PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER (PSW) PROGRAM

Earn your PSW Certification

The NACC Personal Support Worker DE 2022 program provides the opportunity for students to develop basic supportive care and social service training skills necessary for employment in homes and apartments in the community, long-term facilities, congregate housing settings, and/or day programs.

Program Overview

• Program Type:  Certificate
• Program Duration: 28 Weeks
• Program Notes: Financial assistance may be available to qualified students.
• Program Category: Healthcare Programs

Program Syllabus: Click to Download

Training in the NACC Personal Support Worker DE 2022 program provides students with supportive care and social service skills for employment in community homes and apartments, long-term care facilities, congregate housing settings, and day programs.

Personal Support Workers (PSWs) assist clients with daily living and may work in long-term care, home care, retirement homes, supportive housing, group homes, hospitals, educational facilities, and other care settings. Depending on individual needs, their responsibilities may include personal care, mobility, home management, meal preparation, family care, and social and recreational activities. PSWs provide direct, hands-on support with sensitivity and respect for the comfort, safety, and well-being of those they support.

Effective PSW practice requires a broad skill set that enables PSWs to perform their duties effectively, including practical, communication, observational, and physical abilities. PSWs may assist with mobility, positioning, and transfers, including the use of mechanical lifts such as Hoyer lifts. They must be prepared for the physical demands of supporting individuals with varying levels of mobility and dependence. They should also communicate clearly, document accurately, work under pressure, and carry out assigned supportive care according to the plan of care.

Academic Requirements:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD); OR
• Equivalent (foreign credentials must be translated in English and assessed by a recognized assessment service); OR
• Mature Student Status, granted to applicants who are over 19 years of age, do not hold an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or General Education Development Test, and have achieved a minimum score of 11 on the Wonderlic SLE.
• English Language Proficiency for students whose first language is NOT English:
  • IELTS – Int’l English Language Testing Services – Minimum score of 5.5 with no subject test score lower than 5.5; OR
  • TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet based test (IBT) – Overall 80 with the minimum in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR
  • CAEL – Overall 60 No section below 60; OR
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General with a score of 7 (no section score below 6); OR
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Tests with a score of 7 in each strand (not an average of 7); OR
  • Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 95; OR
  • Pearson PTE Academic with a minimum score of 46; OR
  • NACC Written Entrance Exam (passing score of 60); OR
  • Evidence of successful completion of 2 consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English at a Canadian institution; OR
  • Evidence of successful completion of 2 consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English at an institution outside of Canada

Non-Academic Requirements:

• Signed Vulnerable Sector Disclaimer; AND
• Signed Medical Disclaimer

• Minimum mark of 70% in each module with no evaluation method below 70%; AND
• Minimum mark of 70% with no critical deficiencies in each of the skills Performance Demonstrations; AND
• Current Standard First Aid and Basic Rescuer (Level C) or Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR Certification (are not included in the program hours and must be provided by the student); AND
• Demonstrate a satisfactory attendance record by completion of the PSW Attendance Form to be kept in the student’s file. All students must complete the 700 hours. If for any reason time is missed, it must be made up and documented; AND
• Clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector, within 45 days of commencement of study; AND
• Medical Report within 45 days of commencement of study stating that the student is fit to complete all components of the program and has up-to-date immunization status; AND
• Clear Covid-19 test within one week of commencing practicum and/or other expectations in accordance with Public Health requirements and Practicum Host requirements

Upon completion of the program the participant must demonstrate the following core competencies:

Part A: Personal Support Worker Modules:

• PSW Foundations
• Safety and Mobility
• Body Systems
• Assisting with Personal Hygiene
• Abuse and Neglect
• Household Management, Nutrition, and Hydration
• Care Planning/ Restorative Care/ Electronic Documentation/ Working in the Community
• Assisting the Family/ Growth and Development
• Assisting the Dying Person
• Assisting with Medications
• Cognitive/ Mental Health Issues and Brain Injuries
• Health Conditions
• Gentle Persuasive Approaches in Dementia Care

Part B: Work Experience:

• Clinical Placement (Community)
• Clinical Placement (Facility)

Part C: Credentials:

• NACC PSW Certificate
• Personal Support Worker AOL College Certificate
• Standard First Aid and Basic Rescuer (Level C) or Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification

Contact Academy of Learning College Mississauga Campus today for more information and find out if a career as a Personal Support Worker is right for you. With financial assistance options for everyone, there’s no reason to put it off any longer! If you know anyone who suits this program, please refer him/her to us then you can benefit from our Referral Program as well.