Personal Support Worker

Registration for the fall PSW term (beginning in August) is now closed.

We will begin taking applications for the spring PSW program in October (runs from January - June).

Our next Personal Support Worker certificate program will run from January - June 2023.  Registration for the spring term is now open.  Email psw@tvdsb.ca for more information.

Program fees will be waived and placement grants have been approved for the 2022-23 school year. 

The Personal Support Worker, or PSW, is a caregiver who works under the direction of a supervisor (e.g.  Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse) and may be employed in long-term care homes, private residences or community-based settings.

Personal Support Workers (PSW) strive to promote well-being and independence among the individuals or families they support who require assistance with personal care needs. Clients may include seniors and individuals of any age who are mentally or physically challenged.

You can earn $16 to $23/hour as a certified PSW. If your schedule is flexible, employment is guaranteed. We have an 90% employment rate for our students.

PSW facts

 

Program Information

The Personal Support Worker Program is a cooperative education program which includes 330 hours of classroom theory and 330 hours of on-the-job training in agencies that employ Personal Support Workers.

A clinical placement offers work experience in a long-term care home. A community placement involves work experience in an assisted living facility, an independent living facility, a group home, an adult day program, a hospice, a respite care facility for children, a community health agency, or a school.

Candidates are eligible to earn six senior credits toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma as well as successful students are certified as a qualified Personal Support Worker.
Admission Requirements and Entrance Criteria

  • Be 18 years or older

  • Recommended:  

    • Grade 9 Math

    • Grade 9 Science (applied or academic level)

  • English

    • A minimum of Grade 11 English (college or university level)

    • For ESL students we recommend Benchmark 7 in all areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and Grade 11 English.  Proficiency may be reviewed based on prior education.

  • Complete a brief personal interview with the Department Head or a PSW teacher

  • Provide at least two reference forms from a past employer, supervisor, volunteer coordinator, or former teacher (these forms are provided with the application)

  • Show proof of Canadian citizenship/immigration status in the form of a Birth Certificate, Passport, Citizenship card or Immigration Papers

  • Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical and community placements

  • Have a fitness level necessary to complete assigned duties (lifting is required).
  • A complete Medical Review Record must be signed by your Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner and submitted by the due date specified. The Medical Review Record form will be provided with the application.
  • A clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check which is less than 1 month old

  • In addition to the above, you must possess the following personal attributes:

    • Emotional maturity
    • A sincere interest in helping others
    • A sense of responsibility, reliability, and integrity
    • The ability to work cooperatively under the direction of other health care workers

Registration

Please email us to begin the registration process.  Please include a copy of your transcript or educational documents with your request.  We will contact you within 2 business days and determine next steps.

email psw@tvdsb.ca

Interviews will be scheduled after full registration package has been received.
Program Schedule

The PSW Program is approximately 5 months in length (terms are August to January and January to June).

Classes run:  Monday to Friday - 8:00 am to 2:30 pm

*Hours for Clinical placement (in long-term care homes) and community placement (in community-based settings) are site specific and can be anytime between 5:30 am and 11:00 pm and will include weekends.*

Wheable arranges clinical placements and assists students in arranging community placements.
Program Costs

The specialized programming fee for new students who enroll in our PSW program between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023 is covered by the Ontario Government.  Students who enroll during this time period will also be eligible for a $5,115 grant in recognition for community and clinical placements.


Fees waived and you receive a grant in 2022-23!  NOW is the time to earn your PSW certificate!

 

The Specialized Programming Fee which the Government of Ontario will pay covers the cost of the following items:

  • Lab and materials fee
  • Textbook and workbook
  • 2 uniforms and 2 School crests
  • Identification badge
  • Standard First Aid and Level C Healthcare Provider CPR/AED training
  • Mask fit testing
  • WHMIS training
  • Alzheimer Information Series/U-First Certificate
  • Safe Food Handling Certificate
  • Gentle Persuasive Approaches Certificate
  • Employability and job search skills related to the PSW field
  • PSW certificate and Ontario Student Transcript

Students accepted into the program may be required to supply other items not included in the Specialized Programming Fee.
Personal Support Worker Certificate

Graduates will receive a Personal Support Worker certificate and transcript once upon successful completion of the program.

Future confirmation of your certificate will be provided via a current copy of your transcript.  Transcripts are the legal document used to verify program completion.   Certificates will not be replaced or reproduced.

Confirmation of PSW certificate can be obtained by contacting the Assistant for PSW, Apprenticeship, Co-op and Guidance at 519-452-2000 ext. 69730.
 Contact
In Person (Monday to Friday):
  • 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Student Services Office, Room M247, G. A. Wheable Centre, 70 Jacqueline Street, London ON

Phone: 519-452-2000 extension 69730

Email: psw@tvdsb.ca

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