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List of Private Colleges in Ontario that Offer Personal Support Worker Certificate

All Private colleges are registered with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU).

Curriculum

These colleges follow curriculum developed by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) and complies with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLT) guidelines. NACC reviews the curriculum every year and changes are made accordingly.

Mosby’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker by Sheila Sorrentino, Elsevier Canada, is used for the theoretical part of the program.

Program Length and Final Exam

A Personal Support Worker training program at private colleges includes 285 hours of in-class teaching and 355 hours of practicum.

Length of PSW certificate programs at these colleges varies. Courses are offered on a Full time and Part time basis.

A final exam is required at the end of the program. Some colleges offer this exam online while others offer a paper based exam. It is developed by NACC and is the same at all colleges that are registered with them.

Upon being successful in the final exam, Personal Support Worker Certificate and a pin are awarded.

A maximum of three attempts are allowed for this exam.

A complete immunization record, Standard First Aid and CPR and Vulnerable Police Screening is required prior to seeking employment as a PSW. Some colleges offer First Aid and CPR as part of the program and some do not.

Following is a complete list of 118 campus locations of Private Career Colleges that offer PSW certificate programs.

In this list, you will also find direct links to college websites with information on Personal Support Worker certificate program they offer.
Best effort has been made in compiling this list and is updated frequently.

Click on the name of the campus to visit College campus website.

