Program Overview

This program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to provide support services to people living at home, in long term care or acute care facilities, and to function as integral members of the health care team. Upon successful completion of this program, students learn to effectively communicate with clients, families and members of the health care team, and to provide safe and competent care for individual clients experiencing physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges. Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are unregulated health care providers who work under the supervision of a regulated health care professional or in the supported independent living environment under the direction of the client.

Admission Requirements

• OSSD or equivalent with Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. Visit Georgian College Academic Regulations
• Up-to-date criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check*
• Current immunization record in compliance with the Public Hospitals Act*

*Required for work placement

This Training Is For You If You:

• have an interest in a career as a Personal Support Worker
• are available to work shift work, including weekends and holidays
• have an interest in providing basic care; dining, laundry, housekeeping services; and companionship
• have good interpersonal and communication skills
• are empathetic and resident/family oriented
• are able to handle the physical and mental demands of the job
• have a professional attitude; Health & Safety conscious

Why Choose This Training Path?

• Full time training through Georgian College with support of program for additional expenses
• College Tuition and Certifications are FREE

What Is Included In The Training?

• Three weeks pre-employment training including orientation into Long Term Care
• Support to prepare for college application and in applying through PLAR for assessment
• Technology support with loaned laptops/MIFI hubs if required
• Financial Support includes textbooks, lab fees, application fees etc
• Two work placements to gain hands-on experience
• Support in finding employment following graduation

This Skills Development Fund project is a collaboration between YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, Georgian College and Long-Term Care Home, Retirement Home and Home Care Provider employers across Grey & Bruce Counties.