Toronto PSW Program
Credential
Certificate
Modality
In-Person
Duration
700 hours | 28 weeks
Location
Toronto
Next Start Dates
October 2024 & January 2025
Book a consultation with an admissions officer today to learn more about how you can be part of our next cohort!
Program Overview
The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program is a 28-week long course (just over 6 months) that prepares graduates to provide supportive care to individuals across their lifespan, including clients experiencing cognitive and intellectual impairments, physical and mental health challenges, and illness, by assisting them with their activities of daily living.
Our personal support worker course is certified by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) and provides one of Ontario’s most comprehensive PSW curriculums.
Students will attend courses at our Toronto, Ontario campus, where they’ll enjoy small class sizes that foster discussion-based education and provide a welcoming learning environment for all.
How We Prepare You
By the end of our personal support worker training program, you will be able to:
- Care for patients with various illnesses.
- Assist clients with day-to-day tasks like meal preparation, personal hygiene, and in-home cleaning and household management jobs.
- Foster a safe and comfortable environment for all clients.
- Identify relevant client information to provide the best possible care
- Provide sufficient support in areas of disease prevention, end-of-life care, assistance with life-threatening illness, and care for mental health and emotional well-being.
- Maintain collaborative working relationships with other personal support workers, patients and their family members.
- Provide excellent personal care, support services with personal hygiene, household management, mental health issues, aid procedures, physical disabilities, and more.
- All graduates will be fully prepared to work as a PSW in Ontario after passing the final theory examination. You can find more details on the NACC PSW certification here.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates may find employment in a variety of care settings including community care agencies/organizations, retirement homes, private homes, residential care homes, long-term care homes and hospital care settings.
Job Options
√ Home Support Worker
√ Respite Worker
√ Continuing Care Assistant
√ Community Support Worker
Essential Employability Skills
Six essential areas where you will demonstrate skills and knowledge:
√ Communication
√ Numeracy
√ Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
√ Information Management
√ Interpersonal
√ Personal
Courses/Subject Modules
| Module | Type | Hours |
| 1-13 | In-School Theory & Practice (Includes Testing) | 400 |
| 14 | Clinical Placement (Facility) | 200 |
| 15 | Clinical Placement (Community) | 100 |
| Total Program Hours | 700 |
| Module | Title | Hours |
| 1 | PSW Foundations | 55 |
| 2 | Safety and Mobility | 40 |
| 3 | Body Systems | 40 |
| 4 | Assisting with Personal Hygiene | 30 |
| 5 | Abuse & Neglect | 15 |
| 6 | Household Management, Nutrition & Hydration | 25 |
| 7 | Care Planning/Restorative Care/Electronic Documentation/Working in the Community | 30 |
| 8 | Assisting the Family/Growth and Development | 25 |
| 9 | Assisting the Dying Person | 30 |
| 10 | Assisting with Medications | 20 |
| 11 | Cognitive and Mental Health | 40 |
| 12 | Health Conditions | 40 |
| 13 | Gentle Persuasive Approach | 10 |
1. PSW Foundations
The introductory module provides an overview of the scope of responsibilities of PSWs in a variety of settings. Students will learn about client-centred versus client-directed care and emphasize the individuality of the client and his/her relationship with family, friends, and others. Key topics include work relationships, stress and time management, interpersonal skills, communication, conflict resolution and problem-solving, and applicable legislation.
Textbook and Materials
-Textbook: Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier)
-Internet Based Resources and Instructor Handouts
Teaching Method
Lecture: 35 hours
Supervised Lab: 20 hours
2. Safety and Mobility
The second module covers safety as it relates to both the client and the worker. One of the fundamental activities of the PSW is that of assisting the client with routine activities of living. Students will learn about the risks of unsafe equipment or settings and appropriate actions to take when unsafe situations are identified. Topics include infection control methods, body mechanics, and transferring and lifting techniques using equipment to increase safety and reduce client anxiety.
Textbook and Materials
-Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier).