College Name	Campus (Click on the name of the campus to visit)	Address
A1-Global Training Institute	Mississauga East Campus - Full Time Mississauga East Campus - Part Time	2960 Drew Road, Unit 144 Mississauga, Ontario L4T 0A5 Phone: 905-672-2277
	Mississauga West Campus - Full Time Mississauga West Campus - Part Time	1380 Cardiff Boulevard,Unit 9 Mississauga, Ontario L5S 1P9 Phone: 905-564-5866
ABM College of Health & Technology	Calgary Campus	3516-26th Street Ne,Unit 4 Calgary, Alberta, Canada T1Y 4T7 Phone: 403-719-4300
	Toronto Campus	205-705 Lawrence Ave West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6A 1B4 Phone: 416-913-4700
Academy of Learning Career & Business College	Brampton Campus	350 Rutherford Road South, Plaza 2, Suite 110 Brampton,Ontario, Canada L6W 4N6 Phone: 905-488-5627
	Toronto-Downtown East	702 Pape Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4K 3S7 Phone: 416-422-5627
	Miramichi Campus	208 McCallum Street Miramichi, New Brunswic E1V 2A1 Phone: 506-622-8935
	Mississauga Campus	1310 Dundas Street, Suite 205 East Mississauga, Ontario L4Y2C1 Phone: 905-273-6788
	Toronto Campus	1255 Bay Street, Suite 600 Toronto, Ontario M5R 2A9 Phone: 416 969 8845
Algonquin Careers Academy	Mississauga Campus	3025 Hurontario Street, Suite 600 Mississauga, Ontario L5A 2H1 Phone: 905-361-2380
	Ottawa Campus	1830 Bank Street Ottawa, Ontario K1V 7Y6 Phone: 613-722-7811
Brampton College of Health Business & Technology	Brampton	7956 Torbram Road, Suite 206 Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6T 5A2 Phone: 905-790-3940
Canadian All Care College	Scarborough Campus	240 Alton Towers Circle, Suite 200 Scarborough,Ontario M1V 4P3 Phone: 416-292-6050
	Toronto Campus	4630 Dufferin Street, Suite 305 Toronto,Ontario,Canada M3H 5S4 Phone: 416-661-0888
Canadian Business College (No longer offers PSW program)	Tornotno Campus	2 Bloor Street West,22nd Floor Toronto, Ontario M4W 3E2 Phone: 416-925-9929
	Mississauga Campus	77 City Centre Dr, Suite105 Mississauga, Ontario Phone: 905-279-9929
	Scarborough Campus	55 Town Centre Court, Suite 600 Scarborough, Ontario Phone: 416-290-6565
Canadian College of Health Science & Technology	Windsor	1737 Walker Road Windsor,Ontario N8W 3P2 Phone: 519-977-1222
Canadian Institute of Management & Technology	Mississauga Campus	7200 Goreway Drive,Suite 100 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4T 2T7 Phone: 905-671-9999
	Brampton Campus	373 Steeles Ave West, suite 202 Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6Y 0P8 Phone: 905-874-1800
Canadian International Career College	Toronto	345 Wilson Ave, Unit 100 Toronto,Ontario,Canada M3H 5W1 Phone: 647-352-2422
Central Health Institute	Hamilton	346 Main St. East Hamilton, Ontario L8N 1J2 Phone: 905-524-0440
CJ Health Care College	Scarborough Campus	1371 Neilson Road, Suite 401 Scarborough, Ontario M1B 4Z8 Phone: 416-283-8252
Clarkridge Career Institute	Toronto	296-A Wilson Avenue Toronto, Ontairo M3H 1S8 Phone: 416-635-7190
College of Health Studies	Brampton	18 Queen Street East Brampton,Ontario Phone : 905-452-8139 or 905-965-1966
Computek College of Business Healthcare Technology	Markham Campus	202-7 Eastvale Drive Markham,Ontario L3S 4N8 Phone: 905-471-3344
	Scarborough Campus	301-2347 Kennedy Road Scarborough,Ontario M1T 3T8 Phone: 416-321-9911
	Toronto Campus	248-2390 Eglinton Ave. East Scarbourough,Ontario M1K 2P5 Phone: 416-285-9941
CRD Health Care College	Mississauga	3024 Unit G 13 Hurontario Street Mississauga, Ontario L5B 4M4 Phone: 905-276-2872
CTS Canadian Career College	Barrie	546 Bryne Drive Barrie, Ontario L4N 9P6 Phone: 705-725-8776
	North Bay	1495 Seymour Street, Suite 8 North Bay, Ontario P1A 0C5 Phone: 705-495-1200
	Sudbury	76 Elm Street Sudbury, Ontario P3C 1R8 Phone: 705-688-1200
	Sault Ste. Marie	188 Kohler St. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Phone: 866-688-1200
Dan Robert College of Health Care	Toronto	202 Bathurst, Toronto Ontario, Canada M5T 2R8 Phone: 416-658-8779
Edge Academy	Burlington	The Bay Area Learning Centre 860 Harrington Court Burlington, Ontario L7N 3N4 Phone: 905-689-9876 or 1-877-598-3343
Emmanuel Academy of Health & Business	Mississauga	1090 Dundas St. East Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 2B8 Phone: 905-268-0772
Everest College of Business, Technology & Health Care	Barrie Campus	320 Bayfield St., Bayfield Mall, Lower Level Barrie, Ontario L4M 3C1 Phone: 705-739-4444
	Brampton Campus	389 Main St., 2nd Floor Brampton, Ontario L6X 1N7 Phone: 905-454-5932
	Hamilton Mountain Campus	1039 Upper James Street Hamilton, Ontario L9C 3A7 Phone: 905-387-5214
	Hamilton City Centre Campus	2 King St. West, Jackson Square Mall, Plaza Level Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1A1 Phone: 905-523-8585
	Kitchener Campus	44 Gaukel Street, Floor 2 Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4P3 Phone: 519-745-1140
	Mississauga Campus	300 Central Pkwy West, Suite 400 Mississauga, Ontario L5C 4G8 Phone: 905-273-7706
	Ottawa West Campus	1050 Morrison Drive, Suite 200 Ottawa, Ontario K2H 8K7 Phone: 877-390-2799
	Newmarket Campus	465 Davis Drive, Tannery Mall, Suite 114 Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 7T9 Phone: 877-390-2799
	North York Campus	5734 Yonge St., Suite 100 North York, Ontario M2M 4E7 Phone: 877-390-2799
	Ottawa East Campus	1200 St. Laurent Boulevard, Box 239 Ottawa, Ontario K1K 3B8 Phone: 877-390-2799
	Scarborough Campus	2425 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 400 Scarborough, Ontario M1K 5G8 Phone: 888-390-2799
	Sudbury Campus	66 Elm Street Sudbury, Ontario P3C 1R8 Phone: 877-390-2799
	Toronto College Park Campus	424 Yonge Street, Suite 200 Toronto, Ontario M5B 2H4 Phone: 416-963-8633
	Windsor Campus	875 Ouellette Ave, 1st Floor Windsor, Ontario N9A 4J6 Phone: 519-945-7300
Evergreen College	Mississauga Campus	1140 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Suite 201 Mississauga, Ontario L5C 4E9 Phone: 905-566-0507
	Toronto Campus	67 Yonge Street, Suite 402 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5E 1J8 Phone: 416-365-0505
	Brampton Campus	22 Main St South, 2nd Floor Brampton,Ontario L6W 2C3 Phone: 905-497-0507
	Scarborough Campus	1265 Morningside Ave, Suite 200 Scarborough, Ontario M1B 3V9 Phone: 416-335-0508
Fatima Institute of Learning	Toronto	3464 Kingston Road, Suite 203 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1M 1R5 Phone: 416-873-5230
Grand Health Academy	King Street Campus	760 King Street East Hamilton, Ontario L8M 1A6 Phone: 905-577-7707
	Concession Street Campus	574 Concession Street Hamilton, Ontario L8V 1B1 Phone: 905-385-7727
Hamilton Institute for Health Personnel	Hamilton	124 James St. S, Suite 100 Hamilton, Ontario L8P 2Z4 Phone: 905-529-4507
Herzing College	Ottawa	1200 St. Laurent Boulevard, Box 225,St. Laurent Shopping Center, Suite 408 Ottawa, Ontario K1K 3B8 Phone: 613-742-8099
Holi Health	Toronto	3185 Bathurst Street Toronto, Ontario M6A 2B2 Phone: 416-780-2009
Huron College of Management, Technology & Health Care	Toronto	175 Rexdale Blvd. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 1P7 Phone: 416-642-1348
Ican College of Computer Business & Healthcare	Ottawa	1825 Woodward Drive Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2C 0P9 Phone: 613-224-6211
KLC College: Healthcare, Business & Education	Kingston Main Campus	742 Arlington Park Place Kingston, Ontario K7M 8H9 Phone: 613-384-6194
	Smiths Falls	52 Abbott St. N., Unit 3 Smith Falls, Ontario K7A 1W3 Phone: 1-888-732-0326
	Richmond	201-9005 Leslie Street Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1G7 Phone: 1-888-732-0326
	Whitby	Whitby Mall, 1615 Dundas Street East, Unit LL-3 Whitby, Ontario L1N 2L1 Phone: 1-888-732-0326
Maple Leaf College of Business & Technology	North York	245 Fairview Mall Drive North York, Ontario,Canada M2J 4T1 Phone: 416-491-8878
Maxwell College of Advanced Technology	Bellevile	270 Front St Belleville, Ontario, Canada K8N 5V7 Phone: 613-962-7846
Medix School	Brantford Campus	39 King George Road Brantford, Ontario N3R 5K2 Phone: 519-752-4859
	Toronto Campus	Lawrence Square 700 Lawrence Ave. W. Suite 300 Toronto, Ontario M6A 3B4 Phone: 1-866-962-7685
	Scarborough Campus	2130 Lawrence Ave. E. Suite 205 Scarborough, Ontario M1R 3A6 Phone: 1-866-962-7685
	Kitchener Campus	248 Stirling Avenue 14 Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4L1 Phone: 519-895-0013
	London Campus	303 Richmond Street London, Ontario N6B 2H8 Phone: 519-659-4822
	Brampton Campus	13 Queen Street East Brampton, Ontario L6W 2A7 Phone: 1-866-962-7685
Medlink Academy of Canada	Toronto	164 Egliton Ave. West, Suite 208 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4P 1G4 Phone: 416-486-0007
National Academy of Health & Business	Hamilton Campus	31 King Street East, 2nd Floor Hamilton, Ontario L8N 1A1 Phone: 1-888-446-4649
	Mississauga Campus	165 Dundas Street West, 3rd Floor Mississauga, Ontario L5B 2N6 Phone: 1-888-306-0991
New Skills College of Health, Business & Technology	Toronto	1500 Birchmount Rd Toronto, Ontario M1P 2G5 Phone: 416-269-2666
Niagara School of Health Care	St Catharines	174 Eastchester Ave St Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2P 2Z7 Phone: 905-685-8931
North American College of Information Technology	Main Campus	730 Yonge Street, Suite 207 Toronto, Ontario M4Y 2B7 Phone: 416-960-6024
	Toronto	2500 Lawrence Ave East, Suite 206 Toronto, Ontario M1P 2R7 Phone: 416-335 - 6178
Osilla Institute for Health Personnel	Toronto	1992 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M4S 1Z7 Phone: 416-960-3081
Pharmaceutical Science College of Canada	Toronto	505 Consumers Road, Suite 500 Toronto, Ontario M2J 4V8 Phone: 416-821-4876
Prestige Nursing Careers Centre	Toronto	1111 Albion Road Toronto, Ontario M9V 1A9 Phone: 416-740-9441
Robetech Institute Inc.	Toronto	150 Laird Drive, Suite 202 Toronto, Ontario M4G 3V7 Phone: 416 466-6107
Royal Institute of Science & Management	Royal Institute Campus	100 Steelcase Road East, Suite 202 Markham, Ontario L3R 1E8 Phone: 905-604-6688
Thompson Career College of Health & Business	Mississauga	502-130 Dundas Streat East Mississauga, Ontario L5A 3V8 Phone: 905-276-3216
	Toronto	821 Eglinton Ave. West Toronto, Ontario M5N 1B2 Phone: 416-782-4814
Toronto Business College	Toronto	4465 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 208 Toronto, Ontario M1S 5H9 Phone: 416-291-5155
Toronto Health School	Toronto	3768 Bathurst St., Suite 218 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3H 3M7 Phone: 416-636-1088
Tricare Academy	Thornhill	202-72 Steeles Avenue West Thornhill, Ontario L4J 1A1 Phone: 905-889-3216
Trillium College	Oshawa, Ontario Campus	419 King Street W. Oshawa, Ontario L1J 2K5 Phone: 1-866-401-3756
	Peterborough, Ontario Campus	360 George Street North Peterborough, Ontario K9H 7E7 Phone: 1-866-318-3529
	Kingston, Ontario Campus	797 Princess Street Kingston, Ontario K7L 1G1 Phone: 1-866-318-3496
	Ottawa, Ontario Campus	75 Albert Street, Suite 101 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5E7 Phone: 1-866-565-6777
	St. Catharines, Ontario Campus	60 James Street St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 7E7 Phone: 1-855-583-7039
	Church Street, Toronto, ON Campus	557 Church Street, 4th Floor Toronto, Ontario M4Y 2E2 Phone: 1-855-240-2161
	Burlington, Ontario Campus	760 Brant Street Burlington, Ontario L7R 4B7 Phone: 1-855-583-7037
	Kitchener, Ontario Campus	1356 Weber Street East Kitchener, Ontario N2A 1C4 Phone: 1-855-583-7036
TriOS College Business Technology Healthcare	Brampton Campus	252 Queen Street East Brampton, Ontario L6V 1C1 Phone: 905-450-2230
	Kitchener Campus	110 King Street East Kitchener, Ontario N2G 0A5 Phone: 519-578-0838
	London Campus	520 First Street London, Ontario N5V 3C6 Phone: 519-455-0551
	Mississauga Campus	55 City Centre Drive, 2nd Floor Mississauga, Ontario L5B 1M3 Phone: 905-949-4955
	Oshawa Campus	200 John Street, Suite C5 Oshawa, Ontario L1J 2B4 Phone: 905-435-9911
	Toronto Campus	425 Bloor Street East, Suite 200 Toronto, Ontario M4W 3R4 Phone: 416-922-4250
	Windsor Campus	7610 Tecumseh Road East Windsor, Ontario N8T 1E9 Phone: 519-945-0770
	Hamilton Campus	4 Hughson St. South, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z1 Phone: 905-528-8972
	Scarborough Campus	4438 Sheppard Ave East, 3rd Floor, Suite 3128 Scarborough, Ontario M1S 5V9 Phone: 416-646-1222
Unitech College of Business & Technology	Mississauga	1315 Derry Road E, Unit 6A Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5T1B6 Phone: 647-430-4978
Westervelt College	London	1060 Wellington Rd London, Ontario, Canada N6E 3W5 Phone: 226-289-2108
William International College of Business & Technology	Toronto	200–376 Victoria Park Ave. Toronto,Ontario, Canada M1W 3S3 Phone: 416-646-1159
Willis College of Business Health & Technology	Cobourg	1111 Elgin St, Northumberland Mall, W Cobourg, Ontario K9A 5H7 Phone: 905-372-8978

