Daily life just became possible
Personal hygiene, preparing meals and taking essential medication are all basic elements of daily life. But in homes, retirement residences, hospitals and long-term care facilities, there are many individuals who cannot independently perform these tasks. Personal support workers help their clients live life in a way most of us take for granted, from preparing a healthful lunch to lending an empathetic ear. Compassionate and attentive, they watch over those in need of a helping hand.
Back to TopProgram Description
Personal support workers are valued members of the health-care team. As a graduate, you will have the skills required to provide assistance with daily living activities including:
- Assistance with medications
- Household and family management
- Nutrition
- Mobility and ambulation
- Palliative and restorative activities
- Personal care and hygiene
Back to TopAdmission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma, General Educational Development, Academic and Career Entrance – College Prep Level or Mature Student Status plus senior level (Grade 11 or higher) subject credits, college preparation (C), university/college preparation (M), university preparation (U) or post-secondary (college or university) in:
- Grade 12 English
- Grade 11 or 12 biology or biology upgrade (strongly recommended)
- Keyboarding/basic computer skills (recommended)
September and May intake:
- Students who begin classes in September will complete Semester 1 in the fall and Semester 2 in the winter/spring
- Students who begin classes in May will complete Semester 1 from May to August and Semester 2 from September until the end of December
PRE-PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the field placement component of this program you must (at your expense) provide:
- A clear (no convictions) and current Criminal Reference Check (CRC) with Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). If you cannot provide a clear CRC with VSS, you may not be accepted for placement by a field placement agency. CRCs with VSS must be obtained from your local police station. You may be required to obtain additional CRCs with VSS to meet field placement agency requirements
- Current Level C CPR from a recognized provider
- Current standard first aid certification from a recognized provider
- Entry immunization form completed by a health-care provider
Back to TopCareer Options
- Community service agency
- Group home
- Home care agency
- Hospital
- Long-term care facility
- Retirement home
Back to TopCourse List & Descriptions
This course will introduce students to the normal anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well, the normal changes associated with aging. The development of medical terminology will assist students to refine their communication skills and understanding. Medical terminology, a basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, and age-related change will contribute to the PSW’s ability to function within the health care environment.
Understanding the fabric of interpersonal communication, including self-awareness, self-concept and building self-insight into the emotional and perceived barriers of effective communication is essential skill within the health care team. Students learn effective skill development in building healthy respectful relationships and how to effectively manage conflict. Students will also refine their communication skills for application within the workplace environment and social settings, while understanding the impact of effective verbal and nonverbal communication.
This lab-based subject enables the student to use the computer as a tool for writing, research, and file management. It includes the use of the MS Windows 7 environment for file management, Internet Explorer 8 for Internet research and communication, MyCampus and DC Connect training. Microsoft Word 2010 for creating and enhancing documents and Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 for creating presentations.
Students learn concepts that help them maintain a safe and comfortable environment for clients, families and self. This includes universal precautions, WMIS, promoting mobility, household management, growth and development norms, relationships, dealing with family violence, and abuse.
The Nursing Resource Centre Practice Lab is a simulated clinical setting where students begin to acquire the knowledge and proficiency required to perform selected psychomotor skills competently. A teacher and nurse technologist facilitate learning through demonstrations, practise, research, review and peer critique. This learning is essential to safe practice in the practicum area.
This course offers students the opportunity to practise the skills and concepts learned in PSW FOUNDATIONS (PSWF 1500) and the Practice Lab 1 course in long term care placements. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, the student interacts with clients and their families experiencing life transitions. Students learn to apply theoretical concepts to maintain and promote health and healing. As well, students learn and practise healing actions.
This course introduces concepts that are the basis for PSW knowledge, attitude and skill. Students explore health services in Ontario, values, beliefs, culture, relevant legislation, ethics, work environments, client-centred care and care plans, caring relationships, restorative care, and time and stress management. The focus is understanding the role of the PSW in the health-care team.
This course builds on the LONG TERM CARE PRACTICUM (PRAC 2500) experience. Students interact in a community setting, under the guidance of a preceptor with clients, family and the health-care team. In a work environment, students apply the theories and concepts learned throughout the program to clients experiencing health transitions and health challenges. This course gives the student practical work experience.
This is an introductory certificate education course that focuses on developing comfort around dying and death, familiarizing personal support workers (PSWs) with the domains of issues encountered by persons living with life-threatening illness, and promoting strategies to address identified issues. The ultimate goal of the program is to enable the PSW to develop therapeutic relationships that can facilitate a change in the illness experience for those living with dying.
In this course students learn about common health challenges facing individuals across the lifespan. Topics include supportive strategies to assist the client with these challenges. Concepts of prevention, maintenance and rehabilitation are addressed. Students will also explore care of the individual with special needs, adaptive devices and available community resources.
This course builds on the first PSW practicum experience. The student interacts in a long term care setting, under the guidance of a preceptor, with clients, family and the health-care team. In a work environment, students apply the theories and concepts learned throughout the program to clients experiencing health transitions and health challenges. This course gives the student practical work experience.
Students learn about common mental health challenges facing individuals across the lifespan. This includes cognitive impairment challenges such as dementia. Students will explore strategies around caring for these individuals and families, including different models of care, communication tools, managing challenging behaviours, and available community resources.
This course builds on PRACTICE LAB 1 (PSWL 1500). The student learns additional skills essential to the role of the PSW in the simulated Resource Centre. A professor and nurse technologist facilitate learning through demonstrations, practise, research, review and peer critique. This learning is essential to safe practice in the practicum area.
This course builds on PSW FOUNDATIONS (PSWF 1500). The role of the PSW in the health-care team is explored further. Students learn to work in a team. Topics include conflict resolution, role of advocate, lines of communication, ethical issues, assertiveness training and job readiness skills. The student learns to work in the PSW role in an ethical manner and within the law.
Courses and course descriptions are for the next academic year and are subject to change.
Back to TopProgram Costs
| | Domestic | International |
| Tuition Fees | $2,533 | $11,820 |
| Compulsory Ancillary Fees | $1,010 | $1,570 |
| Incidental Fees | $90 | $90 |
| Total Fees: | $3,633 | $13,480 |
Please note: fees are based on the 2012-2013 academic year and do not include textbooks. For more information please see Other fees to consider.
Back to TopInternships & Placements
Part of your training includes the opportunity to practice what you learn through supervised placements in institutional and community settings. Practicum experiences take place throughout Durham Region and you are responsible for your transportation to and from your practicum agency.
Your practicum will enable you to:
- Become job ready
- Be sought out by local employers
- Provide care for clients in health-care facilities under the direction and supervision of experienced faculty
- Learn in a state-of-the-art simulation lab and health care learning centre
- Obtain Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care and St. Peter’s Feeding certificates
- Experience small group instruction in practicum and laboratory settings
- Write a comprehensive exam
Back to TopOpportunities For Degree Completion Or Additional Credentials
Qualified graduates can go on to take:
Qualified graduates may also be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
Back to TopDisability Considerations
Students with disabilities who wish to discuss accommodation plans are encouraged to contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities.
Back to Top
Program Quick-Find
If you are an International student, please contact
Waitlisted: September 2013
Open: May 2014
