Personal Support Worker (PSW)
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: TBD - College Heights Secondary School 171 College Ave. West - further information to be shared
Length: January – September , 38 weeks, 25 hrs/week
September to June - Tuesday and Thursday Nights (5 -1 0pm) and every other Weekend (Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5pm )
July, August, September - Clinical Placements (3) hours are TBD.
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 require an OSSD
Adequate English literacy level (CLB6)
Program Fees
Currently tuition is covered by a special grant from the Ministry of Health (check this)
A 200.00 refundable deposit is required on the first day of classes.
Learners will need to purchase shoes and scrubs
How do I apply?
Attend an information session (dates below) and complete an entrance exam . You MUST attend a session and complete the entrance exam to be eligible for the program. Sign up here: PSW Information Session Registration Form.
If you have attended an information session and completed the entrance exam a group of learners will be invited to an in-person interview. After the interview and ‘diagnostic’ test offers of acceptance will be sent to approximately 25 potential candidates. A wait list will be maintained.
All applicants will be required to submit the following documents by December 19th at 4:00pm: a clear Vulnerable Sector Check, physician’s clearance for physical and mental wellness, up-to-date immunization record. Failure to submit these documents will mean that their position in the program will be offered to the next candidate. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
Other Important Notes:
Be 18 years or older
Recommended:
Grade 9 Math
Grade 9 Science (applied or academic level)
English
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 students 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
Information sessions and entrance exams are scheduled for:
Tuesday November 4th - 5:00 pm at College Heights Cafetorium 371 College Ave. West
Thursday November 6th - 5:00 pm at College Heights Cafetorium 371 College Ave. West
Saturday November 8th - 9:00 am College Heights Library 371 College Ave. West
We look forward to meeting with you to discuss this opportunity to start your PSW career!
Further questions? Contact us.