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Thirteen Qualities Required to Succeed as a Personal Support Worker

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A Personal Support Worker (PSW) carries tremendous amount of responsibility, both in regard to the clients to whom they provide care, and in regard to the tasks they are performing.

Following qualities will help any healthcare support worker in their professional career.

EMPATHY, HONESTY & FLEXIBILITY

A support worker must be able to demonstrate character traits such as empathy, honesty, flexibility and the ability to provide warm encouragement.

COMPASSION

A Personal Support Worker must showcase compassion, an essential characteristic of a good support worker. This trait goes a long way in helping to connect well with clients and handle their various needs with tenderness and warmth.

TRUST & HONESTY

Both of above mentioned qualities facilitate trust, which is another essential component in any healthcare profession.

The importance of honesty in this position cannot be underestimated. It display’s that the support worker handled all delicate aspects of the job of caring for another human being in the security of their home with the highest integrity.

PROFESSIONAL & MOTIVATOR

A Personal Support Worker should have the ability to build clients’ self-esteem and self-confidence, and should be able to encourage his or her clients/residents/patients to be as active as possible, and to be as independent as they possibly can within the confines of their physical or mental limitations.

ADAPTABILITY

It is very important to strongly emphasis on flexibility and adaptability. The nature of personal support work is such that each day can present new challenges and obstacles which both the client and the caregiver must work together to overcome.

It should reflect that the worker is able to handle these challenging situations with the utmost discretion and confidence.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Personal support workers should also never develop the habit of making assumptions as to what each day will bring with each individual client. Thinking quickly on their feet in any situation is what makes an excellent PSW..

TEAM PLAYER & COMMUNICATION SKILLS

In addition to these significant qualities, the worker should also focus on the ability to work as part of a team, emphasizing the worker’s stellar communication skills (both interprofessional and intraprofessional) and the ability to shift a workload as needed as part of this team.

All of these qualities should be demonstrated in daily practice. They help develop professional work ethics and rapport, not only among co-workers but with clients as well.

This positive image could get you noticed and be a gateway to future opportunities and professional development.

Ultimate Guide to PSW Salary in Ontario

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According to the Department of Employment and Social Development in Canada, the PSW salary in Ontario is “among the highest” in its category of occupations in support of healthcare workers from across Canada.

Having said that, the Personal Support Worker salary varies depending upon where you work.

This is the single most deciding factor of how much you can earn as a PSW.

These are the three primary settings where PSWs work:

Hospitals (about 7%),
Long-Term Care (about 57%), and
Community (about 36%)

In general, Hospitals are the highest paying followed by City-owned Long-Term Care homes.

Check out the following infographic with details about PSW Salary in Ontario

There are other factors too that might affect your salary.

However, they might not have as much of an impact on how much you get paid:

Experience
Location (City)
Continuing education
Certain skills that are required by the employer
Ability to speak read and write another language

COVID-19 PAY ENHANCEMENT

March 18, 2021: The Ontario Government announced an extension of the $3 temporary bonus for PSWs working in publicly funded organizations such as:

long-term care homes,
hospitals,
group homes, and
some home care settings.

The $3 enhancement is effective until June 30^th, 2021.

PSW SALARY ENHANCEMENT

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care announced in April 2014, a “PSW Wage Enhancement Initiative” as part of the PSW Workforce Stabilization Strategy.

The purpose of this wage enhancement initiative was to increase PSW Salary by up to $4 per hour over three years.

This salary increase, however, applies only to Personal Support Workers who work in the community and provide “publically funded” personal support services.

With this increase, as of April 01, 2016, all PSWs providing services that are publically funded must be getting a minimum of $16.50 per hour.

WHAT ARE PUBLICALLY FUNDED PSW SERVICES?

In Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provide local health services through the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs).

When someone needs care in the community, LHINs determine if the type of care required is eligible for government-funded services.

If it is, LHINs Case Managers, also called Integrated Care Coordinators, liaise with providers (agencies) to arrange for PSWs to provide such care.

It is this care that you provide qualifies as “publically funded” and warrants a minimum wage of $16.50 from your employing agency.

If you work in the following settings and your Personal Support Services are funded by LHIN, you qualify for a base rate of $16.50:

Adult day programs,
Overnight respite, and
Provide services as part of the Centre of Independent Living in Toronto.

THE TIMELINE OF PSW SALARY INCREASE

Government’s PSW wage enhancement directive aimed to bring minimum wage of PSWs providing publically funded personal support services in the community to $16.50 by April 01, 2016.

