Healthcare

Personal Support Worker

Join a rapidly growing industry with high employment opportunities as an essential healthcare worker in just 31 weeks. Plus, fortify your training with 12 weeks of real-world, hands-on internship.

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    Type

    Certificate

    Duration

    31 Weeks

    Internship

    12 Weeks

    Program Outline

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    About The Program

    If you are interested in pursuing your training in partnership with our Employer Training Sites in Muskoka, Ottawa, Perth, or Strathroy please click here.

    Unlock a fulfilling career in the growing Canadian healthcare sector with the NACC Personal Support Worker 2022 certificate program. As the industry experiences unprecedented government investment, you’ll find exciting opportunities and can take advantage of:

    • Up to $5,400 stipend while you complete your placement
    • Up to $10,000 incentive for committing to work in a long-term care home or with a home and community care service provider for 12 months
    • An additional $10,000 for placements in rural, remote, or northern locations

    You can also choose the learning path that suits you and your lifestyle best:

    • Hybrid Learning: Experience the best of both worlds with a blend of online and in-person classes.
    • On-Campus Learning: Immerse yourself fully in a hands-on experience with direct guidance from our expert instructors.

    Career Opportunities

    As a PSW, there is flexibility when it comes to choosing your path in the industry. Although a majority of these professionals work for private and not-for-profit home care agencies, others are employed by nursing homes and hospitals. There is also the option to be your own boss and work self-employed.

     

     

    Employers Who Have Hired triOS Grads

    • Paramed Home Health Care
    • Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario
    • Home Instead Senior Care
    • Revera Home Health
    • Von Canada
    • Chartwell Retirement Residence
    • Canadian Red Cross
    • Responsive Group

     

    *Note that some career options may require advanced degrees, further training or experience.

    Salary

    95 %

    Employment Rate*

    $ 22

    Average Wage/HR**

    $ 28

    High Wage/HR**

    *Employment Rate based on 2023 contactable triOS graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.

    Source: workingincanada.gc.ca

    NOC Code: 33102- **Wage data is rounded down to the nearest dollar. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in March 2025.

    Speak to an Education Consultant today.

    Book Your Appointment

     

    Available Learning Options

    At triOS College, you can choose the learning option that meets your needs. This program is currently available in:

    On-Campus

    Instructor-led classes held in-person at one or more of our 9 campuses.

    Personal Support Worker

    Duration: 31 Weeks

    Internship: 12 Weeks

    Program Outline

    Hybrid

    Instructor-led classes on a set schedule held remotely on video over the Internet, with some courses delivered in-person at one of our 9 campuses.

    Personal Support Worker

    Duration: 31 Weeks

    Internship: 12 Weeks

    Program Outline

    Program Details

    Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey in the healthcare industry? If you’re passionate about supporting others in their emotional and physical well-being, the NACC Personal Support Worker 2022 certificate program at triOS College is your gateway to a successful future.

    As a Personal Support Worker (PSW), you’ll provide essential assistance in daily living activities, including mobility support, personal care and hygiene, and managing ongoing medical conditions, whether in a home, hospital, or long-term care facility.

    This comprehensive program equips you with vital administrative and clinical skills, enabling you to apply theories related to cognitive and mental health issues, brain injuries, and medication management. After completing your in-class courses, you’ll dive into a transformative 12-week clinical placement, gaining hands-on experience in the field and preparing you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those you serve. During the course of the program, students can access campus support at several locations, including Toronto, London, Mississauga, Brampton, Kitchener, Hamilton, Ottawa, and Windsor, ensuring they receive the assistance they need.

    Students enrolled in this program will receive:

    • Clinical work placement in a community and long-term care facility
    • National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) curriculum that maps to the Ontario provincial-approved training standard
    • Classrooms that simulate real-world healthcare setting, including hospital beds, wheelchairs and other required equipment
    • Software subscriptions for Microsoft Office and Windows included in the tuition fee
    • CPR (HCP–Healthcare Provider Level / BLS-Basic Life Support)/First Aid
    • Gentle Persuasive Approach Certificate
    • Intramuscular/ Subcutaneous Insulin Administration
    Course Listings
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    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Career Management
    In this module, you will create and refine your résumé and LinkedIn Profile. You will write cover letters and learn the value of customizing cover letters to specific job postings. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge as you conduct a job search and write a cover letter tailored to an ideal job post. Through research, you will create a list of top employers and target current industry opportunities. You will learn about current methods for applying to job postings using technology. You will also gain an understanding of the job interview process, typical interview questions and possible responses, and expectations of both the interviewer and interviewee. In addition, you will engage in practical application of the interview process through role-play. Topics such as negotiating salary, self-management, and on-the-job success for placements and post-graduate employment will be also covered.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Abuse and Neglect
    This module introduces students to the concepts of violence and abuse, including its possible signs, and the appropriate actions and legal requirements if abuse is suspected. Personal beliefs and attitudes about family violence and abuse are examined, as is the concept of worker abuse of the client and, abuse of the worker. PSW will learn to recognize both indicators and causes, and the requirements of legislation, employer policy, and provisions of the service contract or support plan.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Body Systems
    This module will introduce the student to the basics of anatomy and physiology. Students will gain an understanding of human body systems in order to apply that knowledge in their daily work as a Personal Support Worker. These body systems are the musculoskeletal, digestive, urinary, integumentary, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine. Common disorders and age-related changes for each body system will also be covered.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Care Planning, Restorative Care, Documentation, Working in the Community
    This module identifies the support provided through the care plan or service contract to the client to relearn or regain routine abilities. They will understand its significance, and the rights of the client as a receiver of support and the purpose, methods, and persons involved in its creation. Student will also be introduced to working in the community health care environment, providing support to patients and families in communities, conducted in accordance with employer guidelines.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Cognitive and Mental Health Issues and Brain Injuries
    This module introduces students to common psychiatric conditions such as affective disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse, cognitive impairment, and brain injury. The possibility of multiple conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression will be discussed along with the role of the family caregiver and the importance of observation, documentation, and reporting in order to recognize changes in behaviour that can be related to psychiatric conditions or an increased risk of suicide.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. CPR & First Aid
    Upon successful completion of this course, students will achieve the Standard Level First Aid and Healthcare Provider (BLS-Basic Life Support) Level CPR. Participants are guided to fully understand responsive behaviours in order to be able to respond effectively and appropriately in a workplace setting. Upon successful completion of this course, students will achieve the Standard Level First Aid and Healthcare Provider (BLS-Basic Life Support) Level CPR.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Assisting the Dying Person
    In this module students learn about hospice, palliative and end-of-life care, the integration of a palliative approach to care, ways of being, communication and practical strategies to provide psychosocial support and physical comfort care for both the person and their family. This module addresses provincial palliative care competencies (2018-2020) including competencies for caring for First Nation, Inuit, Metis and urban Indigenous peoples.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Assisting the Family, Growth and Development
    Students learn to understand family characteristics in terms of structure, functions, roles, lifestyles and relationships. The influence of cultural values, practices, religious beliefs as well as the effects of illness, stress, and disability on family relationships will be emphasized as central to the PSW’s ability to provide effective support. This module also explores the stages of growth and development throughout the life cycle and the role of the PSW in providing respite to families.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. PSW Foundations
    The introductory module provides an overview of the scope of responsibilities of PSWs in a variety of settings. Students will learn about client-centered versus client-directed care; and emphasizing the individuality of the client and his/her relationship with family, friends and others. Key topics include work relationships, stress and time management, interpersonal skills and communications, including conflict resolution and problem solving, and applicable legislation.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Gentle Persuasive Approaches in Dementia Care
    Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) is a multi-disciplinary program designed for everyone who interacts with older adults in the workplace. Participants are guided to fully understand responsive behaviors in order to be able to respond effectively and appropriately in a workplace setting.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Health Conditions
    Students are introduced to ongoing conditions and basic concepts of assistance, as well as the general effects on the person of common disabilities, conditions and diseases. Students will gain skill in the necessary techniques while focusing on the importance of providing support safely, effectively and comfortably. Concepts of maintenance, rehabilitation and restoration are discussed, as is the importance of the support team in providing assistance and training of these additional skills.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Assisting with Personal Hygiene
    PSW’s assist clients with all activities or routines of daily living. Students will learn how to care for the ill, disabled, injured and/or confused client. Frailness, dignity and levels of dependence will be considered. Personal hygiene includes oral care, perineal care, bathing, grooming, dressing, bed making, shaving, hair care, and skin care. It includes mobility considerations and involves personal safety, self-esteem and dignity. The foundation of this module is humanistic health care.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Clinical Placement (Facility)
    Clinical placement provides students with an opportunity to practice their new skills in a work setting. Students gain experience in a wider range of PSW skills, become more self-confidant, and may receive offers of employment from the placement site. They spend time working in a facility setting for 100 hours under the supervision of their instructor and under a preceptor provided by the host site for 100 hours. The instructor will be available by phone and email during the placement.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Clinical Placement (Community)
    Clinical placement provides students with an opportunity to practice their new skills in a work setting. While on placement, students gain experience in a wider range of PSW skills, become more self-confidant, and may receive offers of employment from the placement site. In this module the students will spend time working in a community setting under the supervision of a preceptor provided by the host site. The instructor will be available by phone and email at all times.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Assisting with Medications
    Within the PSW scope of practice, students learn about medication administration versus assistance. They gain basic knowledge of the drugs used in the treatment of common diseases and disorders including use, classification, effects, and routes of administration. They identify purposes, required instruction, and cautions; and the importance of observation for both desired and undesired outcomes, as well as the procedures to be followed in the event of a concern or problem with medications.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Household Management, Nutrition and Hydration
    This module the students will learn to assist clients with their nutritional needs, household activities and household management according to client preferences, comfort, safety, within employer guidelines. Nutritional needs including planned balanced nutrition, menus, preparation of shopping lists shopping, safe handling of food, storage, and specific cooking techniques. Special dietary needs of infants, pregnant and nursing mothers, persons with specific conditions [diabetes, feeding tubes, etc.] as well as persons with specific cultural and religious preferences will be addressed. Students will have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skills.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Household Management, Nutrition and Hydration
    Students will learn to assist the client with their nutritional needs, household activities, and household management according to client preferences, comfort and safety within employer guidelines as required. Nutritional needs include planning balanced menus, preparing shopping lists and shopping, safe handling of food, and storage and specific cooking techniques. The special dietary needs of certain clients and their cultural and religious preferences will all be addressed.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. NACC PSW Exam
    In this module, students are prepared for writing the final NACC exam, through a comprehensive review of the two sets of Final Exam Evolve Questions, (approximately 319 questions). After the review session, they write the final NACC exam. Students must pass this final exam in order to work as a Personal Support Worker in the field.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Safety and Mobility
    The second module covers safety as it relates to both the client and the worker. One of the fundamental activities of the PSW is that of assisting the client with routine activities of living. Students will learn about risks of unsafe equipment or settings and appropriate actions to take when unsafe situations are identified. Topics include infection control methods, body mechanics, and transferring and lifting techniques using equipment to increase safety and reduce client anxiety.
    Icon-Quiz-Small Created with Sketch. Student Success Strategies
    This course stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic and career success. This includes understanding learning styles and honing practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note- and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision making and problem solving skills, setting goals and maintaining a positive attitude techniques for managing change, stress and conflict will also be explored.
    Admission Requirements
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    1. Student has an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent OR is 18 years of age or older on or before the program begins AND can pass a qualifying test that has been approved by the Superintendent.*
    2. The approved qualifying test for this program is the Wonderlic test. A passing score for this program is 11.
    3. Student must provide a Clear Medical Certificate within 45 days of the commencement of study.
    4. Student must provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Check within 45 days of the commencement of study.
    5. If English is not a student’s first language, they must provide proof of English competency.
    English Language Proficiency Requirements are ONE of the following:

    • IELTS – Int’l English Language Testing Services – Minimum score of 5.5 with no subject test score lower than 5.5
    • TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet based test (IBT) – Overall 80 with the minimum in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20
    • CAEL: Overall 60 No section below 60
    • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General with a score of 7 (no section score below)
    • Canadian Language Benchmark Tests with a score of 7 in each strand (not an average of 7)
    • Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 95
    • Pearson PTE Academic with a minimum score of 46
    • NACC Written Entrance Exam (passing score of 60)
    • Evidence of successful completion of 2 consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English at a Canadian institution
    • Evidence of successful completion of 2 consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English at an institution outside of Canada

    *Applicants from other Canadian provinces must be at least 19 years of age and a minimum of 1 year out of high school by the program start date and successfully pass an academic achievement test.

    Please contact us for more detail regarding admissions requirements for international students.

    Approved by NACC

    The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program is delivered in partnership with the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC). Students who pass the NACC Final Exam will receive a registered and approved NACC certificate.

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    Success Stories

    The Personal Support Worker program helped equip me for a successful career in my field. The combination of in-class practice and theory helped me to develop a deep understanding of not only how to be a PSW, but a great PSW. I am thankful that trios college has a comfortable, engaging, accepting, patient, and supportive environment and staff.

    Zachary D.

    Graduate