Personal Support Worker

Program Overview

This NACC-certified certificate program equips students with essential competencies for providing personal care to elderly patients, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those with physical disabilities. Delivered through live online theory classes (400 hours) and supervised clinical placements (300 hours) at leading Greater Toronto Area healthcare facilities, the 23-week accelerated credential prepares graduates for immediate employment in Ontario's high-demand long-term care sector.

Core Competencies

Students develop proficiency in patient safety and mobility, body systems understanding, personal hygiene assistance, abuse recognition and prevention, household management, nutrition and hydration, care planning and documentation, cognitive and mental health support, gentle persuasive approaches in dementia care, medication assistance, and end-of-life care protocols spanning facility and community-based settings.

Career Pathways

Entry-level positions: Personal Support Worker roles in long-term care homes, hospitals, home care agencies, retirement residences, community support programs. Professional advancement: Many graduates secure employment at placement facilities before program completion, with opportunities for specialization in dementia care or palliative support. Industry demand: Ontario's aging population drives sustained need for qualified PSWs, with 97% graduate employment rate and compensation ranging $19-$28/hour.

This program may be eligible for government funding through Second Career Ontario (Better Jobs Ontario). Contact CanNorth College for eligibility assessment and application support.