Personal Support Worker

Canada’s population is aging, and with this trend comes a steady demand for Personal Support Workers to provide care for people in need. In 2014 the Ontario government responded to this need by legislating increased wages for PSW throughout the province. Completing the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program at Canadian Business Skills College will give you the skills you need for a career in this in-demand health care field in just 32 weeks including hands-on experience in a clinical practicum placement. Our college is known for providing excellent education and support to students in a comfortable learning environment. Join a rewarding career as a PSW and make a difference in the lives of the elderly, the chronically ill and people with physical disabilities. The program has been designed in collaboration with the National Association of Career College’s standards of practice, ensuring that our students are learning the most current and relevant materials to prepare them for the workforce. As part of their training, students have the opportunity to practice what they have learned through supervised placements in both institutional and community settings. This is a chance to explore workplace opportunities, and develop important job-search and interview skills. Upon completion of the course, students will be fully prepared to assist people with their personal and household needs in order to ensure their comfort and safety, and create a climate that promotes the optimal physical, social and emotional well being of each client. Our Personal Support Worker graduates are responsible, extremely reliable, and confident in their knowledge and skills whether working on an individual basis or as part of a health care team.

Our courses focus on:

• Understanding individual needs throughout different developmental and life stages
• Communication and problem-solving techniques for maintaining a supportive role
• The essentials of providing personal care, applying mobility techniques (lifting and transferring clients), as well as household management and best safety practices
• A solid understanding of mental health disorders and the role of the healthcare worker
• Practical skills for dealing with common medical conditions, including facilitating rehabilitation exercises, recording medical information and assisting with medications

Requirements for the Course

• Secondary School Diploma or Mature Student Status
• Fluency in English
• Up-to-Date Immunization, including Hep B and Tuberculosis
• Complete Physical Check-Up
• Current Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector Position)
• 640 Hours of Training (32 Weeks) - Includes practicum field placement and CPR/First Aid Training

Career Path

Personal Support Workers are an integral part of Canada’s health system, given the growing numbers of aging and elderly Canadians who are living longer, more independent lives. The role of a PSW is highly individualized, depending on the setting and the type or level of support required. Personal Support Workers can find jobs caring for individuals in hospitals, long-term care homes, group homes, retirement homes, and supportive living environments as well as the client’s own home.

Employment Outlook

As the population ages and many in the industry retire, there are increased opportunities in the personal support worker field. This is enhanced by programs such as Ontario’s “Aging at Home” initiative, which encourages home care and community support for seniors. The skills you will learn in CBSC’s Personal Support Worker program will prepare you for a variety of opportunities within this in-demand field, earning a good income, working flexible hours, and doing important, fulfilling work in your community.

The CBSC Advantage

Our instructors bring their passion for the field into the classroom. They prepare you with the necessary skills to make you an asset to the workplace, working closely with the career services team to ensure that students reach their full potential. With our convenient location (including free parking), modern classrooms, CBSC provides a personalized learning experience to help you achieve your goals and begin your new career. Our program places a strong emphasis on building practical skills with valuable input from the NACC and our own experienced teaching professionals. Students will be able to demonstrate their skills and gain work-related experience in their placement. CBSC has developed excellent relationships with employers throughout the area, and our excellent track record of training qualified students has led to a network that gives you a distinct advantage when it comes to finding a job.