Personal Support Worker

Program Overview

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Personal Support Worker Ontario College Certificate program

Program Description

The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program is a two-semester Ontario College Certificate that provides students with the knowledge and practical skills to offer safe, supportive care to clients in settings such as private homes, long-term care, and acute care facilities. As a member of an interprofessional health care team, PSWs assist with daily living and the provision of person-centered care to individuals with a range of health conditions and/or individuals experiencing responsive behaviors.

Program Information

Program Code

PSWR

Duration

1 Year

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Program Delivery

Full-time + Part-time

Program Delivery Method(s)

Hybrid + In person

Admission Requirements

Personal Support Worker Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing.

Career Opportunities

Graduates provide and facilitate clearly identified personal care and routine activities of daily living in order to assist clients in being as healthy and as independent as possible. PSW graduates may find employment in retirement homes, long-term care facilities, homes for the aged, various community agencies (private and public), acute care facilities, as well as in independent practice.

Program Fit

Why This Program?

• Get real-world experience with two clinical placements at a local agency.
• High employment rate in your local area.
• Our faculty bring expert knowledge to the classroom from both private and public practices and institutions.
• High demand for PSWs, including hospitals that prefer to hire Georgian grads.
• Get local placements in your community.
• Grads receive credentials to work in long-term care facilities and hospitals.
• Grants and loans available – many students qualify for Better Jobs Ontario (formerly Second Career) funding.

Why Study at Georgian?

• Our grads get jobs – Georgian has the highest graduate employment rate among all colleges in Ontario.
• We are known for cultivating strong partnerships with local and international employers, and for providing industry with high-skilled graduates to sustain and grow their operations.

Course Information

Course Overview

• 7 Program Courses
• 2 Professional Practice Courses
• 1 Communications Course
• 1 General Education Course

Program-Specific Courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Personal Support Worker program outline.

• PSWR 1036 – PSW Laboratory Skills
• PSWR 1037 – PSW Community Care
• PSWR 1038 – Palliative Care
• PSWR 1043 – Human Structure and Function
• PSWR 1044 – Professional Foundations
• Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
• Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.

Clinical Placement Requirements

In order to provide quality practicum placements, students will be placed in a variety of agencies in the region serviced by the campus. Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from all clinical placements. Student practicum placements will involve working the same shifts as the PSWs in the practicum agency.

Applicants must have an up-to-date immunization record in compliance with the Public Hospitals Act. Completion and submission of this record is required during registration in order to ensure your placement in clinical placement facilities.

To be eligible for all practicum placements, students must have:

• A completed Clinical Preparedness Permit – current (within 1 year) Level HCP CPR and Standard First Aid on admission to the program. Level HCP CPR must be renewed annually while in the program;
• A current police check including a vulnerable sector screen (see Criminal Reference Check above);
• A record of mask fit test (will be done at the college in semester one). Mask fit testing must be renewed every 2 years.

Related Programs

• Early Childhood Education
• Office Administration – Health Services
• Practical Nursing
• Pre-health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees

Tuition and Fees

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian. You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships, and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-Integrated Learning

This program includes a clinical placement component where you’ll get clinical experience under the supervision of an experienced registered or licensed professional.

Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

Intake Information

Start date| Campus ---|--- Summer 2025| Barrie, Owen Sound Fall 2025| Barrie, Muskoka, Orangeville, Owen Sound Winter 2026| Barrie, South Georgian Bay Summer 2026| Barrie, Owen Sound

Program delivery methods apply to full-time programs only. Please contact recruitment for more information about the delivery method at the campus you’re interested in.

