Personal Support Worker Program (PSW) (C112)
Apply Now:
Domestic StudentsProgram Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown has been training Personal Support Workers for over 20 years.
Program Overview
Learn more about our limited-time Personal Support Worker – Accelerated (C162) program here.
PLEASE NOTE: Our Fall 2021 program is now waitlisted. Now accepting applications for Winter 2022.
The two-semester 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 are held at our state-of-the-art Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences located at the Waterfront Campus.
Full Description
Learn more about our limited-time Personal Support Worker – Accelerated (C162) program here.
Personal Support Worker (PSW) is a two-semester program that 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
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of our clinical or work placement partners may require students to show proof of full vaccination. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame. Please visit this page for the latest updates on COVID-19.
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. The clinical practicum experience may vary between day and/or evening shifts, depending upon the practice setting.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Your Career
PSW graduates find employment at locations such as:
- ambulatory care settings
- long-term care facilities
- residential and supportive housing
- community support agencies
- acute medical settings
- palliative care settings
Educational Pathways
PSW graduates who meet all admission requirements and who wish to continue their education in order to enter the nursing profession may apply to the PSW Pathway to Practical Nursing program (S119).
Alternately, graduates who meet all admission requirements can apply directly to the Practical Nursing program (S121) program.
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 has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Work within the personal support worker role in community, retirement homes, long-term care homes and/or hospital care settings in accordance with all applicable legislation and employer’s job description, policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Act responsibly and be accountable for own actions while recognizing the boundaries of knowledge and skills within the personal support worker role that require collaboration with the clients, families, supervisors and/or other members of the interprofessional care/service team.
- Participate as a member of the interprofessional care/service team and maintain collaborative working relationships in the provision of supportive care in community, retirement homes, long-term care homes and/or hospital care settings.
- Provide client-centred and client-directed care that is based on ethical principles, sensitive to diverse client and family values, beliefs and needs, and which follows the direction of the plan of care/service plan.
- Establish and maintain helping relationships with clients and their families, reflecting open communication, professional boundaries, employer’s policies and adhering to confidentiality and privacy legislation.
- Identify relevant client information using basic assessment and communication skills and report and document findings in accordance with the requirements of employer policies and procedures and all applicable legislation.
- Promote and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for clients, their families, self and others, including the implementation of infection prevention and control measures and emergency first aid procedures that are in keeping with the plan of care/service plan, employer policies and procedures, and all applicable legislation.
- Assist clients across the lifespan with routine activities of daily living by applying basic knowledge of growth and development, common alterations in functioning, disease prevention, health promotion and maintenance, rehabilitation and restorative care.
- Assist clients with medication in keeping with the direction of the plan of care/service plan and under the direction and monitoring of a regulated health professional or most accountable person and in accordance with all applicable legislation and employer’s policies.
- Assist with household management tasks and instrumental activities of daily living in accordance with the plan of care/service plan and considering the preferences, comfort and safety of clients, families and significant others.
- Assist clients who are caring for dependent individuals considering client and family choices, professional boundaries and the direction of the plan of care/service plan.
- Identify and report situations of neglect, and potential, alleged or witnessed/actual incidents of abuse, and respond in accordance with all applicable legislation and employer’s policies and procedures.
- Assist in the provision of culturally relevant palliative and end-of-life care to clients experiencing life-threatening illness and to their families and significant others, from diagnosis through death and bereavement, and in accordance with clients’ choices and the plan of care/service plan.
- Use identified approaches and best practices to support positive and safe behaviour in clients experiencing cognitive impairment, mental health challenges and/or responsive behaviours.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2020. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2021 and at later dates.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
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 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 10 to 12 weeks to complete.
- Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records (such as MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres, Tdap shot valid every 10 years and Two Step TB Skin Test), a clear police vulnerable sector check must be renewed every six months, Standard First Aid certificate renewed every three years, CPR level HCP renewed every year, annual flu shot and mask fit test renewed every two years. These requirements must be submitted by the given deadline to ParaMed.
- The health policies and non-academic requirements are designed to protect clients and vulnerable populations that 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 Pre-placement website.
Police Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every six months)
- In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a police vulnerable sector check completed, and this check must be renewed every six months before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The police 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 police 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 police vulnerable sector check.
- Students who are unable to provide a “clear” police 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 police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the 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.
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Personal Support Worker Program (PSW) (C112)
Apply Now:
Domestic StudentsProgram Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown has been training Personal Support Workers for over 20 years.
Program Overview
The two-semester 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, who may be living in the community, in long-term care facilities or in select ambulatory care settings. Classes are held at our state-of-the-art Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences located at the Waterfront Campus.