Here’s how this increase was rolled out:

Date of Effect	Increase	Minimum Hourly Salary
April 1, 2014	$1.50	$14.00
April 1, 2015	$1.50	$15.50
April 1, 2016	$1.50	$16.50

DID YOU GET THE RAISE?

As per the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 95% of employers (agencies) that hire PSWs for providing publically funded home care services, followed ministry directives.

The remaining 5% of agencies did not give PSWs the raise as mandated by the ministry.

The ministry is aware of these employers and is taking steps to bring them into compliance.

If you’re not getting the base hourly rate from your employer and believe you’re eligible for the wage increase, you have the right to speak to your employer to determine your eligibility.

PSWs WAGE ENHANCEMENT TO $19

PSWs working with community care agencies that are associated with LIHNs can expect to be paid $19 per hour.

This is over and above the base wage of $16.50 that is in effect from April 01, 2016.

As part of the PSW Workforce Stabilization strategy, the government continued it’s commitment to enhancing wages for PSWs working in the community and providing publically funded care.

An extension of this strategy is the new PSW salary of upto a maximum of $19 per hour.

Here are the three main directives of this extension regarding PSW salary. As previously stated, it only applies to Personal Support Workers providing publically funded care in the community.

The base PSW salary is set to $16.50 per hour,
Hourly wage increase of $1.00 per hour to a maximum of $19 per hour, retroactive to April 1, 2016, and
The employer must maintain this hourly salary for the duration of your employment.

Also, note that the $19 per hour wage applies only to hours spent doing direct client care.

It does not include the hours you spend traveling or for training and education purposes.

You must also be aware of the stipulation that your employer must honor any future wage increases as per your collective agreement or the employment contract.

Your employer must honor the new increase in your wages.

The compliance is mandatory and applies whether you’re a temporary, casual, part-time or full-time employee.

PSW SALARY INCREASE AND ENHANCEMENT EXPLAINED

It can be tricky to get your head around and figure out how much you should be paid.

Here’s another take to help you understand this.

All Personal Support Workers who work with community care agencies and provide services eligible for public funding must be getting $16.50 per hour as of April 01, 2016.

On top of this, a further enhancement applies to your pay as of April 01, 2016 resulting in a maximum wage of up to $19.00 per hour.

This enhancement is part of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s broader “PSW Workforce Stabilization Strategy”.

This strategy mandates a raise of $1.00 per hour up to a maximum of $19.00 per hour for all Personal Support Workers providing direct personal support services (see below for eligible services) in the home and community care settings.

Here are some example scenarios to help you better understand this:

Base Pay as of April 01, 2016	Wage Enhancement	New Hourly Wage
$16.50	$1.00	$17.50
$17.00	$1.00	$18.00
$18.00	$1.00	$19.00
$18.50	$0.50	$19.00
$19.00	$0.00	$19.00

As shown in the table above, if you’re getting paid $18.50, only $0.50 will apply as wage enhancement to make your pay to $19.00.

Similarly, if you’re already at a maximum of $19.00, you’ll not get any enhancement in your hourly rate.

ELIGIBLE PERSONAL SUPPORT SERVICES?

The $1.00 wage enhancement on top of the base pay of $16.50 per hour applies only to PSWs providing publically funded Personal Support Services.

As per the Home Care and Community Services act, 1994, following are considered Personal Support Services:

1. Personal hygiene activities.

2. Routine personal activities of daily living (ADL’s).

3. Assisting a person with any of the personal hygiene activities or ADL’s.

4. Training a person to carry out or assist with any of the personal hygiene activities or ADL’s.

5. Providing prescribed equipment, supplies or other goods.

6. Services prescribed as personal support services.

Any of the work you do in the community that is not direct care is not eligible for the $1.00 wage enhancement.

As per the Home Care and Community Services act, 1994, following are not considered Personal Support Services:

1. Housecleaning

2. Doing laundry

3. Ironing

4. Mending

5. Shopping

6. Banking

7. Paying bills

8. Planning menus

9. Preparing meals

10. Caring for children

11. Assisting a person with any of the activities mentioned above

12. Training a person to carry out or assist with any of the activities mentioned above

13. Providing prescribed equipment, supplies or other goods.

14. Services prescribed as homemaking services

DID YOU NOT GET THE WAGE ENHANCEMENT?

There might be two scenarios under which you’ve not been given an enhancement to the $16.50 base pay, despite the fact that the care you provide is publically funded.

EMPLOYER PARTICIPATION

One of the reason could be that your employer did not participate in Government’s PSW wage enhancement program.

In this case, there is nothing much you can do.

It was your employer’s decision to not participate and accept the funding to provide you a wage enhancement.

You can question your employer though.

NON-COMPLIANCE

Other reason could be that your employer is non-compliant with government’s directives.

You see, agencies that participated in the wage enhancement program were to provide a “Certificate of Compliance” to the Ministry through the LIHN they are associated with.

The deadline to provide this certificate was August 15, 2016.

You have the right to question your employer on this as well.

PSWs THAT ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS RAISE

Please note that the wage enhancement initiative is only for PSWs working in the community (that provide LHIN funded care) and does not apply to PSWs working in:

hospitals,
long-term care homes, or
providing private care in the community.

PSWs providing services that are not “Personal Support Services” are also not eligible for the raise.

Some examples of non-Personal Support Services are:

Homemaking,
Grocery shopping.
Companionship, and
Light housekeeping etc.

PSW PAY RATE BY REGION

Ontario is the second largest province in Canada and is the most populated.

It is divided into many regions including the vast north and the densely populated south.

PSWs provide services in every nook and corner of Ontario in the form of community care or care in facility-based settings.

In the community, PSWs wage depends on the requirements of the job, work conditions, type of care needed, location and the availability.

The market report for Personal Support Workers, a comprehensive wage analysis by the Government of Ontario, provides a breakdown of PSW wages in different regions of Ontario.

Check out the details below:

HOSPITAL PAY RATE FOR PSWs

Hospitals are starting to hire Personal Support Workers in many inpatient units.

The pay for PSWs working in Ontario hospitals can be in the upwards of $22 per hour.

For most of the part-time positions, you also earn a certain percentage in lieu of benefits.

For example, Brampton Civic Hospital pays a maximum of $22.75 per hour and 14% in lieu of benefits.

As a result of the in lieu pay, your hourly rate becomes $25.93!

Here’s a list of average pay rates for PSWs from some of the Ontario hospitals:

Hospital	Average Salary per hour
Toronto Rehab	$22.04
St. Joseph's, Toronto	$23.62
Baycrest, Toronto	$21.86
St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto	$24.49
North York General Hospital	$19.86
Brampton Civic Hospital	$23.13
Etobicoke General Hospital	$23.13
Providence Healthcare	$22.98
Lakeridge Health, Oshawa	$23.22
Hamilton General Hospital	$24.71
Markham Stouffville Hospital	$21.59
Norfolk General Hospital	$22.04
Atikokan General Hospital	$21.56
Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa	$22.37

LONG-TERM CARE/NURSING HOME PAY RATE

More than 50% of Ontario Personal Support Workers work in Long-term care and Nursing homes.