-Internet Based Resources and Instructor Handouts
Teaching Method
Lecture: 22 hours
Supervised Lab: 18 hours
3. Body Systems
This module will introduce the student to the basics of anatomy and physiology. Students will understand human body systems to apply that knowledge in their daily work as a Personal Support Worker. These body systems are the musculoskeletal, digestive, urinary, integumentary, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine. Common disorders and age-related changes for each body system will also be covered.
Textbook and Materials
-Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier)
-Internet Based Resources and Instructor Handouts
Teaching Method
Lecture 40 hours
4. Assisting with Personal Hygienes
PSW’s assist clients with all activities or routines of daily living. Students will learn how to care for the ill, disabled, injured and/or confused client. Frailness, dignity, and levels of dependence will be considered. Personal hygiene includes oral care, perineal care, bathing, grooming, dressing, bed making, shaving, hair care, and skin care. It includes mobility considerations and involves personal safety, self-esteem, and dignity. The foundation of this module is humanistic health care.
Textbook and Materials
-Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier)
-Internet Based Resources and Instructor Handouts
Teaching Method
Lecture 12 hours
Supervised Lab 18 hours
5. Abuse & Neglect
This module introduces students to the concepts of violence and abuse, including its possible signs, and the appropriate actions and legal requirements if abuse is suspected. Personal beliefs and attitudes about family violence and abuse are examined, as is the concept of worker abuse of the client and abuse of the worker. PSW will learn to recognize both indicators and causes, and the requirements of legislation, employer policy, and provisions of the service contract or support plan.
Textbook and Materials
-Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier)
-Internet Based Resources and Instructor Handouts
Teaching Method
Lecture 15 hours
6. Household Management, Nutrition & Hydration
Students will learn to assist the client with their nutritional needs, household activities, and household management according to client preferences, comfort and safety within employer guidelines as required. Nutritional needs include planning balanced menus, preparing shopping lists and shopping, safe handling of food, and storage and specific cooking techniques. The special dietary needs of certain clients and their cultural and religious preferences will all be addressed.
Textbook and Materials
-Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier)
-Internet Based Resources and Instructor Handouts
-Canada’s Dietary Guidelines
Teaching Method
Lecture 15 hours
Supervised Lab 10 hours
7. Care Planning/Restorative Care/Electronic
Documentation/Working in the Community
This module identifies the support provided through the care plan or service contract to the client to relearn or regain routine abilities. They will understand its significance, and the rights of the client as a receiver of support and the purpose, methods, and persons involved in its creation. Students will also be introduced to working in the community health care environment, providing support to patients and families in communities, conducted in accordance with employer guidelines.
Textbook and Materials
-Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier)
-Internet Based Resources and Instructor Handouts
Teaching Method
Lecture 20 hours
Supervised Lab 10 hours
8. Assisting the Family/Growth and Development
Students learn to understand family characteristics in terms of structure, functions, roles, lifestyles, and relationships. The influence of cultural values, practices, religious beliefs and the effects of illness, stress, and disability on family relationships will be emphasized as central to the PSW’s ability to provide effective support. This module also explores the stages of growth and development throughout the life cycle and the role of the PSW in providing respite to families.
Textbook and Materials
-Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier)
-Internet Based Resources and Instructor Handouts
Teaching Method
Lecture 25 hours
9. Assisting the Dying Person
In this module students learn about hospice, palliative and end-of-life care, the integration of a palliative approach to care, ways of being, communication and practical strategies to provide psychosocial support and physical comfort care for both the person and their family. This module addresses provincial palliative care competencies (2018-2020) including competencies for caring for First Nation, Inuit, Metis, and urban Indigenous peoples.
