PSW in Ontario

(a) meets the vocational standards established by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities; the standards established by the National Association of Career Colleges, or
the standards established by the Ontario Community Support Association; and

(b) must be a minimum of 600 hours in duration, counting both class time and practical experience time.

The National Association of Career Colleges Personal Support Worker Curriculum

PSW program standards were originally developed by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in Ontario (MOHLTC). In response to member requests to adhere to the highest standards, the NACC curriculum was developed; evolved and is reviewed annually to ensure it meets needs of PSWs and their clients.

The NACC program content, standards and guidelines, combined with the clinical component of the program, ensure that the graduates have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful as a Personal Support Worker, PSW or Resident Care Attendant.

While the name for Personal Support Workers changes from province to province, the NACC PSW program that has common core standards, is currently being offered in Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and British Columbia.

PSWs who receive their training from a college offering the NACC Personal Support Worker Curriculum, will develop a skill and knowledge level that includes basic care and social service training. 

A PSW's Scope of Responsibilities is as follows:

• Co-operates with other members of the health care team
• Promotes safety and works in a safe manner
• Assists their clients with positioning, movement and walking
• Assists with mechanical and physical lifts and/or transfers
• Assists with all aspects of personal hygiene, including bathing, toileting & brushing of teeth
• Household management tasks such as light cleaning and laundry
• Assists with dietary planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, food handling and feeding
• Checks and records vital signs
• Assists with range of motion exercise and other rehabilitative measures
• Practices universal precautions and maintains a clean working environment
• Provides emotional and social support services to clients and their families
• Assists with oxygen therapy, hot and cold applications
• Provides first aid measures
• Is a supportive care worker for palliative care and hospice patients
• Observes and reports clinical and treatment findings, behavioural changes and changes in ongoing conditions.
• Maintains records, documents procedures

The Final PSW Exam

The NACC final examination evaluates the theory component of the training and determines whether the candidate has the required level of knowledge to do the job safely and effectively.  Personal Support Worker exams are developed by the Examination Services Committee that was formed to monitor and review the examination system and are offered online monthly.

The standardized PSW curriculum promotes national standards and facilitates credit transfer and mobility for students seeking further qualifications.

NACC Certificate and Pin

PSW students who successfully complete the PSW program and pass the exam, are awarded a numbered certificate and a correspondingly-numbered pin identifying that they have having successfully passed the theory portion of the PSW program.

Personal Support Worker Entrance Requiements

• Must possess a Grade 12 diploma or the equivalent
• A Medical Certificate of fitness to complete the program
• Literacy Test
• Clear police records check (Vulnerable)
• Standard First Aid and Basic Rescuer CPR

PSW Program Length

• 285 hours of classroom instruction
• 355 hours of clinical placement that includes a) supervised on site by the college instructor in both institutional and community sites and b) precepted by the host supervisor in both institutional and community sites.
• Skills Passbook to be completed on placement

NACC Member Schools and Colleges in Ontario that offer PSW courses:

• Medix College - Brampton, Scarborough, Toronto
• triOS College - Brampton, London, Kitchener, Mississauga, Oshawa, Scarborough, Windsor 
• CTS Canadian Career College - Barrie, North Bay, Sudbury, Sault St. Marie
• Westervelt College - Brantford, London, Kitchener
• CDI College - Brampton, Mississauga, Scarborough
• Evergreen College - Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto

N.O.C. 4412 Median Wage in Ontario is $18.00/hour

The employment outlook will be good for Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations (NOC 4412) in Ontario over the next 3 years.

(Source:  Job Bank: May 26, 2021)