Personal Support Worker
This certificate program equips you with the essential knowledge and compassionate care skills needed to support individuals with their daily living activities. Make a meaningful difference in people's lives while building a rewarding healthcare career.
About this program
The PSW certificate program at Westlake College is designed to teach you how to effectively and efficiently provide care and assistance to clients and families to help them live fulfilling lives in their communities and institutions.
In less than a year, Westlake College’s PSW program will prepare you to join an in-demand industry where you’ll develop the skills needed to start a career in a long-term care facility, supportive housing, home care, adult daycare, and palliative care.
At Westlake College, you have the advantage of working within our fully equipped labs. We have necessary equipment ranging from wheelchairs and Hoyer lifts to specialized hospital beds. You will have all the hands-on practice required to feel comfortable and confident when caring for patients.
This is the best course for you if you’re looking to progress into the healthcare field.
Course Description
This personal support worker training program is designed for participants interested in a career in the healthcare field. Our students find that theory classes combined with the practical application of the programs help them to master the skills at a faster pace. The programs are highly educative, incorporating the latest skills and knowledge to ensure students excel professionally. The school is known for its multicultural environment. Successful graduates have many job opportunities to choose from after attending our college with career opportunities.
Why Choose Our Personal Support Worker Program?
- Our program focuses on high-demand, career-focused skills and training so that you can graduate in less than one year.
- You will be prepared for future career responsibilities, such as calculating, calculating overtime, preparing and distributing wages, preparing operating budgets, invoices, payments and reports and many more!
- Our instructors are experienced in the field and will provide skills and insight into the industry.
- Our extensive career services include assistance with resume and cover letting writing, job search help, confidence-building interview techniques and job fairs for graduates.
Duration
30 weeks
Job Profile
- NOC 1432 Personal Support Worker
- Salary Range: Low $34,000 / year, Median $48,000, High $68,000
- Check out Job Bank for more info
Course Content
- Healthcare and Applied Legislation
- Personal Support Worker Foundations
- Collaborative Relationships; Interprofessional Teams
- Client Centered Strategies
- Interpersonal Communications
- Basic Assessment Techniques
- Environmental Safety
- Human Development and Support
- Assisting with Medications
- Household Management Tasks
- Care and Service Plan Fundamentals
- Elder Abuse
- End-of-Life Care Strategies
- Cognitive and Mental Health
- Practicum – Clinical Placement (Facility)
- Practicum – Clinical Placement (Community)
Career Opportunities
When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options that you can explore:
- Homecare Helper
- Nursing Assistant
- Healthcare Aid
- Home Support Helper
At the end of the program, participants will have the skills and abilities to pursue entry-level positions in such areas as Long term Care Facilities, Extended Care Facilities, Retirement homes, Home Daycare, and Private Contracts.
Delivery Method
- Hybrid (Instructor Led)
Admission Requirements
- Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma (General Education Development Test) or
- Equivalent: Foreign credentials must be translated in English and assessed for Grade 12 equivalency by a recognized organization such as WES (World Education Service), or
- Mature student with a score of 18 or more on the Wonderlic SLE
Non-Academic Requirements:
- Signed Vulnerable Sector disclaimer completed at admissions.
- Clear Criminal Record Check within 45 days of commencement of study.
- Clean Vulnerable Sector Screening (“VSS”) prior to commencing any placement or practicum.
- CPR/First Aid Certificate prior to commencing any placement or practicum.
- Clear Covid-19 test within one week of commencing practicum and/or other expectations in accordance with Public Health requirements.