Textbook and Materials
-Integrating a Palliative Approach: Essentials for Personal Support Workers (Text and Workbook) 2nd Edition – Katherine Murray, 2020, ISBN 978-1-926923-16-1 and ISBN 978-926923-17-8 (Life and Death Matters)
-Internet Based Resources and Instructor Guide, PPTs, Podcasts and Videos (available at www.lifeanddeathmatters.ca)
Teaching Method
Lecture 30 hours
10. Assisting with Medications
Within the PSW scope of practice, students learn about medication administration versus assistance. They gain basic knowledge of the drugs used in the treatment of common diseases and disorders including use, classification, effects, and routes of administration. They identify purposes, required instruction, and cautions; and the importance of observation for both desired and undesired outcomes, as well as the procedures to be followed in the event of a concern or problem with medications.
Textbook and Materials
-Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier)
-CPA Medication Problem A.C.T.I.O.N. Plan
-Internet Based Resources and Instructor Handouts
Teaching Method
Lecture 15 hours
Supervised Lab 5 hours
11. Cognitive and Mental Health
This module introduces students to common psychiatric conditions such as affective disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse, cognitive impairment, and brain injury. The possibility of multiple conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression will be discussed along with the role of the family caregiver and the importance of observation, documentation, and reporting to recognize changes in behavior that can be related to psychiatric conditions or an increased risk of suicide.
Textbook and Materials
-Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier)
-Internet Based Resources and Instructor Handouts
Teaching Method
Lecture 30 hours
Supervised Lab 10 hours
12. Health Conditions
Students are introduced to ongoing conditions and basic concepts of assistance, as well as the general effects on the person of common disabilities, conditions and diseases. Students will gain skill in the necessary techniques while focusing on the importance of providing support safely, effectively and comfortably. Concepts of maintenance, rehabilitation and restoration are discussed, as is the support team’s importance in aiding and training these additional skills.
Textbook and Materials
-Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier)
-Internet Based Resources and Instructor Handouts
Teaching Method
Lecture 30 hours
Supervised Lab 10 hours
13. Gentle Persuasive Approach
Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) is a multi-disciplinary education program designed for everyone who interacts with older adults in the workplace. Participants are guided to fully understand responsive behaviors to respond effectively and appropriately in a workplace.
Textbook and Materials
GPA Basic Manual, Introduction to GPA for Staff/Students 4th Edition https://ageinc.ca/about-gpa-2/
Teaching Method
Lecture 10 hours
14. Clinical Placement (Facility)
Clinical placement provides students with an opportunity to practice their new skills in a work setting. Students gain experience in a wider range of PSW skills, become more self-confidant, and may receive offers of employment from the placement site. They spend time working in a facility setting for 100 hours (about 8 days) under the supervision of their instructor and under a preceptor provided by the host site for 100 hours (about 8 days). The instructor will be available by phone and email during the placement.
Textbook and Materials
-Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier)
-PSW Skills Passbook
Teaching Method
Supervised Practical 200 hours.
15. Clinical Placement (Community)
Clinical placement provides students with an opportunity to practice their new skills in a work setting. While on placement, students gain experience in a wider range of PSW skills, become more self-confidant, and may receive offers of employment from the placement site. In this module, the students will work in a community setting supervised by a preceptor provided by the host site. The instructor will be available by phone and email.
Textbook and Materials
-Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, and Wilk, 5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 9780323709392 (Elsevier)
-PSW Skills Passbook
Teaching Method
Supervised Practical 100 hours
Admission Requirements
1. Education: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Foreign credentials must be translated in English and assessed for Grade 12 equivalency by a recognized organization such as WES (World Education Service). If you don’t have an OSSD/equivalent and are over 18 years of age, you may request to write a Mature Student Test to determine your eligibility.
2. If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of English proficiency. You can meet this requirement by submitting ONE of the following:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 5.5, with no band score lower than 5.5.
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum overall score of 80, with at least 20 in each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): Minimum overall score of 60, with no section score below 60.
- CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): Minimum overall score of 7, with no section score below 6.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Tests: Minimum score of 7 in each strand (not an average).
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 95.
- Pearson PTE Academic: Minimum score of 46.
- NACC Written Entrance Exam: Passing score of 60.
- Completion of Studies in English: Evidence of successful completion of 2 consecutive years of full-time post-secondary study in English at a Canadian institution or an institution outside of Canada.
