Overview
This Ontario College Certificate program prepares students using an integrated classroom model located onsite at Providence Care Hospital or Providence Manor, a long-term care home in Kingston, Ontario. This unique learning environment will help students to be well-prepared for a career as a Personal Support Worker and to provide safe and caring support services to clients. Responsibilities of the Personal Support Worker may include assisting with home management, facilitating social and recreational activities, and promoting health and well‐being with clients of all ages of the lifespan.
The program has been developed to meet the standards published by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. These standards reflect the increased pre‐employment education and training required by Personal Support Worker graduates entering the increasingly diverse health and social care environment.
Personal Support Workers are unregulated healthcare providers. They work as a member of the care and support team under the supervision of a regulated health professional or supervisor, or in the supported independent living environment, under the direction of the client.
Program Details
Program Highlights
The partnership between St. Lawrence College and Providence Care allows students to experience nearly all components of the program in a 'living classroom' environment. The living classroom model helps students to learn the necessary skills for safe practice as a Personal Support Worker and then allows supervised unpaid experiential learning with the residents. This approach helps students to build confidence in their skills and positive working relationships with clients.
Related News Article
Learning to Make an Impact: The Living Classroom at Providence Manor Provides Hands-On Experiences
The next generation of health care professionals are gaining hands on experience through a unique partnership between St. Lawrence College and Providence Care. The “Living Classroom,” located at Providence Manor long-term care home, is an innovative educational experience that sees PSW students learning in a functioning, long-term care home. The collaboration with Providence Manor PSWs is leaving lasting impressions.
Program Outline
2023-2024
This course introduces you to roles, responsibilities, and working environments along with legal, professional and ethical topics that are important to the PSW practice. Through case studies, class discussions, and quizzes, foundational principles and practices of the PSW are studied within institutional, community and other health care workplace settings.
This course introduces the student to the basic structure and function of the human body throughout the lifespan. Topics will include basic anatomy, physiology, nutritional needs, hygiene, body mechanics and alignment, and infection control. Through various in-class discussions, tests and take home projects health promotion and age related changes are emphasized.
This course is designed to present an overview of the scientific study of human growth and development from conception to death. Through group projects, testing and individual written assessments an introduction to recent research, theories and concepts are applied to individuals of all ages and their families.
This course provides the student with an opportunity to acquire knowledge regarding the principles and tools of communication and effective interpersonal relationships within the role of the Personal Support Worker. Areas of content include theory and techniques to develop effective interpersonal skills with clients and co-workers, and to enhance self-awareness. Various role plays, activities and class discussions allows students to practice clearly communicating information to the client, caregiver, supervisor and other support care workers in both oral and written form.
This course has 120 hours of lab and clinical practice experience in both a simulation lab and an institutional setting, under the supervision and guidance of a registered professional. Through hands on demonstrations, the student applies theoretical knowledge to provide safe, organized care to assist the individual with activities of daily living.
This course provides the PSW student with the opportunity to acquire basic knowledge of different types of development health challenges, their etiology, treatment and care needs of the individual and his or her family. Developmental health challenges that are included are those associated with fetal development, infancy, pregnancy, the post-partum period, and acquired brain injury. Through the use of guest speakers and assignments students focus on the personal and supportive care required by individuals confronted by selected developmental health challenges.
Prerequisite(s): PSWO1200 + (PSWO1000 + PSWO1100 + PSWO1300 + PSWO1400)
This 45 hour course introduces the student to common health challenges or conditions that occur within the human body. Concepts of maintenance, rehabilitation, safety and restorative care are discussed. Through various presentations and quizzes students assess the relationship between health conditions and a plan of care.
Prerequisite(s): PSWO1000 (+ PSWO1100 + PSWO1200 + PSWO1300 + PSWO1400)
This course provides the PSW student with an opportunity to explore the impact that mental illness, substance abuse, and dementia have on the lives of individuals and their families. Through various guest speaker presentations and weekly assignments, topics such as care and support requirements, care-giving approaches, and roles and responsibilities of the PSW as a member of the care/service providing team, are explained and analyzed.
