Personal support workers (PSWs) play a vital role in the healthcare industry, working in private homes or healthcare facilities to help provide patient care and comfort. They make an enormous difference in the lives of patients and their families.

The Ontario government estimates that up to 24,000 new PSWs will be needed by 2026.

Program Location: St. Joseph’s Health Center and Wellington Terrace

Length: September – June, 38 weeks, 25 hrs/week

Program Accreditation and Standards: The Upper Grand DSB PSW is accredited as having met all professional educational requirements

Curriculum: Area of study include anatomy, physiology, mobility, safety, hygiene, abuse, household management, care planning, cognition, mental health, managing ongoing conditions, assisting with medications, palliative care, interpersonal skills and career education

Clinical Practice: Students will complete 330 clinical hours.

Benefits: PSW certification, CPR and First Aid Certification; Gentle Persuasive Approach Certificate (GPA®) in Dementia Care; marketing skills; employer contacts; work experience; OSSD credits if required

Prerequisites for the PSW Program:

• Students under 19 years of age require an OSSD

• Adequate English literacy level (CLB6)

Course Tuition Fee: TBD includes CPR and First Aid Certification, GPA 

Course Materials Fee: $200 includes materials and books  

1. Attend an information session (dates to be added in February). You MUST attend a session to be eligible to apply for the program.

2. At the information session you will complete a 'diagnostic' test.

3. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

4. After the interview and 'diagnostic' test, offers of acceptance will be sent to approximately 21  potential candidates. A waitlist will be maintained.

5. All applicants will be required to submit the following documents: a clear Vulnerable Sector Check, physician's clearance for physical and mental wellness, and an up-to-date immunization record. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

Other Important Notes:

• Be 18 years or older

• Recommended:

  • Grade 9 Math

  • Grade 9 Science

  • Grade 11 English (college or university level)

  • For ESL students, we recommend Benchmark 6 in all areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and Grade 11 English. Proficiency may be reviewed based on prior education.

• Show proof of Canadian Citizenship/immigration status in the form of a Birth Certificate, Passport, Citizenship Card, Permanent Resident Card, Refugee Claimant Document, or other current Immigration Papers. It is the student's responsibility to clarify if they are allowed to be in this type of educational programming.

• Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical and community placements.

• In addition to the above, you must possess the following personal attributes:

  • Emotional maturity

  • A sincere interest in helping others

  • A sense of responsibility, reliability, and integrity

  • The ability to work cooperatively under the direction of other health care workers

Registration is currently CLOSED.