3. Signed Vulnerable Sector Disclaimer
As this program will involve direct contact with vulnerable individuals, students must submit a clean Canada-wide Police Clearance of Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) before commencing any practicum placement.
4. Signed Medical Disclaimer
Students must submit a completed and satisfactory medical report before commencing any practicum placement.
Here is the medical report form that you can download to review the documented proof of immunization and/or history of specific communicable diseases you need to provide.
5. International Students: A valid study permit is required to enroll in the PSW Program at Cestar College. If your current study permit is set to expire before the intake that you wish to enroll ends, you will need to apply for an extension to ensure that your permit remains active throughout your studies. Proof of international student health insurance is also required.
Costs
| PSW | |||
| Application Processing | $50 | ||
| Tuition Fees | $6,500 | ||
| Book Fees | $300 | ||
| Expendable Supplies | $215 | ||
| Uniform and Equipment | $60 | ||
| Professional/Exam Fees | $110 | ||
| Other Compulsory Fees (Standard First Aid and CPR) | $170 | ||
| PSW TOTAL MANDATORY FEES | $7,405 | ||
| International Student Fees | $2,000 | ||
| PSW TOTAL INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FEES | $9,405 | ||
Payment plans are available.
Pay in Full
- $50 application fee at time of application submission
- $855 due 1 week after contract signed
- $8,500 balance due on first day of class
Pay in Two Installments (One per Semester)
- $50 application fee at time of application submission
- $855 due 1 week after contract signed
- $4,250 on first day of class & $4,250 due 3 months from first payment (two payments total)
Pay in Five Monthly Installments
- $50 application fee at time of application submission
- $855 due 1 week after contract signed
- $1,700 due on first day of class & on same day each month for the following four months (five payments total)
*Example of payment plan structure for domestic students. Individual payment plan options may vary. Please speak with an Admission Advisor for more details.
PSW Facilities
Our campus offers designated learning spaces featuring hospital beds, wheelchairs, and manikins so PSWs can get quality hands-on education in the heart of Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the program?
For domestic students, it is $7,405; For international students, it is $9,405.
How long is the program?
It is 28 weeks (just over 6 months).
What is the schedule like? Morning/afternoon/evening?
8am-1:30pm/2:00pm-7:30pm/4pm-9:30pm. Actual schedule may vary by intake. Please speak with an Admission Advisor for more details.
What are the requirements for admission?
Ontario high school diploma, or the equivalent (international degrees/diplomas must be verified as equivalent by third party such as World Education Services (WES); OR if over 18, may write mature student entrance test. If English is not first language, proof of English competency is required. Signed Vulnerable Sector Disclaimer (form) and Signed Medical Disclaimer (form).
Is the PSW program in-person, online or hybrid?
For now, the program is in-person.
Is OSAP accepted by the college?
Yes. Please visit ontario.ca and apply for OSAP. Once you’ve been approved, we will accept it and help you.
If I'm a (former/current) nurse/EMT/PT/OT can I be exempt from some courses/tests/exams?
Your previous education/experience can certainly help, but it will not exempt you from quizzes, assignments, tests or exams.
Does taking the PSW program lead to PR?
Completing a PSW course in Canada earns an individual additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is used to rank candidates.
How long is the program, and how much work experience is required to qualify for PR?
Our PSW Program is 28 weeks (about 6 and a half months).
If I apply as an international student, do I need a study permit?
Yes, you need a valid study permit as an international student. You may need to apply for an extension if you have a current one that expires sometime during your PSW studies.
I am an international graduate with PGWP status. Can I apply for a study permit?
People can apply for a study permit while on PGWP.
Can I have a PGWP and study permit at the same time?
Yes, you can have both.
As an international graduate, my study permit expires before the PSW course ends. Do I have to renew my study permit, and for how long?
Yes, you need to have an active study permit before the studies conclude, so you would apply for an extension for the duration of the program.
Do I need a study permit when I am doing my two-month work placement?
