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Program Codes
Fall Intake – September 2021 NORT-H136-PC Timmins Campus – CLOSED NORT-H138-KL Kirkland Lake Campus – CLOSED NORT-H139-HL Haileybury Campus – CLOSED NORT-H137-JB Moosonee Campus – CLOSED
Winter Intake – January 2022 NORT-H138W Kirkland Lake – NOT AVAILABLE NORT-H137W-JB Moosonee Campus – NOT AVAILABLE
Spring Intake – May 2022 NORT-H136S-PC Timmins Campus – OPEN NORT-H138S-KL Kirkland Lake – OPEN NORT-H139S-HL Haileybury Campus – OPEN
Program Description Personal support workers are unregulated health care providers. They work under the supervision of a regulated health professional, supervisor, or in the supported independent living environment under the direction of the client. They provide clearly identified personal care, routine activities of daily living and home management services, by following care/service plans and established policies and procedures. Personal support workers are responsible for their work to their clients and to their employers. Workers providing long term care and support services form the backbone of both community and facility services. They are often the people with whom clients/consumers have the most contact and with whom they develop close relationships. The attitude and approach of workers and their abilities are critical to the well being, comfort, safety and health of the people they support.
Education to prepare support workers assists them to develop a broad range of abilities beyond dexterity skills, which emphasizes the value of their role and reflects true sensitivity and respect for the individuality of each consumer/client. This program was developed as part of the Ontario provincial government’s plan to reform long term care and support services provided to people living at home and in long term care facilities. The Personal Support Worker Program is a two semester program consisting of theory and clinical practice in both institutional and community settings.
COVID-19 vaccinations are now required for all students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker programs, in order to be permitted to attend clinical hours with the Timmins & District Hospital. Please review the Placement Requirements to ensure you are up-to-date on vaccinations for your clinical requirements.
Career Opportunities Following successful completion of their program, graduates may be employed in a variety of community and institutional agencies. Personal support workers care for clients who are stable and who have clearly identified needs that are not expected to change significantly. They work under supervision and as valuable members of care/service teams; provide personal care and home management services to clients who are experiencing physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural challenges. They are capable of providing organized competent care for individual clients and for their assigned multi-client groups. Personal support workers may also work under the direction of the client.
Admission Requirements Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Grade 12 English (C, M, U)
Or equivalent
Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program and must demonstrate equivalency with admission English requirements. Contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details. Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.
Important Information Students who do not comply with the immunization requirements will not be allowed into the practice settings and as such may not be able to complete the Practicum required to graduate from the program. CPR re-certification, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually. To be eligible for participation in clinical training, students must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which that person has not been pardoned. An unpardoned criminal record will result in inability to participate in clinical practice courses and will prevent the student from graduating. Any costs for these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the applicant.
Students are responsible for the cost of appropriate uniforms and equipment (e.g. watch, pen, etc.) required for the clinical area as well as transportation to practicum placements. Mask fit testing will be provided by the College prior to clinical practice.
The following physical demands are/will be placed upon the students throughout this program, and are essential to successful completion/clinical/graduation:
Activity
Frequency
Definition
Example
Walking
half-day
walking up to four hours during an eight hour shift
walking on flat areas in building for a distance equal to a city block
Standing
quarter – day
standing up to two hours during eight hour shift
standing to administer medications at a cart/process lab specimens
Sitting
minimal
sits less than two hours during eight hour shift
sitting at desk to document
Bending
moderate
bending is required on a regular basis
changing bed linens; turning and repositioning patients; transferring patients; assisting patient in and out of chair
Lifting
heavy
normally lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 50 lbs
two man transfer of resident in and out of bed; lifting linen out of carts, positioning clients for lab processes
Pushing/Pulling
repetitive
pushing/pulling objects and persons along flat surfaces
International Students – Admission Requirements and Information
International Students English Proficiency Requirements we will require one of the following:
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System – minimum overall score of 6.5 must be achieved, with no individual band score under 6.0.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Computer based overall minimum score of 79
PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic 58+
Semester 1 AA3004 Pharmacology Theory and Lab CM1913 Communications I – Model B PN1033 Human Relationships PS1163 Developmental Psychology PW1003 Human Body Structure, Function and Basic Maintenance PW1013 Legislation, Ethics and Principles of PSW PW1014 PSW Practice PW2013 Common Health Care Challenges
Semester 2 PS1012 Developmental Disabilities Across the Lifespan PS3033 Abnormal Psychology PW1002 Introduction to Community Care – Theory PW1053 Introduction to Community Care – Lab PW2011 PSW Clinical Practice PW2017 Preceptorship
Semester 1
AA3004 Pharmacology Theory and Lab The goal of this course is to provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to administer medications accurately and safely in community settings. The student will be introduced to the principles of pharmacology including the role medications play in restoring or maintaining health. An examination of federal and provincial legislation will provide the student with an understanding of his/her role as a member of the care team. The basics of pharmacology, the rationale behind the use of drugs, and the mechanisms of medication actions within the human body will be explored. Given the ever expanding and changing nature of pharmaceuticals, the graduate of this course will need to continuously update his/her knowledge in order to remain current with medications and their actions and reactions in the body. Effective communication is essential in order for health care professionals and allied care providers to understand each other during the performance of their roles and responsibilities. All members of the team require a working knowledge of the various terms in pharmacology to ensure client safety in the prescribing, preparing, administering, and documenting of medications. At the beginning of each unit the student will be expected to research the definitions of key terms. While the text utilizes the term, “allied health professional”, the term “allied care provider” has been applied in the Course Outline to reflect the role of the developmental services worker and/or education assistant in community settings. As well, in recognition of the individuals for whom care and services are provided in the community, the term “patient” has been replaced with “client”.
