Personal support workers (PSWs) provide physical and psychological assistance to seniors and individuals with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, and people recovering from acute illnesses. They help their clients with their activities of daily routine under the supervision of doctors and by following service/care plans and established policies and procedures. They work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, community agencies, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, school systems, residential facilities, private duty and home care.

Although no education or skill is required to help people in need but it may help you become more effective and efficient. The responsibility of personal support workers is not limited to just assisting clients with their daily routine activities but also includes observing, documenting and reporting patients' behaviour, collecting samples for medical tests, and assisting with dietary planning. Therefore, formal personal support worker education provides you with the knowledge and skills required to perform your job more effectively.

Personal Support Worker Program in Toronto

A post-secondary personal support worker program typically runs for one year through two semesters. You build strong foundation in anatomy, mental health, communication with patients, development stages and alterations in health, personal support communication and supporting clients in palliative care. This is a short but intensive program that covers all aspects of patient care and service.

Although a number of colleges in Canada offer personal support worker courses but not all offer you hands-on experience, which is mandatory to seek employment in organized sector. Centennial College provides you with a 15-week extensive practical experience by allowing you to work with teams in different settings, including hospitals, community and long-term institutions.

In addition to this, the program is delivered by experienced faculty members. The certificate earned is recognized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, and clinical and community agencies. This means program reflects high quality when it comes to curriculum, field work, faculty and employment prospects.

Program Benefits

As a graduate of this program, you will demonstrate the ability to:

  • Establish therapeutic relationships with clients
  • Observe patient healthcare in an ongoing and timely manner
  • Demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal, oral and written communication
  • Follow patient care plans and established policies and procedures
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment for patients
  • Report observations to healthcare professionals
  • Meet home management care requirements for patients
  • Plan and prepare meals, including special diets for patients
  • Perform routine housekeeping activities

However, your specific work activities depend upon your employment and your qualifications and work experience.

Program Eligibility

In order to apply for this program, you will need:

  • Secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent, or mature student status
  • English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent. You will need to take college's English Skills

    • Assessment for admission, in case you don't meet this requirement.

    After enrolling in this course and prior to field placement, you will also need to:

    • Successfully complete a recognized course in standard first aid
    • Obtain an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
    • Complete immunization requirements
    • Complete a recognized course in CPR