Yes, you need a study permit that also includes “co-op or intern work permit” for your two-month placement, as it is part of your studies. You can apply online.
As a PGWP holder, can I work full-time and take the PSW program?
Yes, you just need a study permit.
Is the program placement paid?
No, it is unpaid.
Can I pay the tuition fee in installments?
Yes, we offer installment plans.
When do I have to pay tuition fees?
It depends on the installment plan. The first “payment” is the $50 application fee submitted with the application (deducted from final tuition). A deposit of $855 is due within one week of signing the enrolment contract to hold your space in the program. After that, the balance of your fees will be due in installments throughout the program, depending on the payment structure you select at the time of enrollment.
More Information
As a caregiver, you can become a permanent resident. Here are the links to the official government resources regarding the caregiver immigration programs:
Caregivers – Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/caregivers.htm
Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot – Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/provincial-nominees-permanent-resident-applicants/bridging-open-work-permits.html#toc6
What Our Graduates Have To Say About Cestar College
The PSW Program has been an incredible experience for me. It equipped me with essential skills for my profession both theoretically and practically. I owe much of that to my amazing professor, Christine Chan. Managing both my Lambton Course AHCT and PSW was tough, but with the support from my professor and fellow classmates, it was greatly enriched.
-Ardhra Sonil
Cestar College Graduate
To begin with, the PSW Program is not very easy, but we have a very supportive coordinator who makes it easier for us. I would say it is completely worth all the time and effort you put into it. We have hands-on lab experience which makes us an efficient PSW in the future.
Moreover, the atmosphere is very welcoming and collaborative, whether you are from a healthcare background or not. I would highly recommend this PSW Program to anyone looking to pursue a rewarding career as a healthcare worker.
-Krishna C. Nair
Cestar College Graduate
The PSW Program at Cestar College is very comprehensive. I have friends who studied PSW at other colleges, but they regret not attending Cestar’s program because they see how the program has, by far elevated my knowledge, skills and character. The faculty, especially Samantha and Christine have been very supportive throughout my journey in this program.
Christine has made learning fun and creative and it doesn’t matter if you do not have a background in health or sciences, you will excel because of the non-judgemental, inclusive, positive environment provided at Cestar College. So if you want to be an exceptional PSW that will stand out, I advise you to enrol in the PSW Program at Cestar College.
-Mmaobong
Cestar College Graduate
First and foremost, I thank Cestar College for the wonderful opportunity to pursue a PSW career. As everyone knows, PSW’s play a very big roll in the healthcare industry. Trust me guys, it’s worth it! I want to thank Christine who teaches the PSW program. She is an amazing teacher. She motivates and helps us in all situations. She is very dedicated and professional.
We are all very lucky to have her as our PSW instructor. I look forward to the many career opportunities as a PSW. Thank you Christine!
-Soniya George
Cestar College Graduate
Coming from a different background of study (Sales & Marketing) and transitioning to a PSW Program was easy because of how the course modules are set up and how the Instructor taught us. I really enjoyed learning this program. Our instructor Christine is really great. She made sure we were really comfortable learning the curriculum. This program has taught me a lot, not only for working in healthcare, but also in my personal life. Now I know how to take of my own body better and how to prepare myself and others when we get old. I am happy that I didn’t miss out on this program.Thank you to Cestar College. They have prepared me for a promising career as a PSW.
-Victor
Cestar College Graduate
This PSW Program is a a great course! When I embarked on this journey, I was not sure how it would turn out, but our Professor made the learning easy and the quality of education never reduced. I have learned how to take care of people with dementia, the elderly and all those in need of any kind of comfort and care. I have truly learned a lot and I’m very happy to have taken part in the PSW Program here at Cestar College.
-Oluwadamilola Oyesanmi
Cestar College Graduate
Begin Your Personal Support Worker Career Faster Than The Average PSW Student!
Enter the workforce sooner with our accelerated program option, earning your certificate 4 times faster than part-time PSW students. Contact us today to learn more about our accelerated program!
