Personal Support Worker Program (PSW) (C112)
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Domestic StudentsProgram Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown has been training Personal Support Workers for over 20 years.
Program Overview
The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program will teach you the skills required to provide or assist with personal care for the elderly, the chronically ill and persons with accessibility challenges. These patients may live in the community, in long-term care facilities or in select ambulatory care settings.
Classes for this two-semester program are held at our state-of-the-art Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences at Waterfront Campus and are scheduled between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday. As a student in this program, expect to participate in faculty-supervised clinical practicums that take place in various settings across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Shift hours may vary between day and/or evenings depending upon the practice setting and students may be required to travel up to two hours to clinical agencies.
Full Description
The two-semester Personal Support Worker (PSW) (C112) certificate program will teach you the full range of skills required to assist clients with their personal and household needs to ensure their comfort and safety.
PSWs provide or assist with personal care for:
- the frail elderly
- the chronically ill
- people with physical disabilities living in the community
- people in long-term care facilities
- people in select ambulatory care settings
- people in acute medical and surgical settings
- people receiving palliative care
PLEASE NOTE: Public Health continues to recommend that people working with vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Clinical agency partners continue to require students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to be approved to complete clinical placements within their facilities. Agencies have the right to decline the placement of students who are not fully vaccinated, and students who are not vaccinated are at risk of not being able to complete their clinical placement course requirements.
Courses focus on the skills and abilities needed to create a climate that promotes the optimal physical, social and emotional well-being of each client.
Your Field Education Options
As a student in the Personal Support Worker program, you will learn how to practise as a member of an interprofessional health-care team through a variety of clinical placement experiences. These experiences will include supervised placements in institutional and community settings, and an interprofessional Simulation Centre experience.
Please note: Faculty-supervised clinical practicums take place in various settings across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The clinical practicum experience may vary between day and/or evening shifts, depending upon the practice setting and students may need to travel up to two hours to clinical agencies. Clinical practicum will require students to lift, bend, walk and stand as minimal physical requirements when caring for patients/clients.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Our Personal Support Worker (C112) graduates who wish to continue their education and who meet all admission requirements can apply to the following George Brown College programs:
ALUMNI IMPACT
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Latest Alumni Stories
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 1
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
PSW 1001 | Role of the PSW in Client Care |
PSW 1017 | Providing Optimal Client and Personal Care (Lecture) |
PSW 1019 | Providing Optimal Client and Personal Care (Lab) |
PSW 1022 | Fundamentals of the Human Body |
PSW 1023 | Essentials PSW Communication Skills |
PSW 1024 | Foundations of Supportive Care |
PSW 1025 | Role of PSW in Medication Management |
Semester 2
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
CARE 1101 | Providing Support in a Facility Setting |
CARE 1103 | Providing Support in a Community Setting |
CARE 1112 | Health Conditions and the Role of the PSW |
CARE 1113 | Mental Health & Palliative Care |
CARE 1114 | Nutritional Care |
CARE 1115 | Foundations of Supportive Care II |
Note: Curriculum review in progress. Course titles may change without notice. Such changes will appear here.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- 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.
- Practise 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.
- Practise 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*.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
Note: This program is open to domestic applicants only.
Special Requirements
Clinical Pre-placement Health Form requirements and program policy
- Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Pre-placement requirements for this program. It will take up to eight to 10 weeks to complete.
- Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records (such as TDAP shot, COVID-19, MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres and Two-Step TB Skin Test), proof of clear Vulnerable Sector Check renewed every year, Standard First Aid Certificate renewed every three years, Basic Life Support certificate renewed every year, annual flu shot and mask fit test renewed every two years. These requirements must be submitted by the program specific deadline to ParaMed Placement Pass website.
- COVID-19 vaccination: Public Health continues to recommend that people working with vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Clinical agency partners continue to require students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to be approved to complete clinical placements within their facilities. Agencies have the right to decline the placement of students who are not fully vaccinated, and students who are not vaccinated are at risk of not being able to complete their clinical placement course requirements.
- The health policies and non-academic requirements are designed to protect clients and vulnerable populations whom students will engage in practice. Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and non-academic requirements, or who do not submit all required documentation by deadlines established by the program will be excluded from the clinical practicum. Exclusion from clinical practicum for any reason may jeopardize students' academic standing and successful completion of this program.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
- To download the mandatory Pre-placement health form and for more details, go to the Clinical Pre-placement website.
Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every year)
- In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and this check must be renewed every year before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The Vulnerable Sector Check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that the Vulnerable Sector Check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).
- Students are required to keep the original copy of their Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Students who are unable to provide a “clear” Vulnerable Sector Check will not be able to start their field or clinical placement and will therefore be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program. Our agency partners have the final decision for students being allowed to practice in their agency.
- Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment. The fees for the vulnerable sector check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Clinical Pre-placement website.
Clinical practicum courses require students to be able to lift, bend, walk and stand as minimal physical requirements when caring for patients/clients.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Contact Us
Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursing
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2367 Email: nursing@georgebrown.ca
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Personal Support Worker Program (PSW) (C112)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown has been training Personal Support Workers for over 20 years.
