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, 800 hour program consisting of theory and clinical practice in both institutional and community settings.

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.

For more information on Academic Upgrading click here.

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 HP**).
• Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
• WHMIS Certificate (may be obtained at a minimal cost through the College)
• A recent criminal reference check – Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC) - (within 3 months) is required prior to the end of the first week of classes in September.***

* 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

Semester I
CM1073 Communications I
IN1013 Computer Applications I
PN1023 Health Across the Lifespan I
PW1001 PSW Practice Lab
PW1002 Introduction to Community Care -Theory
PW1003 Human Body, Structure, Function and Basic Maintenance
PW1013 Legislation, Ethics and Principles of PSW
PW1023 Human Relationships I
PW1053 Introduction to Community Care – Lab
PW1063 PSW Practice I Theory

Semester II
PN2003 Health Across the Lifespan II
PW2001 Clinical Practice I
PW2002 Introduction to Medication Administration
PW2003 Mental Health and Dementia
PW2007 Clinical Practice II
PW2013 Common Health Challenges and Care Needs
PW2017 Preceptorship

For program information:
Leona Nadeau
Program Coordinator
705-235-3211 ext. 7254
nadeaul@northern.on.ca