certificate program

Personal Support Worker

This program is for people who are looking for a career path that will allow them to connect with people on a one-on-one basis. Personal support workers are important members of our communities and the healthcare system as they provide assistance and support to people who are in need.

How to apply

Your Career Path

A Personal Support Worker (PSW) works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse. Based on the individual needs of each person that they support, the PSW assists persons with the tasks of daily living such as home management, personal care, family responsibilities, social and recreational activities. These services are provided in homes and apartments in the community, in long-term care facilities, congregate housing settings, in the workplace and in educational facilities. This program is intended to meet the Ministry of Health guidelines established by its Long-Term Care Division.

Run in partnership with Confederation College, Oshki-Wenjack’s uniquely blended delivery method allows you to stay in your home community for the majority of the program. You will take courses through on-line and independent study at home and attend classes, labs and field placements in Thunder Bay for periods each semester.*

* Note: Due to COVID-19 all courses are happening online.

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Program Information

Program Length: 1 Year (2 semesters)
Start Date: September 2024^*
Tuition Fees: This program is generously funded by a grant from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities so tuition is free from 2022-2024.

*start dates are subject to change

Documentation Requirements

Fees associated with these documentation requirements for the 2022-2024 program cohorts will be generously paid for by a grant from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (through student support grant). As a Personal Support Worker student you are required to complete the following clinical requirements:

Criminal record check with a vulnerable sector check
First Aid (This will be arranged by your program coordinator on your first on-campus block)
CPR – HCP (This will be arranged by your program coordinator on your first on-campus block)
Mask Fit testing (This will be arranged by your program coordinator)
2 Step TB skin test
- If TB skin test positive, a Chest X-ray is required
Immunization record
Serology for Hep B; Measles, Mumps, and Rubella; Varicella (if any are non-reactive then boosters are required)
WHMIS (This will be arranged by your program coordinator)
Influenza vaccine – Proof of vaccination within past 6 months

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or appropriate credits from the Mature Student Assessment (MSA), or General Education Development Test (GED), or Academic and Career Entrance (ACE).

Curriculum

First Semester

PW 101 Supportive Care Theory I – 42 hours
PW 102 Professional Growth – 42 hours
PN 128 Helping Relationships – 42 hours
PW 130 Anatomy & Physiology – 42 hours
PW 109 Lab Skills for the Personal Support Worker – 45 hours
PW 107 PSW: Community Clinical – 56 hours

Total Hours: 269

Second Semester

CS 050 College Writing – 42 hours
PW 201 Supportive Care Theory II – 42 hours
PW 230 Growth & Development – 42 hours
PW 209 Advanced Labs Skills for the Personal Support Worker – 45 hours
PW 207 PSW Practice II: Clinical – 80 hours

Total Hours: 251