Out of all the Long-term care homes in Ontario:

57% are privately owned,
24% are managed by the non-profit/charitable organization, and
7% are owned and operated by the municipalities.

All these facilities are publically funded and regulated by the provincial government.

PSWs get paid the most with Long-term care homes operated by the municipalities.

Depending on the size, each municipality operates several long-term care homes. For example, the City of Toronto operates 10 Long-term care homes.

Privately owned long-term care homes usually do not disclose the salary until you’re hired.

Here are some examples of what you can expect to get paid as a PSW when working in a Long-term care homes:

Region/Munciaplity/Long-Term Care Home	Average Hourly Pay Rate
Region of Peel	$24.33
York Region	$26.83
Region of Waterloo	$24.82
Elgin County	$23.46
Niagara Region	$23.27
County of Simcoe	$20.64
Halton Region	$23.38
City of London	$23.01
City of Thunder Bay	$22.30
City of Sudbury	$24.86
County of Essex	$23.09

As is evident, PSW salary is fairly competitive and is expected to get even better.

You see, Ontario Healthcare system is stressed by the rising healthcare costs.

To prevent the situation from worsening further, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has developed “Healthcare Action Plan ” which aims at increasing home and community care funding.

Considering the fact that 70% of home and community care in Ontario is provided by Personal Support Workers and Community Support Workers, there will be more jobs for these healthcare workers.

But due to attrition of existing workforce and multifold increase in the number of seniors requiring care, it will be hard to catch-up with the demand for PSW’s.

Due to above mentioned antagonistic forces, PSW’s are going to be in high demand but there won’t be enough of them to fulfill that demand.

This means only one thing: Personal Support Workers salary will go up.

EXAMPLES OF PAY RATE

There is a wide array of pay scales for Personal Support Workers. Here are some of the examples of hourly pay offered by employers on Ontario. These snapshots have been taken from PSW job descriptions posted by various employees.

For facility-based care through employment agencies

Pay offered for PSW job with employment agency

For Home/Residential Care through employment agencies

Pay offered for PSW working in Home Care - PS

Independent/Private Long-Term Care homes (Nursing homes)

Pay offered for PSW job with Long-term care home in Toronto - Leisureworld - PS

City-owned Long-Term Care homes (Nursing homes)

Pay offered for PSW job with Region of Peel - PS

Hospitals

If you’re not getting the enhanced salary from your employer, we would like to hear from you.

Provide your scenario in the comments section below. You don’t have to include any of your personal details or name the employer.

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Ontario Community Colleges that offer Personal Support Worker Certificate Course

By Avtar on 0

Following is a comprehensive list of Community colleges in Ontario that offer PSW courses.
All campuses of a college that offer this program are listed as well.

Click on the name of the campus to visit College campus website.

Algonquin College

Woodroffe

1385 Woodroffe Avenue

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

K2G 1V8

Phone: 613-727-4723

Perth

7 Craig St.

Perth, Ontario

K7H 1X7

Phone: 613-267-2859

Pambroke

1 College Way

Pembroke, Ontario

K8A 0C8

Phone: 613-735-4700

College Boreal

Sudbury

21 Lasalle Boulevard Sudbury,Ontario P3A 6B1

Hearst

64 Ninth Street

P.O Box 818 Hearst, Ontario P0L 1N0

Phone: 705-362-6673

Kapuskasing

3 Aurora Avenue

Kapuskasing, Ontario P5N 1J6

Phone: 705-337-6673

New Liskeard

280 Armstrong Street

P.O. Box 6004

New Liskeard, Ontario P0J 1P0

Phone: 705-647-5004

Nipissing

96 Main Street

Sturgeon Falls, Ontario P2B 1N3

Phone: 705-753-5420

Timminis

395, Theriault Boulevard

Timmins, Ontario P4N 0A7

Phone: 705-267-5850

Toronto

951 Carlaw Avenue

Toronto, Ontario M4K 3M2

Phone: 416-289-5130

Windsor

7515 Forest Glade Drive

Windsor, Ontario N8T 3P5

Phone: 519-948-6019

Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology

Barrydowne (Sudbury)

1400 Barrydowne Road

Sudbury, Ontario P3A 3V8

Espanola

91 Tudhope Street,Suite101

Espanola, Ontario P5E 1S6

Phone: 705-869-4113

Little Current

7 Water Street

LIttle Current, Ontario P0P 1K0

Phone: 705-368-3194

Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology

College Drive

100 College Drive

North Bay, Ontario P1B 8K9

Avation

55 Aviation Avenue

North Bay, Ontario P1B 8G2

Commerce Court

60 Commerce Court

North Bay, Ontario P1B 8G4

West Perry Sound

1 College Drive

Parry Sound, Ontario P2A 0A9

Phone: 705-746-9222

Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology

Progress

941 Progress Avenue

Toronto, Ontario M1G 3T8

HP Science & Technology Centre

755 Morningside Avenue

Toronto, Ontario M1C 5J9

Phone: 416-289-5325 or

1 800-268-4419 (toll free in Canada)

Ashtonbee

75 Ashtonbee Road

Toronto, Ontario M1L 4N4

Phone: 416-289-5325 or

1 800-268-4419 (toll free in Canada)

Centre for Creative Communications

951 Carlaw Avenue

Toronto, Ontario M4K 3M2

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Doon

299 Doon Valley Drive

Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4M4

Guelph

460 Speedvale Avenue West

Guelph, Ontario N1H 6N6

Phone: 519-824-9390

Waterloo

108 University Avenue East

Waterloo, Ontario N2J 2W2

Phone: 519-885-0330

Cambridge

850 Fountain Street South

Cambridge, Ontario N3H 0A8

Ingersoll Skills Training Centre

420 Thomas Street

Ingersoll, Ontario N5C 3J7

Phone: 519-485-5666

Fax: 519.485.5558

Brantford (Laurier Brantford)

73 George Street

Carnegie Building

Brantford, Ontario N3T 2Y3

Phone: 519-756-8228

Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology

Thunder Bay

1450 Nakina Drive

Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 4W1

Dryden

100 Casmir Avenue

Dryden, Ontario P8N 3L4

Phone: 1 807-223-3035

Fort Frances

440 McIrvine Road,PO Box 69

Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3T8

Phone: 1 807-274-5395

Geraldton

300 Beamish Avenue

Geraldton, Ontario P0T 1M0

Phone: 1 807-854-0652

Kenora

900 Golf Course Road PO Box 1370

Kenora, Ontario P9N 3X7

Phone: 1 807-468-3121

Marathon

14 Hemlo Drive, PO Box 520

Marathon, Ontario P0T 2E0

Phone: 1 807-229-2464

Sioux Lookout

70 Wellington Street, PO Box 667

Sioux Lookout, Ontario P8T 1B1

Phone: 1 807-737-2851

Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology

Oshawa

2000 Simcoe Street North

Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7K4

Uxbridge

Admissions & Recruitment

Phone: 905-721-3000

Whitby

Admissions & Recruitment

Phone: 905-721-3000

Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology

London

1001 Fanshawe College Boulevard,P.O. Box 7005

London, Ontario N5Y 5R6

James N. Allan

634 Ireland Road

Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4K8

Phone: 519-426-8260

Elgin

120 Bill Martyn Parkway

St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 6A7

Phone: 519-633-2030

Tillsonburg

90 Tillson Avenue

Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 3A1

Phone: 519-842-9000

Oxford

369 Finkle Street

Woodstock, Ontario N4V 1A3

Phone: 519-421-0144

Fleming College of Applied Arts and Technology

Sutherland

599 Brealey Drive

Peteborough, Ontario K9J 7B1

Frost

200 Albert Street South

P.O. Box 8000

Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5E6

Phone: 705-324-9144 or

1-866-353-6464 ext.1514 (toll free)

