Personal Support Worker
Description
Delivered in a hybrid format, however, most courses are in person. The program is offered at multiple locations, including: Brantford, Guelph (Riverside Glen), Waterloo (University Gates), Stratford, Milton (Steeles Avenue), and Kitchener (Doon). Admissions are accepted through each location.
As a member of an interprofessional health-care team, a Personal Support Worker (PSW) provides supportive person-centered care across the lifespan to individuals and families, at various levels of health and wellbeing, in a variety of care environments including: long-term, community and/or hospital care settings. Conestoga's PSW program prepares students to become preferred graduates for the profession; one that truly makes a difference in the lives of others.
As a member of an interprofessional health-care team, a Personal Support Worker (PSW) provides supportive person-centered care across the lifespan to individuals and families, at various levels of health and wellbeing, in a variety of care environments including: long-term, community and/or hospital care settings. Conestoga's PSW program prepares students to become preferred graduates for the profession; one that truly makes a difference in the lives of others.
Students will progress from beginning engagement to an entry-to-practice prepared professional PSW; one who participates in the delivery of care as directed by the plan of care/service plan with activities of daily living, comprising personal care, home management and nutrition and family responsibilities. Throughout the program, students learn how to promote a comfortable and safe environment for all clients including those experiencing responsive behaviours, risk for injury and/or clients requiring end-of-life care. Provincially recognized certificates related to these areas of learning will be received.
Experiential learning, which is central to Conestoga's program, is integrated throughout to support student application of knowledge, skills and judgment. Students have the opportunity to study at multiple locations including the Living Classroom and ONSITEs (Ontario Sites for Integrated Teaching and Experiential learning). The Living Classroom is an innovative curriculum delivery model, combining classroom and real-life experiences for students to build increased knowledge and confidence working with older clients and care teams obtained by immediate integration of learning in long-term care and retirement living environments.
Admissions - October 2025
Admission requirements
Note re: admission requirements
Courses
Admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status (See Mature Student definition for details.)
- Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251), or equivalent
Note re: admission requirements
- Applicants are strongly advised to ensure that they have a clear Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) if considering this program. Access to work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences requires a clear VSS, and students will not be allowed to complete the program without successful completion of practicum WIL.
- It is recommended that applicants have previous post-secondary experience (A course, certificate, diploma or degree) from an accredited college or university) OR experience in health care in the last two years before starting this program.
Courses
Level 1
Level 2
- COMM1085 College Reading & Writing Skills
- CON0101 Conestoga 101
- OHS1320 Safety in the Workplace
- PSW1317 Supportive Care Theory and Practice
- PSW1367 Structure and Function of the Body for Person Centered Care
- PSW1377 Professional Practice
Level 2
- FPLT1687 Field Placement (Personal Support Worker)
- FPLT1707 Field Placement II (Personal Support Worker)
- PSW1635 Mental Health and Dementia Care
- PSW1690 Palliative and Community Care
- PSW1715 Personal Support Worker Campus Clinical
- PSW1727 Supportive Care Theory and Practice II
Note: Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.
Overview
- Institution: Conestoga College
- Program type: Ontario College Certificate
- Language: English
- Program Code: 11653, 1165
- Delivery Method: Blended/Hybrid Learning
Disclaimer:
Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.
Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.