(Please note that the information presented is current as of February 22, 2021).
The need for support personnel in healthcare is greater than ever.
It is undoubtedly the best time if you’re considering a career in healthcare.
More importantly, many Supportive Care programs currently being offered are at no cost to you.
One such program is currently being offered by Conestoga College, in partnership with Spectrum Healthcare.
This is a free Supportive Care Conestoga program that enables you to become a Home Support Worker.
The program begins mid-march.
| Conestoga College/Spectrum Healthcare | Supportive Care Program |
|---|---|
| Program | Supportive Care |
| College | Conestoga College |
| Employer | Spectrum Healthcare |
| Program Length | 19 Weeks |
| Offered | Part-time |
| Mode of Delivery | Online |
| Practicum | 80 hours (Paid) |
| Job Title | Home Support Worker |
| Pay Rate | Competitive |
The Home Support Worker?
Graduates of the Supportive Care Conestoga program work as Home Support Workers.
Home Support Workers are primarily involved in assisting those in need of support in order to help them live as independently as possible in the community.
HSWs will work with individuals who are medically stable and require predictable levels of assistance.
Duties of a Home Support Worker
As an HSW, you will typically be required to work in a variety of settings. You may be responsible for providing supportive care at home, in private residences, long-term care, and retirement homes.
Some of the other duties you may be responsible for are:
- Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs),
- Assistance with maintaining mobility,
- Basic meal preparation,
- Light housekeeping duties, and
- Ensure client safety at all times.
Home Support Workers work under the supervision of registered members of the healthcare team such as Registered Nurses (RN), Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), and Physiotherapists.
Please note that there is an overlap of job duties between a Home Support Worker and the duties of a Personal Support Worker.
It is important for you to understand that as a Home Support Worker you will not be required to care for complex patients.
In addition, Personal Support Workers may be able to carry out certain delegated tasks such as using a mechanical lift, administer eye drops and insulin.
Is This Program For You?
While working in healthcare in positions such as that of a Home Support Worker, you work with real people.
You work with people that depend on you for your assistance.
Therefore, it is important for you to be able to have certain traits that will enable you to provide quality care.
First and foremost, you must have the inherent desire to help others. It is one of the basic characteristics that will help you assess whether this program is for you or not.
In addition, you must be able to handle stressful situations, have sound communication skills, compassion, and a desire to learn new skills.
Other Program Requirements
The Supportive Care Program is offered to anyone who is willing to work in this supportive role.
You do not need a high-school diploma to apply.
Some of the other requirements of this program are:
- A Canadian Resident,
- Over the age of 19,
- Have access to a laptop or a computer,
- Good internet connection,
- A webcam (required for course delivery), and
- An uninterrupted space to take part in online learning.
You will need a reliable laptop or computer to access the learning material presented in the program. You will not access the learning interface from your phone, tablet, or Chromebook.
Please note that this program does not fulfill the requirements for Canadian immigration and therefore international applicants do not qualify to apply.
In addition to the above requirements, you will need the following:
- A clear vulnerable sector check,
- TB test (must have been completed within the 6 months prior to commencing employment), and
- Current Immunization record.
Please note that there may be a charge for TB skin testing and obtaining a vulnerable sector screen. Both these costs are not covered by the program.
Do note that if you’re planning to work in the Region of Peel and the Regional Municipality of York you, will need a valid G license and access to a reliable vehicle.
Benefits of the Home Support Program
Working in healthcare is rewarding and more importantly, you help those in need.
If you have been thinking of working in healthcare, the Supportive Care program at Conestoga College is an excellent program.
Here are some of the benefits of taking this program:
- No tuition fees,
- Paid 80-hour field placement,
- Online
- Part-time program
- Guaranteed employment,
- Option to work full-time hours (depending on your availability),
- Flexible work hours, and
- Continuing education options
The Supportive Care Program
Supportive Care at Conestoga college is a 19-week part-time program that includes online learning and field placement.
Theory Component
It is an online study program. Classes take place 4 hours per day for 4 days per week.
There are five key areas of learning:
- Professional Care Practice,
- Food Safety Training,
- Supportive Care Theory and Practice,
- Professional Practice,
- Structure and Function of the Body, and
- Mental Health First Aid
Field Placement
The program has a paid practicum of 80 hours.
The field placement can begin as early as week 8 of the program and is completed with Spectrum Healthcare.
In-person Training
The only training that you will have to take in-person is the Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C and BLS.
The rest of the program is virtual.
Employment
Upon completion of the program, Spectrum Healthcare will offer employment opportunities.
Employment is guaranteed after you graduate from this program.
Spectrum Healthcare offers graduates to work with a wide variety of patients in private homes, long-term care homes, retirement homes, and other community settings.
Working hours are flexible and you can work as per your availability.
The number of hours you work will depend on your availability to work with the potential to work full-time hours.
Benefits of Working With Spectrum Healthcare
Spectrum Healthcare provides a wide array of healthcare services including nursing, personal and home support, palliative care, physiotherapy, wound care, family and caregiver support, and much more.
Offices are located throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Spectrum Healthcare offers many benefits such as:
- Travel compensation,
- Group health benefits,
- Paid vacation time,
- Employee recognition,
- Continuing education opportunities, and
- Employee discounts.
You will be provided with all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as necessary.
Continuing Education Options
Once you graduate from the Supportive Care program at Conestoga College, you have the option to continue your studies and become a Personal Support Worker.
The best part is, you will get credits from Term 1 of the PSW program at Conestoga College.
As a result, you’ll start from Term 2 of the PSW program.
Once a PSW, you can further your education and explore PSW to Nursing bridging opportunities.
How to Apply
If you think this program is for you and you wish to enroll, your first step would be to contact Lindsay at Spectrum Healthcare.
You can email Lindsay your intention to enroll in the program at:
It is a good idea to attach a copy of your resume when you email Lindsey.
After the initial screen, selected applicants will be offered to apply to the Supportive Care program at Conestoga College.
Once you have been cleared to proceed with the registration, you will have to connect with Taylor Wells to get the application package.
Taylor can be reached via email at [email protected]
