PEMRAP volunteers are responsible for screening, approaching and enrolling patients and caregivers, data collection, and record keeping associated with our studies.
We ask that volunteers commit to one full calendar year with our program. Sessions typically start in January, May and September, following the University of Calgary academic calendar. Each session, volunteers are assigned one regular four hour shift per week in the Alberta Children's Hospital Emergency Department. Shifts start at 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00 seven days a week, including holidays. For example, you could be assigned the Monday morning shift from 10:00 - 14:00 each week for the duration of the session.
Ready to apply?
Applications will open on February 23, 2026 at 9 AM (MST) and will be accepted until March 2, 2026 at 9 AM (MST)
Please have the following documents ready when the application portal opens:
Alberta Health Services Volunteer Resources and Research Ethic Board require the following qualifications be met in order to apply:
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. We encourage individuals who have applied in the past to update and re-submit their applications.
Have you previously applied to PEMRAP?
We would love for you to re-apply to our program. The needs and make up of our team changes over time, and you will have grown since your last application. To update your application, please follow this link: https://bttr.im/f6vo4
How do we assess applications and interviews?
With support from program leadership, a selection committee composed of current PEMRAP volunteers reviews all applications and leads the group interviews. When selecting new PEMRAP volunteers, we consider individual strengths, previous experience, potential growth from joining the program, and the overall composition of our team. Some key factors we consider include:
- Diversity, inclusion and equity
- Representation across a range of academic backgrounds
- Representation across different academic years
We value clear and honest communication, attention to detail, critical thought, empathy and kindness. Our volunteers take responsibility for themselves and contribute to the wellbeing of our team. In PEMRAP we are motivated to seek continued opportunities for learning and personal development. Regular and punctual attendance is key for maintaining success.
What to expect next?
Once PEMRAP applications are reviewed, virtual group screening interviews will be scheduled on March 12 and March 16, 2026. Successful candidates will then be informed on March 17, 2026. These candidates will be contacted by Volunteer Resources at the Alberta Children's Hospital to be formally interviewed and onboarded to AHS as acute care volunteers.
Mandatory Orientation:
All new volunteers must attend a mandatory orientation at the start of each session. The upcoming orientation will take place on:
During this meeting, you will be introduced to current PEMRAP volunteers, the current studies in our research office and other essential elements. In addition, you will be offered specific training throughout the session. New volunteers will also complete an online training course on our electronic medical record scheduled by AHS.
We sincerely thank all applicants in advance for their interest and taking the time to apply to PEMRAP. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only those selected for a screening interview will be contacted. While we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not selected, we strongly encourage you to reapply for future sessions.
"PEMRAP aims to improve the capacity of the Alberta Children’s Hospital pediatric emergency department to conduct patient and family-centered clinical research and quality improvement initiatives, leading to improved health outcomes in children."
The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Research Associates Program (PEMRAP) is an exciting and novel volunteer research opportunity offered to post secondary students interested in pursuing a career in research, medicine or an allied healthcare field. PEMRAP gives students the opportunity to participate in active clinical research projects being run by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Pediatric Emergency Research Team (PERT).
PEMRAP was established in the fall of 2010 by Dr. David Johnson and Janie Williamson. At the time of PEMRAP’s inception the Pediatric Emergency Research Team was small but growing and there was a clear need to develop innovative, efficient, and cost effective means of maximizing the recruitment of potential study participants in the ED. By the fall of 2011 PEMRAP was an established, independent volunteer opportunity for undergraduate students. PEMRAP has successfully trained and mentored more than 400 undergraduate students who have contributed over 22,000 research hours. Many of our students have gone on to enter medical school, complete a nursing degree, or pursue Masters and PHD level studies.
