Government of Canada’s Free Online PSW Training Program

With the lack of adequate training and low wages, this profession has faced significant attrition over the past few years.

In order to reduce the shortage, the Government of Canada has recently announced a new free accelerated PSW training course aimed at bringing more PSWs into the healthcare sector.

Please note that this online PSW training program is not being offered as of yet but will soon be available. We will inform you as soon as the Government announces further details. 

For anyone who wishes to pursue the federally funded online PSW program, here’s some information you might want to know first:

Why the shortage?

There is no singular reason for the drop in PSWs in Canada. 

This year, it seems to be related to the new stresses of COVID-19 and its accompanying healthcare restrictions.

Despite the many downsides to COVID-19, the linked shortage has grabbed the Government’s attention regarding how important and vital these employees are to the healthcare system.

What is this new program?

Approximately $23 million in funding will go towards Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) to provide an accelerated program for roughly 4,000 new PSW interns at no cost to students. 

The program includes a six-week online PSW training portion, and a four-month paid work placement with an employer in-home or long-term care home.

The training program?

The Government is connected to funding CiCan through the Ministry of employment. 

Over time and with regular collaboration with interested partners, the Government is hoping to improve the recruitment and retention of PSWs in the workforce. 

Furthermore, the Government would like to take this opportunity to improve national healthcare standards while infusing the workforce with personal support workers.

How will this program be delivered?

CiCan has not mentioned specific colleges as of yet;

however,

CiCan will be collaborating with facilities and training providers across the country, making this an expansive training effort. We know for now that the program will be online followed by a paid placement.

What is the mode of delivery – online or in-class?

The only portion of the training that will not be remote includes the work training (paid) with employers at certain facilities for four months.

The six-week accelerated training will take place solely online. 

In total, students are looking at about 6 months of training before becoming certified.

Any prerequisites for Enrollment?

As of right now, not necessarily.  The only prerequisite is that applicants be qualified to work in Canada.

Fees associated with the program?

As mentioned previously, there are no tuition fees for program.  There has also not been any mentioned application fees yet.

How can one apply for this Program?

Enrollment for the accelerated PSW program will begin in the Spring of 2021.  Prospective students just have to apply online.

We are keeping a close eye and will inform you as and when the program becomes available.

If you have any further questions, you can consult with CiCanrepresentatives directly or contact us. 

Resources you need as a Personal Support Worker

On this page, you can find anything there is to know about how to become a personal support worker, how to succeed as one, and how to continue your education. This is the place to come to and look for all the PSW resources and information that you may need on your journey as a Personal Support Worker.

In short, these are the things you can find there:

PSW job interview questions

If you’re determined to pass your next PSW interview with flying colors, we’re here to help. PSWHQ have put together a thorough online guide with PSW interview questions and appropriate sample answers to these questions that hit the target, and are concise and supportive.

Speaking from personal experience, I can attest to the value of preparing thoroughly for a PSW interview using resources like the PSWHQ’s online guide. I recall my first interview, fraught with nerves, yet armed with rehearsed answers. Particularly, I remember preparing an answer to the question, “How do you handle difficult patients or stressful situations?” When the question came, I calmly narrated an experience from my clinical placement about handling a challenging patient, demonstrating the value of detailed preparation for these interviews.

Guide to finding PSW jobs

After you have decided to become a Personal Support Worker and completed the course you are now at a point to start looking for work. It is important that you explore all the jobs listed under different job titles, which is why you should go through our ultimate guide to finding PSW jobs.

We also help you find PSW job postings from hospitals, long-term care homes, and community and private settings. 

Advertising with PSWHQ

Over the past few years, PSWHQ has achieved a dominant ranking in major search engines such as Google and Bing. As a result, we offer a limited number of advertising opportunities to individuals, colleges, companies, and organizations we see as a good fit for the unique audience of PSWHQ.

PSWHQ giveaway

Last but not least, you may have not known that you can enter the PSWHQ annual giveaway that is open to legal residents of Ontario, Canada, and prizes will only be awarded to addresses within Ontario, Canada.  

FAQs

1. What is a PSW course in Canada?

Ontario College’s Certificate in Personal Support Worker program prepares students for direct employment in health care. Upon successful completion of this two-semester program, you’ll be prepared to work as a healthcare professional in a variety of healthcare settings.

2. Is Ontario offering free PSW course?

As a Personal Support Worker (PSW), the Ontario Government is sponsoring a free six-month program to help you start if you’ve been undecided about returning to school.

3. Who is eligible for PSW in Canada?

The student must be of legal age, which means he or she must be at least 18 years old. The student must have received a C or U in English in Grade 12 or an equivalent grade (minimum grade required). Proficiency in the English Language. IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5 points.

4. How long does it take to become a PSW in Canada?

Full-time accelerated and normal programs can be finished in six months to one year, and part-time programs can be completed in as little as two years, depending on the curriculum. That means there are a variety of methods for learning and training at a pace that is comfortable for you.

Also Check:

5. What does a PSW do in a hospital?

Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are those who assist in the care of patients. Lifting and turning patients, cleaning and restocking patient bedsides, and assisting with the management of supplies and equipment are all responsibilities of this position.

Speaking from personal experience as a Personal Support Worker (PSW), the everyday tasks we perform have a profound impact on our patients. I recall working with Mrs. Brown, a lovely woman recovering from hip surgery. Our daily routine – from delicately assisting her movements to preparing her favorite meals under her guidance, to maintaining her bedside area – went far beyond physical care.

One day, finding an old photo of her in a chef’s apron illustrated the depth of her life stories and reaffirmed the significance of our seemingly small tasks. These duties, often overlooked, form the essence of our role as PSWs, contributing to our patient’s overall well-being and comfort, and reinforcing the fulfilling nature of our work.

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Avlin
Avlin

Avlin is passionate about helping aspirants become better personal support workers. He is an entrepreneur and runs a clinic in Toronto.

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33 Comments

  1. Hello my name is Marie yolande I need more information please for PSW.thank you so much have good evening.

  2. Is this free PSW course are only for Permanent Resident of Canada?I am really interested but I am still waiting for the approval of mine and I am interested to take this course.

  3. I have been searching online for hours how to apply, I am eager to find out how and when. I eventually would love to be palliative PSW down the road. Please let me know as soon as this is available for application. Thanks, Terrylynn

  4. I already work in a long term care and am super super excited to work has a PSW. Been around the elderly is a great joy for me. Am taking this course

  5. I am interested in this PSW program. I would like to enroll.
    Please let me know when you start the application. Thanks.

  6. For the work placement in hospitals or nursing homes can it be at a place close to where you live?

    Example, Cresent Care in Woodstock Ontario

  7. It’s been a long time that I am looking the PSW online course. Thank you so much Avtar.

    • Chrisann…the PSW program funded by the Federal Government is not open for registration yet however the Ontario Government has launched the provincial PSW program and is currently accepting applications.
      You can click here to find out further details and how to apply for the program.
      Avtar

  8. Anyone looking for “on the job” training to supplement this course once available? We are a Retirement Home located in Grey Bruce Peninsula willing to train.

  9. I am interested in doing a free online psw course. I have 2 years experience working/managing 24/7 at a home with 9 mentally challenged females upon my initial arrival to Canada some years ago. I am a citizen and would like to do psw as a second career.

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