April 13, 2022
Personal Support Workers (PSWs) assist with the tasks of daily living, and may work in long-term care facilities, home care settings, retirement homes, supportive housing, group homes, adult day programs, hospitals, and educational facilities.
Start your career as a personal support worker today.
Become A Qualified Personal Support Worker
Academy of Learning’s Personal Support Worker certificate program strengthens the skills you needed to work in the healthcare industry. The range of services provided by a PSW is determined by the individual needs of each client and may include assistance with routine activities of living including personal care, mobility, home management, meal preparation, family care, and assisting with social and recreational activities. As frontline workers, PSWs must develop a broad range of abilities beyond dexterity skills. They must provide for not only the comfort, safety, and well-being of their clients, but also demonstrate sensitivity and respect for those in their care. The attitude, abilities, and approach of PSWs are critical to the well-being and health of the people they support.
Program Type
Certificate
Duration
26 WEEKS
Expected Wage Range
$23k – $59k
(Payscale Canada)
AOLCC’s Integrated Learning System™
All courses in our programs are delivered through our unique Integrated Learning System™ (ILS). Through ILS, you will develop a true proficiency in each topic, no matter your age or skill level upon enrolment. Our learning coaches are with you every step of the way to provide individualized assistance and encouragement in a supportive and non-competitive learning environment. Here’s how it works:
- You only advance to the next course when you are confident that you have mastered one topic and are ready to move on to the next
- You participate in hands-on exercises, tasks and practice exams that test your knowledge and give you confidence
Career Opportunities
Training in the personal support worker certificate provides the opportunity for students to develop basic nursing and social service training skills necessary for employment in homes and apartments in the community, long-term facilities, congregate housing settings, and/or day programs.
Admission Requirements
- Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
- 19 years of age or older (varies, depending on province-specific ministry requirements)
- Grade 12 or equivalent, or Mature Student Status with successful completion of CAST testing
- Adequate level of physical health to be able to fulfill job requirements (as stated in self-assessment)
- Other medical tests (e.g., TB Test) or proof of vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis B) may be required by industry prior to placement
- Good command of the English language – both written and oral (as per completion of the Wonderlic SLE admission test with a minimum score of 18)
- Completion of standard registration form
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Part A: Personal Support Workers Modules
- PSW Foundations
- Safety and Mobility
- Body Systems
- Assisting with Personal Hygiene
- Abuse and Neglect
- Household Management, Nutrition, and Hydration
- Care Planning
- Assisting the Family
- Assisting the Dying Person
- Assisting with Medications
- Cognitive and Mental Health
- Health Conditions
- Standard First Aid
- CPR Level C Certification
- Standard First Aid and CPR – Level C certifications
Part B: Work Experience
- Clinical Placement (Community)
- Clinical Placement (Facility)
NACC Final Theory Examination