Full Description
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the planned delivery of this program starting in September 2020 will be online with limited access to onsite lab and clinical experiences.
PLEASE NOTE: In response to this evolving situation, the delivery, learning activities and evaluation methods may be further modified mid-semester.
Learners will require access to high-speed internet, a computer with a built-in or external web camera, a microphone and Google Chrome or Firefox as a web browser.
Personal Support Worker (PSW) is a two-semester program that 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
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 practice 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. The clinical practicum experience may vary between day and/or evening shifts depending upon the practice setting.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Your Career
PSW graduates find employment at locations such as:
- ambulatory care settings
- long-term care facilities
- residential and supportive housing
- community support agencies
- acute medical settings
- palliative care settings
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| PSW1001 | Role of the PSW in Client Care |
| PSW1017 | Providing Optimal Client and Personal Care (Lecture) |
| PSW1019 | Providing Optimal Client and Personal Care (Lab) |
| PSW1022 | Fundamentals of the Human Body |
| PSW1023 | Essentials PSW Communication Skills |
| PSW1024 | Foundations of Supportive Care |
| PSW1025 | Role of PSW in Medication Management |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| CARE1101 | Providing Support in a Facility Setting |
| CARE1103 | Providing Support in a Community Setting |
| CARE1112 | Health Conditions and the Role of the PSW |
| CARE1113 | Mental Health & Palliative Care |
| CARE1114 | Nutritional Care |
| CARE1115 | 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 has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Work within the personal support worker role in community, retirement homes, long-term care homes and/or hospital care settings in accordance with all applicable legislation and employer’s job description, policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Act responsibly and be accountable for own actions while recognizing the boundaries of knowledge and skills within the personal support worker role that require collaboration with the clients, families, supervisors and/or other members of the interprofessional care/service team.
- Participate as a member of the interprofessional care/service team and maintain collaborative working relationships in the provision of supportive care in community, retirement homes, long-term care homes and/or hospital care settings.
- Provide client-centred and client-directed care that is based on ethical principles, sensitive to diverse client and family values, beliefs and needs, and which follows the direction of the plan of care/service plan.
- Establish and maintain helping relationships with clients and their families reflecting open communication, professional boundaries, employer’s policies and adhering to confidentiality and privacy legislation.
- Identify relevant client information using basic assessment and communication skills and report and document findings in accordance with the requirements of employer policies and procedures and all applicable legislation.
- Promote and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for clients, their families, self and others including the implementation of infection prevention and control measures and emergency first aid procedures that are in keeping with the plan of care/service plan, employer policies and procedures, and all applicable legislation.
- Assist clients across the lifespan with routine activities of daily living by applying basic knowledge of growth and development, common alterations in functioning, disease prevention, health promotion and maintenance, rehabilitation and restorative care.
- Assist clients with medication in keeping with the direction of the plan of care/service plan and under the direction and monitoring of a regulated health professional or most accountable person and in accordance with all applicable legislation and employer’s policies.
- Assist with household management tasks and instrumental activities of daily living in accordance with the plan of care/service plan and considering the preferences, comfort and safety of clients, families and significant others.
- Assist clients who are caring for dependent individuals considering client and family choices, professional boundaries and the direction of the plan of care/service plan.
- Identify and report situations of neglect, and potential, alleged or witnessed/actual incidents of abuse, and respond in accordance with all applicable legislation and employer’s policies and procedures.
- Assist in the provision of culturally relevant palliative and end-of-life care to clients experiencing life threatening illness and to their families and significant others, from diagnosis through death and bereavement, and in accordance with clients’ choices and the plan of care/service plan.
- Use identified approaches and best practices to support positive and safe behaviour in clients experiencing cognitive impairment, mental health challenges and/or responsive behaviours.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2019. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2020 and at later dates.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
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 georgebrown.ca/transferguide 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 10 to 12 weeks to complete.
- Students will need to process and provide proof of their medical records (such as MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres, Tdap shot valid every 10 years and Two Step TB Skin Test), a clear police vulnerable sector check must be renewed every six months, Standard First Aid certificate renewed every three years, CPR level HCP renewed every year, annual flu shot and mask fit test renewed every two years. These requirements must be submitted by the given deadline to ParaMed.
- The health policies and non-academic requirements are designed to protect clients and vulnerable populations that 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 Pre-placement website at georgebrown.ca/preplacement/nursing.
Police Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy (renew every six months)
- In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a police vulnerable sector check completed, and this check must be renewed every six months before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The police 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 police 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 police vulnerable sector check.
- Students who are unable to provide a “clear” police 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 police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Pre-placement website at georgebrown.ca/preplacement/record_check/
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.
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
