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Please note:

The PSW program is available through full-time, part-time, and FAST delivery options.

About the program

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.
Note: Admission to the program is required prior to registration for courses.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or 19 years of age or older
  • Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251)
  • English testing may be required.
  • For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading.

Admission procedures

  • Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
  • Submit proof of Admission Requirements. Review Apply to a program to learn how.
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.
  • Once you have been accepted to the program, you will be sent an email with information on how to register for part-time PSW courses. Note: Admission to the program is required prior to registration for courses.
  • All Level 1 courses must be completed prior to registering for Level 2.
  • For inquiries about course registration, please contact PSWinfo@conestogac.on.ca.

Program requirements

Mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL) document requirements must be completed by students prior to field/clinical WIL experiences. Successful WIL completion is required for students to receive a clinical placement. Completion of clinical placements is mandatory to graduate from the program. To qualify for field/clinical WIL learning experiences, students must present the following in accordance with pre-admission information provided by the College:
  • A complete immunization record including MMR, Tdap, varicella, COVID-19, hepatitis B and seasonal flu vaccination (October-May).
  • TB Testing: Evidence of current 2-step or previous 2-step + current 1-step if more than one year has passed since 2-step testing.
  • The inability to obtain a respiratory fit testing may result in the inability to participate in clinical experience and jeopardize success in the program. Students are responsible for any costs related to Respirator fit testing.
  • Vulnerable Sector Police Check (VSC) to be completed in Canada every 6 months while in clinical placement. Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in clinical experiences which will jeopardize progress in the program. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
  • Applicants are advised that a latex-free environment in the College or clinical setting is NOT guaranteed.
  • Travel within the program: Students are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from assigned learning settings external to the College and for covering any costs incurred.
  • Applicants are advised that accessibility to a car may be required. The location of these learning sites could be anywhere within a one hour's drive of the campus in which the student is enrolled.
  • Applicants should display integrity, reliability, maturity, self-direction, self-discipline, determination, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, poise and leadership attributes.
  • Applicants are advised that the program uses self-directed, independent, and online study in the delivery of some courses and portions of other courses throughout the program.
  • Attendance in classroom skills lab and clinical work experiences is essential.

Graduate opportunities

Personal support workers contribute to the quality of life of individuals by promoting their independence and dignity; social, emotional and physical needs; mobility; personal appearance; comfort and safety. Graduates understand the roles, responsibilities and limitations of the personal support worker and work as a member of the health-care team, communicating effectively, and observing and reporting changes in clients' conditions.

Graduates meeting the academic requirements may pursue admission to Conestoga's Practical Nursing (PSW to PN Bridge) part-time program.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Work within the personal support worker role in various care settings in accordance with all applicable legislation, standards, employer job descriptions, policies, procedures and guidelines.
  • Practice professionally, and be accountable for one's own actions by applying problem-solving, self-awareness, time management and critical thinking to the provision of care as a personal support worker, whether working independently or as a member of a team.
  • Practice as an engaged member of the interprofessional team to maintain collaborative working relationships for the provision of supportive, safe, responsive and competent client-centred care within care settings.
  • Provide person-centred care, based on ethical principles, sensitive to diverse personal and family values, beliefs, cultural practices and other needs, which follows the plan of care.
  • Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients and their families using effective communication skills to build a genuine, trusting, and respectful partnership, in accordance with professional boundaries, employer policies, confidentiality, and privacy legislation.
  • Identify relevant client information within the roles and responsibilities of the personal support worker using observation, critical thinking, and effective communication skills to report and document findings.
  • Create, promote and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for clients, their families, self and others by implementing current infection prevention and control measures, emergency and first aid procedures, and best practices in pandemic planning that are in keeping with the plan of care, all applicable legislation, and employer policies and procedures.
  • Assist clients across the lifespan with activities of daily living by applying fundamental knowledge of growth and development, psychological concepts, common alterations in functioning, health promotion, disease prevention, rehabilitation and restorative care, and holistic health care.
  • Assist the client with medication following the client's plan of care, and if a delegated act, under the supervision of a regulated health professional or done by exception under the most accountable person and in accordance with all applicable legislation and employer policies.
  • Assist with household management services and instrumental activities of daily living in accordance with the plan of care and considering the preferences, comfort, safety and autonomy of clients, families and significant others.
  • Assist and support clients who are caregivers, considering individual and family choices, professional boundaries and the direction of the plan of care.
  • Identify, respond to and report potential, alleged, suspected or witnessed situations of abuse, and/or neglect, as required by all applicable legislation, including the retirement homes act, 2010 and the long-term care homes act, 2007, and as required within the employers' job description for the personal support workers.
  • Assist with the provision of holistic health care and advocacy for culturally safe and spiritually sensitive palliative and end-of-life care to clients and to their families and significant others from diagnosis through to death and bereavement, and in accordance with clients’ choices and the plan of care.
  • Provide client-centered and client-directed care to individuals experiencing various mental health illness and challenges, cognitive and intellectual impairments, and/or responsive behaviours by using supportive approaches and evidence-based practices to promote positive and safe behaviours in clients

Program related resources

Program contact

Thanks to the generous support of The Cowan Foundation, PSW students are eligible to receive:

  • Entrance award of $500
  • Free uniform
  • Free First Aid and CPR certification
The Cowan Foundation

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Winter registration: Opens November 4, 2024
Spring registration: Opens March 17, 2025