Personal Support Worker

 

Certificate Program                            CESBA LOGO

The PSW program is accredited by the Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA). 

The next start date for the next PSW Program is February 4, 2025 (Quad 3).

Applications will be accepted online only on January 8, 2025.  The application link will open on this page at 11:00 am on that day.  The link will close when applications reach capacity.  Applicants who are selected to come for an assessment and an interview will be notified by email.

 

 

Admissions Requirements;

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.

Residency:

Must be an Ontario resident.

 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.

 Age:

Must be 19 years of age or older (with or without an Ontario Secondary School Diploma [OSSD]).

Entrance Prerequisite:

Ontario Secondary School Grade 11 English credit with a minimum grade of 70% or by passing CALC's language assessment.

 Placement Documentation: Candidates must be able to attain the following:

Clear vulnerable sector police check.

Medical documentation, including:

    • Immunization record and/or blood titres.
    • 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 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.  (Before applying students may want to consider family considerations and transportation issues).

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

 

Priority Considerations for Applicants:

Professional Reference Letters: Candidates who attach one or more professional reference letters will be prioritized.

Volunteer Experience: Candidates who have completed a volunteer placement in a healthcare setting (e.g., long-term care home, community agency, hospital) will receive priority. Please attach a reference letter,  a certificate or provide contact information for a supervisor/reference.

Academic Credentials: Candidates with Ontario Secondary School credits in Math, Biology, and/or Chemistry will also be prioritized.

 

Employed Part 3 students may be considered to apply their employment towards PSW Certification practicum requirements:

If you are an employed PSW Student in a Long Term Care facility, and have successfully completed Part 1 and Part 2 of the program at CALC you may apply your employment towards your PSW Certification practicum requirements. Candidates and their employers must agree to meet CALC teachers/nurses.  Students will be assessed/evaluated on all of the expectations listed in the "Skills Passbook and Record of Learning" throughout the length of the Quad.  Space is limited and other conditions may apply.  

 

Start times, course codes and class schedules

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

 


 

Nurse Image

 

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 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. 

Or email to:

CityAdultSpecialtyPrograms@TDSB.on.ca