CM1913 Communications I – Model B Communications 1 is designed to enhance students’ writing, speaking and critical thinking skills as required in academic and workplace settings. Students reinforce correct grammar and mechanics usage, develop specialized vocabulary, and apply effective writing techniques to produce a variety of documents. Topics covered include the communications process; the writing process (planning, composing, editing); paragraph development; email; research and documentation (A.P.A. format); essay/research paper structure; cover letter, resume, and portfolio development.
PN1033 Human Relationships Using an experiential approach, this course will focus the learner on the skills necessary to communicate effectively on a personal and professional level. The concept of caring will be used as a basis to explore the helping relationship, interviewing skills and group process.
PS1163 Developmental Psychology This course is an introduction to the broad field of psychology. Among the topics you will study are: biology and behaviour, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory, intelligence, cognition, human development, motivation and emotion, personality theory and assessment, health and stress, mental health and social psychology. Human behaviour is very complex. This course will assist you in better understanding your behaviours as well as those of others. You will be able to apply basic psychological principles that will help you in solving every day real life problems in both your professional and personal life.
PW1003 Human Body, Structure, Function and Maintenance This course introduces the Personal Support Worker student to the normal structures and functions of the human body and its basic requirements. A background in anatomy and physiology is essential for anyone entering the health care field. A good understanding of normal body function will help the PSW to identify abnormal conditions.
PW1013 Legislation, Ethics and Principles of PSW This course is an introduction to ethics and moral principles that will guide the learner in their personal and professional relationships. Codes of Ethics, principles of personal support and dealing with ethical dilemmas will be discussed. Legislation that pertains to the PSW and the role of the Personal Support Worker within the health care system will be examined. The use of care plans will be discussed. This course will also emphasize understanding the uniqueness of each individual.
PW1014 PSW Practice This course will provide the learner with opportunities to apply concepts and knowledge gained in the classroom environment to clinical practice settings. The emphasis will be on the promotion of health and wellness of individuals throughout the lifespan. The learner will be introduced to various skills required by individuals in selected age groups through simulation, practice in laboratory and a teaching-learning experience. Students are expected to work independently to gain an understanding of medical terminology.
PW2013 Common Health Care Challenges This course introduces the PSW student to the impact of the aging process on normal body function as well as on the individual as a whole. Attention is paid to pathological processes that impact on the normal anatomy and physiological processes in the body.
Semester 2
PS1012 Developmental Disabilities Across the Lifespan The quality of life for people with disabilities can be enhanced with a supportive network that understands that people with disabilities undergo growth and development in similar stages as people without disabilities.This course will follow a developmental approach in examining the lifespan of children, youth and adults with disabilities. This course provides the personal support worker with an awareness of the type of personal care and support that individuals with disabilities may require across their lifespan. Current best practices in identifying and facilitating support with dignity and respect will be emphasized.”
PS3033 Abnormal Psychology This course examines various perspectives of abnormal psychology. We seek to understand the nature, causes, and treatment of abnormal behaviour. Several theoretical viewpoints will frame our discussion of abnormal psychology. The patterns of abnormal (maladaptive) behaviour to be examined are: behaviour and emotional disorders of childhood and adolescence, eating disorders, substance-related disorders, anxiety disorders, dissociative and somatoform disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. Students will also study treatment strategies and mental health law in Canada.
PW1002 Introduction to Community Care – Theory This course provides the theoretical background for the delivery of practical skills that the personal support worker will require for client care in the community environment. Emphasis is placed on home management, home assessment, safety interventions and personal care in the private residence setting. Principles of nutrition and meal preparation will be addressed. Also covered will be home mobilization and client assistive devices and their application in the home/community setting.
PW1053 Introduction to Community Care – Lab This course is offered in a community lab setting to provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to the clinical practice setting through simulation. The student will be able to perform basic support skills required for community care and to effectively care for individuals in selected age groups and with a variety of medical conditions.
PW2011 PSW Clinical Practice This course will provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge and skills gained in the classroom environment to the practice setting under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor in a long term care setting. The emphasis of this course is on the demonstration of knowledge, skills and attitude required to assist clients with personal routine activities of daily living.
PW2017 Preceptorship Personal Support Workers fulfill a vital and important role in the community setting. The worker cares for clients with clearly identified needs and assists the clients towards maintaining their independence in a supported environment. This course focuses on providing the learner with the opportunity to explore the community setting and practice required skills needed to provide assistance to clients in a private resident setting. Also this course involves the learner completing a placement in a long term care facility. The learner (preceptee) will perform duties and tasks in the role of a Personal Support Worker under the guidance and supervision of an employee (preceptor) in a long term care facility.
Northern College is offering a Part-Time Personal Support Worker Program through our partner platform, Ontario Learn along with some on-site components at the Haileybury, Kirkland Lake, and Timmins Campuses.
Tuition: Free for eligible domestic learners. Please contact us for more information.
Program Start Date: Nov 1, 2021
Graduate Date: July 2023.
Northern College is offering the prescribed schedule detailed below.
Students also have the option to complete the required courses at their own pace by completing courses in the appropriate order of completion.
Student who choose to complete courses at their own pace, will have until March 2023 to complete as many courses as possible, with funding. After March 2023, funding to complete courses will be the student’s responsibility. If you begin the program with funding, additional funds to complete the program after these timelines may not be available.
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