Program Outline

Personal Support Worker (PSW) Program at Georgian College: Extracted Information

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Degree Overview:

• Duration: 1 Year
• Credential: Ontario College Certificate
• Delivery: Full-time + Part-time
• Delivery Methods: Hybrid + In-person
• Overview: Develop the knowledge and skills to offer safe, supportive care to clients in various settings.
Become an integral part of a health-care team and graduate job-ready or pursue further studies.
• Objectives:
• Provide compassionate care to individuals with diverse health conditions and responsive behaviours.
• Assist with daily living and personal care needs in private homes, long-term care, and acute care facilities.
• Work in an interprofessional health-care team.
• Build solid foundations for potential further studies in the health field.
• Description: This hands-on program combines theoretical knowledge with practical lab classes and two clinical placements in long-term care and other healthcare settings.
You'll learn essential skills in:
• Providing a safe and comfortable environment for clients.
• Assisting with personal care and home management.
• Recognizing and responding to clients' needs in a holistic manner.
• Delivering and documenting care effectively.
• Demonstrating compassionate care throughout the lifespan.

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Outline:

• Program Courses:
• Semester 1:
• PSWR 1036 – PSW Laboratory Skills
• PSWR 1037 – PSW Community Care
• PSWR 1038 – Palliative Care
• PSWR 1043 – Human Structure and Function
• PSWR 1044 – Professional Foundations
• 1 course from Communications list
• 1 course from General Education list
• Structure:
• The program utilizes both online and in-person learning through a hybrid approach.
• Students will participate in weekly in-person labs at their chosen campus.
• The program consists of two semesters with two clinical placements included.
• Schedule:
• The program typically starts in the fall and winter semesters.
• Specific schedule details and course offerings can be found on the program outline.
• Clinical placements occur within the program year based on specific agency schedules.
• Modules:
• While specific module names aren't provided, the program content covers the following areas:
• Personal Care Skills (bathing, dressing, feeding, etc.)
• Home Management (meal preparation, light housekeeping, etc.)
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• First Aid and CPR
• Infection Control and Safety
• Client Advocacy and Ethics
• Mental Health and Addictions
• Working in a Healthcare Team
• Human Development and Aging
• Palliative Care

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Assessment:

• Methods:
• A combination of methods is used, including:
• Assignments: Written assignments, case studies, presentations, etc.

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Exams:

Midterm and final exams to assess theoretical knowledge.

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Clinical Placements:

Practical skills demonstration and evaluation in real-world settings.

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Professional Development Portfolio:

Ongoing reflection and self-assessment of professional growth.

• Criteria:
• Specific criteria for each assessment element are detailed in the course outlines.
• Assessments typically evaluate knowledge application, problem-solving skills, technical proficiency, communication abilities, and professional conduct.

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Teaching:

• Methods:
• Experienced faculty, many with practical experience in the field, lead the program.
• Interactive lectures, hands-on labs, collaborative group work, case studies, simulations, and clinical placements are used to maximize learning.
• Technology is integrated into the curriculum to enhance learning experiences.
• Faculty:
• Highly qualified and experienced PSWs and other healthcare professionals with expertise in their respective fields.
• Faculty members are passionate about teaching and dedicated to student success.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program emphasizes a holistic approach to client care, considering physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
• Students gain hands-on experience in labs and through two clinical placements, preparing them for real-world scenarios.
• Strong industry partnerships provide unique opportunities for learning and networking.
• The curriculum is constantly evolving to reflect current best practices in PSW care.

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Careers:

• Career Paths:
• Personal Support Worker in various settings – retirement homes, long-term care, home care, hospitals, community agencies, etc.
• Opportunities for specialization in areas like palliative care, dementia care, rehabilitation, etc.
• Career advancement to supervisory roles, case management, or further education.
• Graduate Outcomes:
• High demand for PSWs - growing job market due to population aging.
• PSWs play a vital role in supporting individuals and families within the healthcare system.
• Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and skills.
• Opportunities for employment locally and across Canada.
• Strong potential for career growth and advancement opportunities.

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Other:

• Admission Requirements: Refer to the admission requirements section on the program page.
• Tuition and Fees: Visit the tuition and fees page for relevant information.
• Financial Assistance: Explore funding options like OSAP, scholarships, and awards.
• Part-Time Option: This program is also offered part-time which allows students to register on a course-by-course basis.
• Flexible Delivery: The program offers a hybrid approach combining online and in-person learning methods.
• Related Programs: Other relevant programs like Early Childhood Education, Office Administration – Health Services, Practical Nursing, and Pre-health Sciences are available.