services (OAHS) program – a two-year diploma within the School of Business and Management – participated in a site visit and orientation day to prepare for their upcoming work-integrated learning placements starting January 2026.
Students were introduced to the essential, often behind-the-scenes administrative roles that keep the healthcare system functioning. They were given access to the training environment of the Cerner Health Information System – the same technology used by professionals -to practice locating, registering, and scheduling patients. Small group tours gave students an inside look at departments like bed management and health information management.
For Evan DiValentino, Dean of Business and Environment, the day was a clear indicator of the College’s mission to support the region’s growing infrastructure.
“This initiative is another example of real-world learning and collaboration, and how Niagara College continues to build workforce capacity in key sectors of our community,” said DiValentino. “As new hospitals are built in Niagara, we’re preparing ‘day one ready’ graduates, including the administrators and healthcare staff who support doctors, nurses and patients.”
The visit was organized by Professor Gillian Martin, who drew on her professional background at Niagara Health to create a valuable experience for the students.
“The goal of the event was to connect our in-class lectures and practice with hands-on experience,” said Martin. “My ultimate goal was to build confidence and excitement in the students as well as giving them a realistic view of the work environment they will hopefully work within.”
Martin noted that seeing the physical environment helped students understand concepts like patient confidentiality and a glimpse into the pace, professionalism, and responsibilities required in a hospital setting. They were also able to see how important patient flow is and how administrative roles support safe and efficient health care.
“I felt this was important for student learning for so many reasons. It shows them the career they are working towards in real life,” she said. “It also helps those on the fence about what area of health services they wish to pursue after seeing what working in a hospital is like, for those debating on a hospital, doctor’s office, clinic, public health, etc.”
The success of the orientation day highlights the vital relationship between Niagara College and Niagara Health, a primary employer for OAHS graduates. In addition to opportunities it offers to students from the Schools of Nursing and PSW, and Allied Health, the hospital regularly hires students for critical roles such as ward clerks, health records clerks, and registration clerks, which require the two-year health services diploma.
Plans are already in the works for similar events in the future. Martin said it has been added to the December calendar for all term three OAH students, thanks to the leadership of Jane Doan, Director of Health Information Management and Patient Registration at Niagara Health, and her team.
“I came to NC from Niagara Health and was able to work with my former colleagues to create this day because I know how important this is for both organizations,” said Martin. “The staff at NH were also excited about partnering with the OAHS program for future success.”