Cobourg

1005 Elgin Street West

Cobourg, Ontario

K9A 5J4

Phone: 905-372-6865 or

1-866-353-6464 ext. 5000 (toll free)

Haliburton

297 College Drive

P.O. Box 839

Haliburton, Ontario

K0M 1S0

Phone: 705-457-1680 or

1-866-353-6464 (toll free)

George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology

St. James

200 King Street East

Toronto, Ontario M5T 2T9

Casa Loma

146 Kendal Avenue

Toronto, Ontario M5R 1M3

Centre of Hospitality and Culinary Arts

300 Adelaide Street East

Toronto, Ontario M5A 1N1

School of Financial Services

290 Adelaide Street East

Toronto, Ontario M5A 1N1

School of Design

230 Richmond Street East

Toronto, Ontario M5A 1P4

School of Performing Arts

Young Centre for the Performing Arts

55 Mill Street

Toronto, Ontario M5A 3C4

Ryerson University

The Sally Horsfall Eaton Centre for Studies in Community Health

99 Gerrard Street East

Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K8

Waterfront

51 Dockside Drive

Toronto, Ontario M5A 0B6

Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology

Barrie

One Georgian Drive

Barrie, Ontario L4M 3X9

Phone: 705-728-1968 ext. 1560

Orillia

Box 2316

825 Memorial Avenue

Orillia, Ontario L3V 6S2

Phone: 705-325-2749 ext.3030

Owen Sound

1450 Eighth Street East

Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 5R4

Phone: 519-376-0840 ext.2030

South Georgian Bay

499 Raglan Street

Collingwood, Ontario L9Y 3Z1

Phone: 705-445-2961

Midland

649 Prospect Blvd

Midland, Ontario L4R 4L3

Phone: 705-526-3666

Muskoka

111 Wellington Street

Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1E2

Phone: 705-646-7629

Orangeville

22 Centennial Road

Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1P8

Phone: 519-940-0331

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

North

205 Humber College Blvd.

Toronto, Ontario M9W 5L7

Lakeshore

3199 Lakeshore Blvd. West

Toronto, Ontario M8V 1k8

Phone: 416-675-5000

Orangeville

Alder Street Recreation Complex,275 Alder Street

Orangeville, Ontario L9W 5A9

Phone: 1 877-675-3111 ext.5902 or 5904

La Cité collégiale

Ottawa

801 Aviation Parkway

Ottawa, Ontario K1K 4R3

Hawkesbury

765 Cameron Street

Hawkesbury, Ontario K6A 3N9

Phone: 613-632-2483

Lambton College of Applied Arts and Technology

Sarnia

1457 London Road

Sarnia, Ontario N7S 6K4

Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology

Belleville

Wallbridge-Loyalist Road

PO Box 4200

Belleville, Ontario K8N 5B9

Bancroft

195 Hastings Street North

PO Box 10

Bancroft, Ontario K0L 1C0

Phone: 613-332-1743

Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology

Fennell

Fennell and West 5th Street

PO Box 2034

Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3T2

Brantford

411 Elgin Street

Brantford, Ontario N3T 5V2

Phone: 519-759-7200

STARRT Institute in Stoney Creek

481 Barton Street East

Stoney Creek, Ontario L8G 3Y4

Phone: 905-575-1212 ext.5000

Institute for Applied Healt Sciences

1400 Main Street West

Hamilton, Ontario L8S 1C7

Phone: 905-540-4247

Mohawk Laurier Centre

50 Market Street

Brantford, Ontario N3T 2Z5

Phone: 519-765-8228

Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology

Welland

300 Woodlawn Road

Welland, Ontario L3C 7L3

Phone: 905 735-2211 ext. 7559

Niagara-on-the-Lake

135 Taylor Road

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

Phone: 905 641-2252 ext. 4208

Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology

Porcupine

4715 Highway 101 East

Porcupine, Ontario P0N 1H0

Kirkland Lake

140 Government Road East

Kirkland Lake, Ontario P2N 3L8

Phone: 705-567-9291

Haileybury

640 Latchford Street

PO Box 2060

Hailybury, Ontario P0J 1K0

Phone: 705-672-3376

James Bay Education Centre

First Avenue,PO Box 130

Moosenee, Ontario P0L 1Y0

Phone: 705-336-2913

Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology

Sault Ste. Marie

443 Northern Avenue

P.O. Box 60

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 5L3

Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Trafalgar Road

1430 Trafalgar Road

Oakville, Ontario L6H 2L1

Davis

7899 McLaughlin Road

Brampton, Ontario L6V 1G6

Phone: 905-459-7533

Hazel McCallion

4180 Duke of York Boulevard,

Mississauga, Ontario L5B 0G5

Skills Training Centre

407 Iroquois Shore Road

Oakville, Ontario L6H 1M3

Phone: 905-845-9430

St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology

Windsor

2000 Talbot Road West

Windsor, Ontario N9A 6S4

St. Clair Centre for the Performing Arts

201 Riverside Drive West

Windsor, Ontario N9A5K4

Phone: 519-252-8311

James Burgess Skills Centre

920 Elgin Street

Wallaceburg, Ontario N8A 3E1

Phone: 519-354-9100

Thames

1001 Grand Avenue West

Chatham, Ontario N7M 5W4

Phone: 519-354-9100

St. Lawrence College of Applied Arts and Technology

Kingstone

100 Portsmouth Avenue

Kingston, Ontario K7L 5A6

Brockville

2288 Parkdale Avenue

Brockville, Ontario K6V 5X3

Phone: 613-345-0660 ext.88

Cornwall

2 Belmont Street

Cornwall, Ontario K6H 4Z1

Phone: 613-933-6080 ext.88

Personal Support Worker Certificate at Community Colleges in Ontario

By Avtar on 1

There are twenty three community colleges across Ontario that offer PSW certificate. Many of these colleges have multiple campuses where this program is offered.

In total, there are 118 college campuses across Ontario that offers this certificate program.

Please check out complete list of community college campuses that offer Personal Support Worker diploma in Ontario.

General Requirements

Admission requirements for Personal Support Worker certificate may vary from college to college. Please refer to specific requirements of the college you are interested in.

