Personal Support Worker

This program does not require approval under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005

The Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate Course is described here using the supplied PSW training duration and instructional hours. It focuses on caring, respectful assistance for people who need help with everyday activities, including hygiene, mobility, meals, safety, and communication.

The course introduces person-centred support, practical caregiving skills, appropriate professional conduct, and the need to respect each individual’s dignity and independence. It also includes supervised clinical experience under the details provided.

Course Highlights

Foundational instruction in personal care and activities of daily living.

Focus on communication, dignity, safety, and respectful support.

Topics include mobility, nutrition, infection prevention, and documentation.

400 hours of theory and 300 hours of clinical experience under the supplied structure.

Practical learning focused on ethical caregiving responsibilities.

Career Prospects and Opportunities

If the course awards a recognized PSW qualification and satisfies applicable Ontario requirements, completers may consider work in home care, supportive living, or residential care. The exact certificate status and employer eligibility must be confirmed before any employment claims are published.

Potential career opportunities and related pathways

Personal Support Worker, where the credential is accepted

Home support roles, subject to employer criteria

Personal care attendant roles, subject to employer criteria

Residential and community care support

Potential work environments

Long-term care and retirement facilities

Home care organizations

Community support services

Supportive housing settings

Skills Acquisition

Learners can develop skills to:

Assist with personal hygiene and daily living tasks.

Apply safe mobility and transfer principles.

Support meals, nutrition, and hydration.

Follow infection prevention and workplace safety practices.

Communicate respectfully with clients and caregivers.

Recognize and report changes in client needs.

Support individuals with cognitive and physical limitations.

Respect confidentiality, independence, and care boundaries.

Duration and Admission Requirements

Course Duration: 24 weeks (approximately 6 months), using the supplied PSW details.

Total Course Hours: 700 hours, including 400 hours of theory and 300 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have completed high school (or an equivalent qualification), complete an English language assessment, and provide required immigration or status documentation.

Clinical Requirements: Required documents and clinical instructions will be provided during enrollment.

Introduction to Personal Support Work: Care roles, ethics, client dignity, and professional boundaries.
Human Body and Health Fundamentals: Basic anatomy, physiology, and everyday health needs.
Activities of Daily Living: Assisting with bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene.
Mobility and Transfer Assistance: Safe body mechanics, positioning, and fall prevention.
Nutrition and Hydration: Mealtime support, hydration, and basic nutritional needs.
Infection Prevention: Hygiene, protective equipment, and safe care environments.
Communication and Emotional Support: Listening, empathy, respectful interactions, and teamwork.
Cognitive and Physical Changes: Understanding aging, dementia, and disability-related needs.
Documentation and Reporting: Observing client needs and reporting concerns appropriately.
Supervised Clinical Experience: Applying safe and respectful support principles in practice.