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Personal Support Worker (PSW) — Elite College
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Personal Support Worker (PSW)

◉ Certificate Program

Make a difference in the lives of others with a career in healthcare. The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program prepares students with the practical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to provide compassionate, person-centred care and support — with skills in personal care, safety and mobility, household management, assisting with medications, cognitive and mental health support, family care, palliative care, and professional workplace responsibilities.

✦ 24–30 Weeks ◈ 700 Hours ✓ Hybrid ◉ Career Colleges Act, 2005
Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Personal Support Worker (PSW) — Elite College
Healthcare

Personal Support Worker (PSW)

24–30 weeks 700 total hours Certificate Markham, Richmond Hill Next start: Fall 2026 Hybrid delivery
Personal Support Worker (PSW) Apply Now

Make a difference in the lives of others with a career in healthcare. The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program prepares students with the practical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to provide compassionate, person-centred care and support.

This program is designed to develop practical skills in personal care, safety and mobility, household management, assisting with medications, cognitive and mental health support, family care, palliative care and professional workplace responsibilities.

This program is approved as a vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

Skills You'll Master

01

Personal Care

Provide compassionate personal care and daily living support.

02

Safety & Mobility

Support safe movement, transfers and mobility for clients.

03

Household Management

Assist with household tasks, nutrition and hydration.

04

Assisting with Medications

Support clients with medication assistance safely.

05

Cognitive & Mental Health

Support clients with cognitive and mental health needs.

06

Family Care

Work with families to provide holistic client support.

07

Palliative Care

Provide compassionate end-of-life and palliative support.

08

Care Planning

Understand care planning, documentation and restorative care.

09

Professional Responsibilities

Understand workplace ethics and professional responsibilities.

PSW Foundations
Introduction to the PSW role, healthcare environment and person-centred care principles.
Safety and Mobility
Learn safe client handling, transfers, mobility assistance and fall prevention.
Body Systems
Study human body systems and their relevance to personal support care.
Assisting with Personal Hygiene
Support clients with bathing, grooming, dressing and personal hygiene.
Abuse and Neglect
Recognize, prevent and report abuse and neglect in care settings.
Household Management, Nutrition and Hydration
Assist with meal preparation, nutrition, hydration and household tasks.
Care Planning, Restorative Care, Documentation and Working in the Community
Understand care planning, restorative care, documentation and community support.
Assisting the Family, Growth and Development
Support families through life stages, growth and development transitions.
Assisting the Dying Person
Provide compassionate palliative and end-of-life support to clients and families.
Assisting with Medications
Learn safe medication assistance within PSW scope of practice.
Cognitive and Mental Health Issues and Brain Injuries
Support clients with cognitive, mental health and brain injury needs.
Health Conditions
Understand common health conditions and their impact on client care.
Gentle Persuasive Approaches
Learn gentle persuasive approaches for supporting clients with responsive behaviours.
Clinical / Practical Training
Supervised hands-on clinical and practical training in care settings.

Graduates develop skills applicable to opportunities in:

Long-Term Care Homes Retirement Homes Community Care Home Care Healthcare & Support Settings
  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
  • English proficiency (minimum Grade 12 or equivalent)
  • Admissions interview with program coordinator
  • Vulnerable Sector Check (required for clinical placement)
  • Up-to-date immunization records and health clearance (required)

Total Tuition

$6,500

Includes all materials, textbooks, and clinical placement support.

Financial Aid Available

OSAP, Better Jobs Ontario, and flexible payment plans available.

Learn More
What career opportunities are available after graduation?
Graduates find opportunities in long-term care homes, retirement homes, community care, home care and other healthcare and support settings.
Is this program accredited?
Yes, the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program is approved as a vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
What delivery format is available?
The program is offered in a Hybrid format, combining online learning with in-person clinical and practical training.
How much clinical / practical training is included?
The program includes supervised clinical and practical training in real care settings, providing hands-on experience with clients and healthcare teams.

Start a Career That Makes a Difference

Build the practical skills and confidence to support individuals with their daily living, personal care, comfort, safety and well-being.

Apply Now