In general, following are the common requirements at community colleges in Ontario:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U). Proof of English Language Proficiency may be required, if English is not a first language
Additional Grade 11 or Grade 12 courses may be required
Admission testing – Even if above listed requirements are satisfied
Admission testing – If above listed requirements are not satisfied
Good physical and mental condition
Up-to-date immunization record
Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)-C for Health Care Provider (HCP) certificate (Some colleges offer this certificate as part of the PSW program and therefore is not required at the time of admission)
Police Record Check

Cost/Fees of Personal Support Worker Certificate

A PSW certificate at a community college in Ontario can cost:

For Domestic Students: $3000.00 to $4000.00 + $800.00 in additional costs

For International Students: $ 12000 to $14000.00 + $1000.00 in additional costs

(These costs are approximate only. There may be added living and meal expenses. Costs may vary depending upon the College and also the City)

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All You Need To Know About Online PSW Courses

By Avtar on 23

Ontario has 500, 000 online course registrations which are twice that of other provinces in Canada.

As of 2013, there were 18, 000 college and university courses with 1000 fully online programs available.

The good news is that Personal Support Worker Program is available online as well!

There are a wide variety of other educational institutions and course options that are currently available as well.

There are public colleges, private colleges, District school boards and many other organizations that offer PSW courses.

The focus of this article is online PSW courses.

Before examining the online and distance Personal Support Worker programs offered in Ontario, it is important to understand what specifically, distance education is.

WHAT IS DISTANCE EDUCATION?

Essentially, distance learning can be defined as:

“A method of instruction and, learning that differs from a traditional approach as it involves students not being physically present in the classroom when material is being presented by a facilitator.”

Online and distance education courses can allow you to attend classes virtually from anywhere.

This is a great option for those who require flexibility with respect to their personal schedule.

By having the choice to pursue your education online or through distance courses you will have the latitude that you need which could potentially increase your chances of being successful academically.

The popularity of these type of courses is primarily increasing as a result of the high amount of accessibility it provides prospective students with in addition to the lower participation costs it requires.

There are many academic institutions that offer online PSW courses.

This article will provide you with an overview of the schools that offer online and distance PSW programs throughout Ontario.

ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE AND DISTANCE EDUCATION

There are many benefits to enrolling in a program that is offered either online or through distance education.

Although the most obvious one is that it allows you to enjoy the flexibility of completing your classes according to your own schedule and lifestyle, there are other advantages as well.

Online courses provide a seamless communication between students and teachers. There are also more opportunities for classmates to contact and subsequently communicate with one another in the event that their facilitator is unavailable for assistance.
Those who live in smaller, more remote areas have the option to pursue their education without being hindered by the distance they would have to travel to attend classes.
It allows a larger number of students to enroll as compared to traditional classroom settings. As a result, there are no constraints with respect to class size capacity.
Online classes allow individuals who are unable to attend traditional classrooms as a result of illness or being disabled, to pursue their education from their home.
It allows older and mature students with the option to enjoy lifelong learning opportunities that would typically not be available to them.
The course completion rate is quite high. Statistical reports indicate that the completion of online courses in college institutions is 70% to 79% with a median level of 76% and university online courses boast a 95% successful completion rate.
Online programs often have lower fees and tuition rates than traditional courses.
Students can vary their workloads based on their personal schedules.

DEMO ONLINE COURSE

It is a good idea to see how a course is delivered online, especially if you have never taken one.

It is a completely different kind of learning experience and may take some time before you get used to it. It may also be a challenge if you’re not very computer savvy.

Here is a quick video demonstration of how a course is delivered online. This particular video uses Moodle, an online course delivery platform that many colleges use.

IS ONLINE LEARNING RIGHT FOR YOU?

Not everyone can learn online. It comes with its own set of challenges.

Here are a few things to consider before you make your decision:

You will be taking courses and studying virtually. This may cause you to feel isolated from the instructor and classmates.
You will have options to connect with your instructor and fellow students however help may not be readily available.
Not having proper hardware (computer) and software (programs) can make accessing courses frustrating.
Getting used to the online course delivery software can be challenging especially for those with beginner-level computer skills.

Studyonline is a great website that offers plenty of resources and links for taking courses online.

One of the tools available on this website is a quiz which can help you decide if online learning is for you or not.

It goes through a series of 17 questions and gives you a score out of 100.

Based on your score, it will tell you if online learning is right for you or not.

Click here to take this quiz now!

This page will also give you many other tips on how to succeed while taking online courses.

You will find tips on:

How to make the most out of your online course?
How to succeed in an online course? and
How to manage your time well?

COLLEGES OFFERING PSW COURSES ONLINE

Distance Education PSW courses are offered in real time via software-enhanced audio and video conferencing technology.

The following section will provide an overview of the information you will need to consider when deciding on a PSW program offered through online and distance education.

Knowing the specifics of the curriculums with respect to program delivery, duration, fees and contact information will help you to make a choice that will enable you to decide upon a program that is the best fit for you in terms of your lifestyle, budget, and schedule.

You have the option to access classes from the comfort of your home, any regional campus or Contact North site on a specific date and time each week.

NATIVE EDUCATION AND TRAINING COLLEGE

The Native Education & Training College is a non-profit post-secondary college.

It offers programs both online and through distance learning.

Personal Support Worker program is offered completely online. Intake is on a continuous basis on every Monday.

This program runs for 35 weeks and is offered both full-time and part-time.

Apart from all the necessary courses, this program also offers clinical practicum at the end of the program.

You can start this program at any time of the year.

New classes begin every Monday.

Mode of Delivery	Online
Program Length	35 weeks
Course Load	Full Time or Part Time
Practicum	310 hours
Fees	$4949.00
Intake	Every Monday

Admission Requirements

College Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate; OR
General Educational Development (GED); OR
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).

Other Requirements

Students must be in good physical and mental condition and meet the same physical and immunization requirements as those for the staff employed by the agency/facility where the practicum is taking place
Complete immunization record including immunization against Hepatitis B.
Valid Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)-C for Health Care Provider (HCP) certificates

Police Record Check: A vulnerable sector screen/police record check is required. The police record check may have to be renewed every three to six months thereafter.

CONFEDERATION COLLEGE

This is a full-time video conferencing and web conferencing program.

The course features almost 400 hours of supervised practice in health care facilities and meets the Ministry of Health guidelines developed by its Long Term Care Division.

Its course of study mandates that classes including Human Relations, Supportive Care Theory, and Persuasive Writing are completed successfully in order to fulfill certificate requirements.

You can complete the course at your own pace and have five years to finish.

Mode of Delivery	Online
Program Length	You can take a maximum of 5 years to complete
Course Load	Full Time or Part Time
Practicum	320 hours
Fees	Varies
Intake	January and September

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma(or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels.
Or successful completion of a Mature Student Assessment
Or appropriate credits from Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).

Fieldwork/Placement Requirements

This part-time PSW program includes 360 hours of supervised clinical practice.

Following are the requirements:

Current Vulnerable Persons Criminal Records Check must be less than 1 year old
Current Standard First Aid & CPR – Level C certificate (Health Care Provider Level), CPR must be renewed every year
A completed Health Centre Immunization and Communicable Disease Form, up-to-date immunization record, a two-step Tuberculosis (TB) test, HEP B, and Flu shot
Mask Fit certificate

You can apply to this program at any time. Click here for further information about this program.

