Personal Support Worker (PSWP)

Ontario College Certificate | 2 semesters | Barrydowne Campus

An aging population, shorter hospital stays, and a shortage of trained PSWs makes this an in-demand healthcare job. Cambrian’s tailored personal support worker courses will prepare you to work as a PSW in just 28 weeks.(in just two semesters). In the first semester you will learn the skills that PSWs use to care for others, in our labs and in the classroom. The second semester is a preceptorship. You will work in a healthcare setting with an experienced PSW and a faculty member, who will help you to become a confident, caring, and job ready PSW.

Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to assist clients with activities of daily living and contribute to the quality of life of individuals who live in a facility or community setting by promoting their independence, dignity, social, emotional and physical well-being.

Program Highlights

• 28 weeks - 2 semesters - Domestic students have the option to fast track their studies by taking the PSPG program
• Clinical Placement 
• Hands-on training in the 1,200-square-foot PSW simulation lab, as well as the nursing lab

Fieldwork/Placement

You will complete 270 hours in a clinical setting 

Capped Enrolment

Quick Links

How to Apply

Health Sciences, Nursing, and Emergency Services

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)

Recommended:

• Any grade 12 Biology (U)

Additional Information

At registration students must provide the following to PARAMED:

• Proof of current immunization
• Proof (original certificate) of CPR HCP and Standard First Aid
• Original copy of an Adult Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sectors Check
• Complete Cambrian College WHMIS, AODA, General Safety Awareness course (online approximately $10)

Program Delivery

2022-2023

This program will be delivered in two semesters. The traditional break between terms will occur.  This program will be delivered in the following terms

Winter Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Winter 2023
2. SEMESTER 2 Spring 2023

Domestic applicants wishing to fast track their studies can apply for the PSPG program at OCAS which is delivered in two - 12 week semesters delivered concurrently.

Spring Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Spring 2023
2. SEMESTER 2 Fall 2023

Domestic applicants wishing to fast track their studies can apply for the PSPG program at OCAS which is delivered in two - 12 week semesters delivered concurrently.

2023-2024

This program will be delivered in two semesters. The traditional break between terms will occur.  This program will be delivered in the following terms

Fall Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Fall 2023
2. SEMESTER 2 Winter 2024

Domestic applicants wishing to fast track their studies can apply for the PSPG program at OCAS which is delivered in two - 12 week semesters delivered concurrently.

Winter Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Winter 2024
2. SEMESTER 2 Spring 2024

Domestic applicants wishing to fast track their studies can apply for the PSPG program at OCAS which is delivered in two - 12 week semesters delivered concurrently.

Spring Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Spring 2024
2. SEMESTER 2 Fall 2024

Domestic applicants wishing to fast track their studies can apply for the PSPG program at OCAS which is delivered in two - 12 week semesters delivered concurrently.

For specific term start/end dates and other key dates/deadlines, please see the Academic Schedule on our website.

Program of Study for 2023-24 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Credits
ENG 1002	College Communications	3
PSW 1160	Human Body and Disease Process	6
PSW 1165	Relational Communications	3
PSW 1168	Health Promotion Practice	6
PSW 1164	Foundations of PSW	3
PSW 1167	Lifespan Health and Wellness	3
	Credits	24
Semester 2
PSW 1166	Introduction to Community	4
PSW 1263	Clinical Consolidation	6
	Credits	10
	Total Credits	34

Fees

Tuition and Ancillary Fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books & Supplies

The cost of books and supplies for Year 1 is approximately $1,000. This is the best information available at the time of publishing to the website and is subject to change.

Graduate Options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in:

• Community settings
• Long-term care facilities
• Hospital settings

College/University Degree Opportunities

Graduates from this program may continue their studies at college/university and may receive credit for their prior College education.

Refer to College/University Agreements for further information.