Program Overview
The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program teaches students the skills required to provide or assist with personal care for the elderly, the chronically ill, and persons with accessibility challenges. These patients may live in the community, in long-term care facilities, or in select ambulatory care settings.
Classes for this two-semester program are held at our state-of-the-art Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences at Waterfront Campus and are scheduled between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Students can expect to participate in faculty-supervised clinical practicums that take place in various settings across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Shift hours may vary between day and/or evenings depending upon the practice setting.
Full Description
The two-semester Personal Support Worker (PSW) (C112) certificate program teaches students the full range of skills required to assist clients with their personal and household needs in order to ensure their comfort and safety.
PSWs provide or assist with personal care for:
- the frail elderly
- the chronically ill
- people with physical disabilities living in the community
- people in long-term care facilities
- people in select ambulatory care settings
- people in acute medical and surgical settings
- people receiving palliative care
PLEASE NOTE: Public Health continues to recommend that people working with vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Clinical agency partners continue to require students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to be approved to complete clinical placements within their facilities. Agencies have the right to decline the placement of students who are not fully vaccinated, and students who are not vaccinated are at risk of not being able to complete their clinical placement course requirements.
Courses focus on the skills and abilities needed to create a climate that promotes the optimal physical, social and emotional well-being of each client.
Your Field Education Options
As a student in the Personal Support Worker program, you will learn how to practise as a member of an interprofessional health-care team through a variety of clinical placement experiences. These experiences will include supervised placements in institutional and community settings, and an interprofessional Simulation Centre experience.
Please note: Faculty-supervised clinical practicums take place in various settings across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The clinical practicum experience may vary between day and/or evening shifts, depending upon the practice setting.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Our Personal Support Worker (C112) graduates who wish to continue their education and who meet all admission requirements can apply to the following George Brown College programs:
- PSW Pathway to Practical Nursing program (S119)
- Practical Nursing program (S121)
- Interprofessional Complex and Long-Term Care postgraduate certificate (S417) - This fully online, two-semester program teaches students to lead a team of interprofessional care professionals in complex and long-term care settings.
ALUMNI IMPACT
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Latest Alumni Stories
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
PSW 1001 | Role of the PSW in Client Care |
PSW 1017 | Providing Optimal Client and Personal Care (Lecture) |
PSW 1019 | Providing Optimal Client and Personal Care (Lab) |
PSW 1022 | Fundamentals of the Human Body |
PSW 1023 | Essentials PSW Communication Skills |
PSW 1024 | Foundations of Supportive Care |
PSW 1025 | Role of PSW in Medication Management |
SEMESTER 2
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
CARE 1101 | Providing Support in a Facility Setting |
CARE 1103 | Providing Support in a Community Setting |
CARE 1112 | Health Conditions and the Role of the PSW |
CARE 1113 | Mental Health & Palliative Care |
CARE 1114 | Nutritional Care |
CARE 1115 | Foundations of Supportive Care II |
Note: Curriculum review in progress. Course titles may change without notice. Such changes will appear here.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- 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.
- Practise 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.
- Practise 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*.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
Special Requirements
Clinical Pre-placement Health Form requirements and program policy
- Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet and complete all the mandatory Pre-placement requirements for this program. It will take up to 8 to 10 weeks to complete.
- Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records (such as TDAP shot, COVID-19, MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres and Two-Step TB Skin Test), proof of clear Vulnerable Sector Check renewed every year, Standard First Aid Certificate renewed every three years, Basic Life Support certificate renewed every year, annual flu shot and mask fit test renewed every two years. These requirements must be submitted by the program specific deadline to ParaMed Placement Pass website.
- COVID-19 vaccination: Public Health continues to recommend that people working with vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Clinical agency partners continue to require students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to be approved to complete clinical placements within their facilities. Agencies have the right to decline the placement of students who are not fully vaccinated, and students who are not vaccinated are at risk of not being able to complete their clinical placement course requirements.
- The health policies and non-academic requirements are designed to protect clients and vulnerable populations whom students will engage in practice. Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and non-academic requirements, or who do not submit all required documentation by deadlines established by the program will be excluded from the clinical practicum. Exclusion from clinical practicum for any reason may jeopardize students' academic standing and successful completion of this program.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
- To download the mandatory Pre-placement health form and for more details, go to the Clinical Pre-placement website.
Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every year)
- In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and this check must be renewed every year before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The Vulnerable Sector Check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that the Vulnerable Sector Check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).
- Students are required to keep the original copy of their Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Students who are unable to provide a “clear” Vulnerable Sector Check will not be able to start their field or clinical placement and will therefore be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program. Our agency partners have the final decision for students being allowed to practice in their agency.
- Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment. The fees for the vulnerable sector check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Clinical Pre-placement website.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Contact Us
Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursing
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2367 Email: nursing@georgebrown.ca
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. & Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.