SAULT COLLEGE

This program is designed to provide students with a theory-based knowledge and solid practical skills to meet needs of future clients.

Upon graduation, you will possess the understanding of health related subjects that will enable you to work confidently both in private residences and various health care facilities.

The curriculum also ensures that students are taught effective communication skills which are critical and necessary for all health care professionals.

It is offered part time through distance learning options (Contact north) however there currently isn’t any OSAP funding available for those wishing to enroll in this program.

Programs

Sault College offers two PSW program.

The Sault college online PSW course is offered through Contact North.

It is 1-year program and is offered completely online.

Mode of Delivery	Online
Program Length	1 Year
Course Load	Full Time or Part Time
Practicum	Varies
Fees	Varies
Intake	Fall and Winter

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C, or mature student status.

As a mature student you have two options:

1. You can pay $25 to write the Canadian Academic Achievement Test (CAAT) for Math and/or English requirements only.

2. You can take get your high school equivalency by doing academic Upgrading for free.

Clinical Placement Requirements

Police Records Search (current within one year).
Standard First Aid/CPR (Health Care Provider) with AED
Immunization and Health Record Form including:

• Two-step Mantou test for Tuberculosis

• Immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella

• Current Tetanus-diphtheria

• Influenza vaccination

Statement of Confidentiality Form
Work Education Agreement Student Summary Sheet

Applications for this program are accepted through Ontario colleges.

Click here to apply for this program.

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA’s FREE ONLINE PSW COURSE

Government of Canada has recently announced a free personal support worker online program.

The program will be launced in spring 2021.

It is going to be of no cost to you!

And,

you will be paid to complete the practicum component of the program.

Mode of Delivery	Online
Program Length	6 weeks theory 24 weeks paid practicum
Course Load	Full Time
Practicum	24 Weeks (Paid)
Fees	Free Paid Practicum
Intake	Begins in Spring 2021

Find out more details about this free Government PSW course.

OTHER FREE ONLINE PSW TRAINING PROGRAMS

There are several other free online training programs available for PSWs.

Please note that these training programs are not the ones that will get you a PSW diploma.

These are only meant to provide you additional training and enhance your skills as a personal support worker.

PSW ONLINE TRAINING BY UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

This is an immensly popular online training program offered by the University of Toronto.

It is a free training program that you can take any time.

The best part is, once you complete the training, you get a certificate from the University of Toronto that you can print.

It is a short training program and does not take very long to complete.

Mode of Delivery	Online
Program Length	Can be competed in a few hours
Fees	Free
Intake	Complete anytime

Learn more about the University of Toronto Online PSW training program.

FREE TRAINING BY ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY OF TORONTO

The Alcheimer’s society of Toronto offers many free training programs for PSWs.

These are short training modules and can be completed online at your convenience.

This training is a great asset for all PSWs, espcially for those who works with clinets with dementia.

Find out more details about this training program.

Online learning centers are located across Ontario.

There are a total of 112 access centers in Ontario.

Please note that online learning centres do not provide PSW courses howevere these centres are a great resource if you are doing any kind of online learning.

If you’re considering taking Personal Support Worker or any other course online, it is a good idea to visit one of these centers.

Click here to find out a center close to you.

Each of the 112 online learning centers has everything you need in order to succeed in the courses you have taken.

All centers are equipped with all the multimedia technologies that you will need to successfully complete your online courses.

PSW course through Online Learning Centres

You can use all these facilities to complete your course work.

Each center is also fully staffed. They are always happy to assist you with:

Available courses and programs,
Registration into any of the courses or programs,
Financial aid options,
Referrals to community and employment agencies.
Support and encouragement throughout your education

The best part is…it is all FREE!

CONCLUSION

Deciding on the PSW course delivery type that best suits your need requires a clear understanding of the options available.

Your decision to enroll in a program is both an important and integral part of the process that you will have to embark on when entering the field.

Personal support workers are in high demand and the field has the potential to become lucrative yet highly competitive in the near future.

Therefore, ensuring that you have a solid education can be a determining factor in your ability to enjoy a fulfilling and successful career.

As evidenced in this article, online and distance learning options can provide you with the education you need to become a PSW without the constraints that traditional classroom teaching involves.

With several Ontario schools opting to examine methods to develop distance education curriculums for more of their courses, you now have more opportunities to pursue your studies as a personal support worker than ever before.

Avtar

Curriculum

EMPATHY, HONESTY & FLEXIBILITY

COMPASSION

TRUST & HONESTY

PROFESSIONAL & MOTIVATOR

ADAPTABILITY

PROBLEM SOLVING

TEAM PLAYER & COMMUNICATION SKILLS

COVID-19 PAY ENHANCEMENT

PSW SALARY ENHANCEMENT

WHAT ARE PUBLICALLY FUNDED PSW SERVICES?

THE TIMELINE OF PSW SALARY INCREASE

DID YOU GET THE RAISE?

PSWs WAGE ENHANCEMENT TO $19

PSW SALARY INCREASE AND ENHANCEMENT EXPLAINED

ELIGIBLE PERSONAL SUPPORT SERVICES?

DID YOU NOT GET THE WAGE ENHANCEMENT?

EMPLOYER PARTICIPATION

NON-COMPLIANCE

PSWs THAT ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS RAISE

PSW PAY RATE BY REGION

HOSPITAL PAY RATE FOR PSWs

LONG-TERM CARE/NURSING HOME PAY RATE

EXAMPLES OF PAY RATE

For facility-based care through employment agencies

For Home/Residential Care through employment agencies

Independent/Private Long-Term Care homes (Nursing homes)

City-owned Long-Term Care homes (Nursing homes)

Hospitals

Algonquin College

College Boreal

Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology

Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology

Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology

Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology

Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology

Fleming College of Applied Arts and Technology

George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology

Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

La Cité collégiale

Lambton College of Applied Arts and Technology

Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology

Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology

Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology

Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology

Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology

Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology

St. Lawrence College of Applied Arts and Technology

General Requirements

Cost/Fees of Personal Support Worker Certificate

WHAT IS DISTANCE EDUCATION?

ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE AND DISTANCE EDUCATION

DEMO ONLINE COURSE

IS ONLINE LEARNING RIGHT FOR YOU?

COLLEGES OFFERING PSW COURSES ONLINE

NATIVE EDUCATION AND TRAINING COLLEGE

Admission Requirements

College Eligibility

Other Requirements

Police Record Check: A vulnerable sector screen/police record check is required. The police record check may have to be renewed every three to six months thereafter.

CONFEDERATION COLLEGE

Admission Requirements

Fieldwork/Placement Requirements

SAULT COLLEGE

Admission Requirements

Clinical Placement Requirements

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA’s FREE ONLINE PSW COURSE

OTHER FREE ONLINE PSW TRAINING PROGRAMS

PSW ONLINE TRAINING BY UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

FREE TRAINING BY ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY OF TORONTO

ONLINE LEARNING CENTRES

CONCLUSION

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