Personal Support Worker (PSPG)

Improve the dignity and quality of others’ lives as a PSW

The perfect storm of an aging population, shorter hospital stays, and a shortage of specialists make the personal support worker (PSW) profession in demand. Our tailored, accelerated program prepares you to be confident, able, and job-ready in just 8 months. By combining classroom learning, simulated experiences with hands-on training, you'll gain the skills needed to promote independence and quality of life for those who live in a facility or community setting. 

First, you’ll learn to assist clients with daily living activities and end-of-life care by getting hands-on experience in our 1,200-square-foot apartment simulation lab and nursing skills lab. The second semester is a clinical experience where you will polish your skills with 224 hours in a health care setting under the guidance of experienced PSWs and a faculty member. Upon completion, you’ll become a confident, caring, and job-ready PSW. 

This program includes 28 weeks of instruction, complemented by two weeks of academic breaks, for a total duration of 30 weeks. Whether you're a domestic or international student, this 8-month program provides a meaningful pathway into the growing health care field, allowing you to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Program highlights 

• Be job-ready in just 8 months 
• Hands-on training in 1,200-square-foot apartment simulation lab and nursing lab
• 224 hours of real-world experience in a clinical setting  
• Grads can pursue a nursing diploma through Cambrian’s PSW to Practical Nursing Pathway program

Program of study for 2026-27 Academic Year 

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

• Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
• Any grade 11 (C), (U), or (M) or grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U)

Additional Admission Requirements

• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate Level (HCP) Health Care Provider (must be renewed annually)
• Current Standard First Aid certificate (must be current for the entire program)
• Respiratory Mask Fit Testing (N95-3M Models)
• Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check (contact your program coordinator if you have a positive CPIC)
• WHMIS Certification
• AODA Certification
• Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness in Four Steps Training (Bill 18)
• Proof of immunization status at registration for the following:
  • Two-step TB test (Tuberculosis Screening)
  • Varicella
  • Polio
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (Note: If born after 1970, must have two measles vaccinations)
  • Current Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
  • Current influenza immunization (when available for the season)
  • Hepatitis B Vaccination
  • Hepatitis A Vaccination(Recommended, not required) 
  • COVID-19

Note: Criminal record check, influenza immunization, TB skin test, WHMIS, and Basic Cardiac Life Support (HCP) certificates must be renewed annually—a fee is required for these renewals. If not immunized for this disease, proof of previous varicella infection (chickenpox) must be supplied.

Additional Recommendations

• Any grade 12 Biology (U)

Program delivery

2026-2027

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2027

Winter term start

SEMESTER 1:  Winter 2027
SEMESTER 2:  Spring 2027

Spring term start

SEMESTER 1:  Spring 2027
SEMESTER 2:  Fall 2027

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Graduates from this program (or equivalent) may be eligible for advanced standing in the Practical Nursing program and apply for direct entry into semester two. Students looking to take advantage of this pathway, must complete the PSW to PN Nursing Transformation pathway through Ontario Learn, prior to requesting admission to the Practical Nursing program.

Employment opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in:

• Home and community care
• Long-term care 
• Acute care hospital 
• Ambulatory/clinic settings