Program Title – Personal Support Worker Accelerated Program
Credential Earned One-Year Certificate
Delivery Full Time
Program Length This accelerated program is 24 weeks. Program consists of two 12 week semesters.
Program Status Open – Intake begins May 10, 2021
Tuition and Fees Fee breakdown will be available soon.
Second Career Please refer to Second Career for more information.
Program Codes
H139A – Haileybury Campus
H138A – Kirkland Lake Campus
H136A – Timmins Campus
Semester
|
Semester Dates
|
# of Weeks
|
Course Delivery
|
Semester 1 |
May 10 – July 30 |
12 weeks
|
Theory courses online + onsite labs |
Semester 2 (1st half) |
August 3 – September 10 |
6 weeks
|
Theory courses online + onsite labs + 2 clinical days |
Semester 3 (2nd half) |
September 13 – October 22 |
6 weeks
|
Preceptorship |
Program Admission Packages
PSWA Clinical Requirements Package May 2021 – Domestic
PSWA Clinical Requirements Package May 2021 – International
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.
Additional Information about this Program
- Program will consist of two 12 weeks semesters, beginning May 10th.
- Orientation will be held on the morning of May 10th online to each campus (mandatory to attend). Further information about the Orientation will be provided during the first class.
- All Clinical documentation is mandatory and must be submitted by June 15th. Inability to submit full clinical documentation will result in inability to continue to Semester II.
- Intensive, all day classes online (labs on site and mandatory attendance). Timetables will be made available on the Student Portal of the Northern College website following student registration with Student Services (please contact your campus for Student Registration) and shortly prior to the start of the program
- COVID protocols are in place and compliance is mandatory
- Contact Bookstore of text/resource purchases (for all campuses) Tel: 705-235-7205 or email: 0924mgr@follett.com
- No cost for tuition or books/resources. Other costs may apply (e.g. travel to/from clinical settings, clinical documentation fees, etc).
Articulation Agreements
Download the complete Articulation Agreement list for Universities and Colleges (PDF, 113KB).
You can also visit OnTransfer. This site provides information and resources to help students and potential students find their way through Ontario’s postsecondary system.
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.
Contact Information
Shelly Hosman
Tel: 705-235-3211 x7289
hosmans@northern.on.ca
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 |
pushing mechanical lift; pushing resident in wheelchair, pulling carts; pushing/pulling furniture |
Use of Equipment |
moderate |
operating mechanical aids which replace physical force |
using mechanical lifts |
Hand/Eye coordination |
average |
able to perform tasks which require average degree of hand coordination. No vision impairment. |
reading labels on bottles-labs vials; administering medications; operating mechanical lift; writing reports/documents |
Any questions regarding the above requirements may be directed to your health care provider and/or kinesiologist/physiotherapist.
Other Requirements for Admission to Clinical
- Completed Immunization/Communicable Disease Testing Requirements forms, supplied by the College.
- Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate (C.P.R. – HCP Level).
- 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 6 months) is required prior to the start of the fall Semester (1 original copy).
- Mask Fit testing (offered in September, on campus by the Nurse Training Officers)
- AODA certificate (free of charge, access via link on Northern College’s main website)
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
PN1033 Human Relationships
PW1003 Human Body Structure, Function and Basic Maintenance
PW1013 Legislation, Ethics and Principles of PSW
PW1014 PSW Practice
PW1083 Common Health Challenges and Care Needs
Semester 2
PW1002 Introduction to Community Care – Theory
PW1053 Introduction to Community Care – Lab
PW2017 Preceptorship
PS1012 Developmental Disabilities Across the Lifespan
PW2011 PSW Clinical Practice
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”.
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.
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.
PW1083 Common Health Challenges and Care Needs
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
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.
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.
PW1012 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.
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.