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.

Program Contact

healthsciences@northern.on.ca

Employment 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.

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Post-Secondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

Other Requirements for Admission to Clinical

• Physician’s medical report as per guide supplied by the College
• Proof of current immunization*, including Hepatitis B; 2-step Mantoux (with follow-up chest x-ray if the Mantoux test is positive), flu vaccine.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate (C.P.R. - Level C ).
• Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
• WHMIS Certificate (may be obtained at a minimal cost through the College)
  
• A recent criminal reference/vulnerable sector check - (within 3 months) is required prior to the start of Semester II (3 originals).***
  

* Note: 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.

**Note: CPR re-certification, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually

***Note: 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.

Note: 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.

Program of Studies

Program Descriptions

Semester I
CM1903 Communications I Model A
PW1014 PSW Practice
PN1033 Human Relationships
PS1163 Developmental Psychology
PW1003 Human Body Structure, Function and Basic Maintenance
PW1013 Legislation, Ethics and Principles of PSW
PW2003 Mental Health and Dementia
PW1073 Conflict Management/Problem Solving

Semester II
PW1002 Introduction to Community Care –Theory
PW1053 Introduction to Community Care – Lab
PW2011 PSW Clinical Practice
PW2002 Introduction to Medication Administration
PW2013 Common Health Challenges and Care Needs
PW2017 Preceptorship