Certificate Program 
The PSW program is accredited by the Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA).
Applications for the PSW Quad 3 program are now closed.
The start date for the next PSW Program is April 23, 2025 (Quad 4).
A virtual (Google Meet) information session will be held on March 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
The online Sign Up for the English assessment will be open on March 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. sharp. The link will close after it reaches a pre-set capacity.
Application Procedure:
- Sign up online for the English assessment.
- Attend the in-person English assessment.
- Wait for the school to contact for an interview with a program teacher.
- Wait for the final decision.
Once selected, you would be required to register in person before the program starts
Admissions Requirements to the 3-part Program:
PSW training in Ontario is a post-secondary, college-level certificate, and prospective students must undergo an entry assessment to ensure they can meet the program requirements and possess the necessary qualities for the role.
1. Residency:
Must be an Ontario resident.
2. Citizenship:
Citizenship Card, Birth Certificate, Canadian Passport, Landed Immigrant or PR Card or Convention Refugee Status + Study Permit or proof of application for a study permit. (CALC Settlement Workers are available to assist students), or successful admission through the school board’s process for international students.
3. Age:
Must be 19 years of age or older
4. Entrance Prerequisite to part 1:
- Acceptable CALC's language assessment and/or Ontario Secondary School Grade 11 English credit with a minimum grade of 70%
- Personal Interview with a program teacher
Entrance requirement to part 2: successful completion of part 1
Entrance requirement to part 3: successful completion of part 2 plus
- Clear vulnerable sector police check.
- Medical documentation, including:
- Immunization record and/or blood titers.
- Influenza vaccination.
- COVID vaccination.
- Two-step TB test.
Attendance and Punctuality
Students must be able to attend Part 1 and Part 2 classes every day (Monday to Friday) from 8:25 am to 3:15 pm. For Part 3 (Placement) students must be at work from 6:45 am to 3:00 pm.
Students must be capable of performing the essential duties of a Personal Support Worker, which include, but are not limited to:
- Bending and lifting patients
- Squatting and moving in various positions
- Observing and responding to medical situations, including seeing blood
- Supporting individuals with end-of-life care
- Managing and assisting with bodily fluids, including feces and urine
- Interacting with patients who may exhibit verbally aggressive behavior and/or dementia
Course Codes and Durations
Part 1 in school theory (9 weeks) TPJ3C1, TPJ2O1
Part 2 in school theory (9 weeks) TOJ4C1, TPJ4E1
Part 3 in placement (9 weeks) TOJ4CC, TPJ4ES
Part 1 Classes begin 4 times a year either in September Quad 1, November Quad 2, February Quad 3 or April Quad 4. The program is delivered over 3 quads or 27 weeks. CALC is closed for summer break during the months of July or August.
For quad start dates please see CALC's home page.
The Personal Support Worker is an individual who
- Enjoys working in a health care setting
- Supports clients by facilitating independence, self-esteem, dignity and social interaction
- Supports a client's physical needs, personal hygiene and medication requirements
- Assists with shopping, meal preparation and light housekeeping
Personal Support Workers are employed in:
- Private Homes
- Nursing Homes
- Seniors residences
- Hospices and hospitals
- Community centers
- Public schools
- Group homes
- Adult day care settings
PSW Program Standard, Vocational Learning Outcomes
Our Program follows Ontario Ministry of Education expectations, Ministry of Colleges and Universities Personal Support Worker Standard, and Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care industry standards.
The PSW Program prepares students to enter the healthcare field.
In 27 weeks, you can:
- Earn a Personal Support Worker Certificate
- Acquire the skills and knowledge to work as a personal support worker
- Gain practical experience in a healthcare environment
- Earn 9 credits towards your Ontario Secondary School Diploma
Ontario Colleges Nursing Transformation: PSW to RPN Pathway
Ontario colleges are offering a new pathway for working PSWs who wish to continue their studies toward qualifying to practice in Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). The courses are designed to offer flexible study options for working PSWs for core components of the pathway to Practical Nursing programs offered at Ontario’s public colleges. Please Click here for information
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: When does the PSW Program start?
A: The PSW programs starts every quad.
Q: How long is the program?
A: The program is 27 weeks long over 3 9-week quads.
Q: Does the program have a break during the summer?
A: Yes, the program is on holiday break for the months of July and August.
Q: When do the programs finish?
A: Students beginning the program in September (Quad 1) will finish in April (Quad 3).
Students beginning the program in November (Quad 2) will finish in June (Quad 4).
Students beginning the program in February (Quad 3) will finish in November (Quad 1 of the following year).
Students beginning the program in April (Quad 4) will finish in February (Quad 2 of the following year).
Q: Are classes online or in person?
A: All PSW classes are in person from 8:25 am - 3:15 pm.
Q: Is daycare available through the school?
A: CALC does not offer daycare, students will need to make their own arrangements.
For further information or enquiries please leave us a MESSAGE.
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