Qualify for Special Funding

NACC Personal Support Worker DE 2022

Program Overview

The Personal Support Worker certificate program at CTS Canadian Career College spans 29 weeks, integrating comprehensive instruction with clinical field experience through hybrid delivery combining online and in-person learning. This credential equips students with essential competencies in personal care, health conditions management, specialized dementia care, and professional healthcare practices required to support elderly individuals, those recovering from illness, and persons with disabilities. Graduates complete NACC (National Association of Career Colleges) final examination and a 300-hour clinical placement, preparing them for vital roles within Canada's expanding healthcare sector addressing growing demand from aging populations.

Core Competencies

  • Personal Care & Activities of Daily Living - Students develop expertise in assisting with personal hygiene, mobility and safety techniques, household management, nutrition and hydration support, medication assistance procedures, and maintaining client dignity and independence throughout care delivery
  • Health Conditions & Specialized Care Approaches - The program cultivates knowledge of body systems, diverse health conditions, cognitive and mental health issues, brain injury support, Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA®) certification for dementia care, compassionate end-of-life care, and family support strategies across developmental stages
  • Clinical Practice & Professional Standards - Students acquire proficiency in care planning, restorative care techniques, accurate documentation and record-keeping, abuse and neglect recognition and response protocols, infection control procedures, evidence-based practice application, and workplace safety standards
  • Emergency Response & Safety Competencies - The curriculum encompasses First Aid/CPR Level C certification, AODA accessibility standards, OH&S workplace safety regulations, professional communication skills, and ethical decision-making within healthcare team environments

Career Pathways

Entry-level positions: Personal Support Worker in hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, nursing homes, home care agencies, adult day programs, educational facilities, providing essential care to elderly, disabled, and recovering individuals

Professional advancement: Graduates progress toward senior PSW positions, team leadership roles, specialized dementia care positions, restorative care coordination, or pursue additional healthcare education pathways including nursing programs

Industry demand: Canada experiences substantial and growing demand for qualified Personal Support Workers driven by aging population demographics, requiring compassionate healthcare professionals who can deliver dignified care supporting individuals' independence and quality of life across diverse healthcare settings

Better Jobs Ontario Funding: This program may be eligible for Better Jobs Ontario government funding. Eligible participants can receive financial support for tuition, books, and living expenses. Contact an Employment Ontario service provider to determine your eligibility and begin your application.

Student Loans and Grants

Not Sure Where to Start?

Choosing a school or program can feel overwhelming, especially when funding details, eligibility, and timelines may depend on your personal situation.

A good first step is to identify the type of training you’re interested in, then connect with schools that can explain program options, admissions steps, and available support.

Use the search tool to begin narrowing your options based on your goals.

* All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.