Prerequisite(s): PSWO1200 (+ PSWO1000 + PSWO1100 + PSWO1300 + PSWO1400)
This course focuses on the role of the PSW throughout the palliative period. Topics of study include; the history of palliative care, the roles of various team members, the dying and grieving processes and their effects on the client, family, and caregivers. Learning activities center around case studies and personal reflections in order to gain self-awareness and understanding regarding all aspects palliative care.
Prerequisite(s): PSWO1000 + PSWO1400 (+ PSWO1100 + PSWO1200 + PSWO130)
This course has 108 consecutive hours of clinical practice experience that provides the student with the opportunities in both a simulation setting (36 hours) and a long term institutional setting (72 hours), under the supervision and guidance of a clinical teacher. The student is provided the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to the provision of safe, organized care for the individual client and assigned multi-client group, assisting with activities of daily living and completion of basic personal care.
Prerequisite(s): PSWO1400 (+ PSWO1000 + PSWO1100 + PSWO1200 + PSWO1300 + COMH150)
Co-requisite(s): PSWO2000 + PSWO2100 + PSWO2200 + PSWO2300
This course has 112 consecutive hours of facility clinical experience. In partnership with assigned agency staff, the student performs the various responsibilities of an entry level Personal Support Worker. Through guided evaluation and feedback the student meets the diverse needs of the client while functioning as an integral member of the health care team.
Prerequisite(s): PSWO1000 + PSWO1100 +PSWO1200 + PSWO1300 +PSWO1400 + PSWO2000 +PSWO2100 + PSWO2200 +PSWO2300 + PSWO2400
This course has 96 consecutive hours of community experience. In partnership with assigned agency staff, the student performs the various responsibilities of an entry level Personal Support Worker. Through guided evaluation and feedback the student meets the diverse needs of the client while functioning as an integral member of the health care team.
Prerequisite(s): PSWO1000 + PSWO1100 +PSWO1200 + PSWO1300 +PSWO1400 + PSWO2000 +PSWO2100 + PSWO2200 +PSWO2300 + PSWO2400
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U or M level including the following prerequisites:
- Grade 12 English at the C or U level
- Grade 11 Math
For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.
If you are missing prerequisite courses, enroll in the Career/College Prep program - free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.
Health Requirements
Immunization - Communicable Disease Requirements
Completion of the Immunization - Communicable Disease Form is a mandatory condition for your clinical/practical placement. THIS FORM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
Download your Immunization - Communicable Disease Form
Questions regarding immunizations can be emailed to immunizations@sl.on.ca.
As an active SLC student, you are automatically enrolled in a student insurance plan. To learn more about how this applies to your immunization requirements please visit www.wespeakstudent.com (domestic) or www.guard.me (international).
OTHER PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for unpaid placement, enrolled students will need to complete a series of MANDATORY program and agency-specific pre-placement requirements. These will be discussed with students during class time and a Student Placement Facilitator will be in place to assist and answer all placement-related questions.
Students will need to complete the below mandatory requirements before classes begin:
- Standard First Aid & CPR Level BLS (formerly HCP) Certification
Must be completed through a WSIB-approved training provider. Certification must remain valid for the duration of the program and must not expire during placement.
- WSIB Certified First Aid/CPR Trainers
- Book a class ASAP as they fill up quickly
- Students can hold their certificate once completed and they will be instructed where and how to share it with the College during their class time
- All costs associated with the training are at the expense of the student
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
- Police Record Check – Vulnerable Sector Screening
Note: Certain criminal convictions may prevent a student from participating or completing placements for this program. Applicants with criminal records are required to contact the Associate Dean of the respective school (see Program Contacts below) prior to accepting an offer to this program to discuss and confirm participation in this program is suitable.
A recent Police Record Check including the Vulnerable Sector Screening is an agency requirement and is MANDATORY to begin any unpaid placement for this Program.
- Students will be notified when to apply for their Police Record Check by the Pre-placement Planning Coordinator to ensure the dates remain valid for their placement period.
- Many agencies want these updated every 3-6 months. All costs associated with obtaining a Police Record Check are at the expense of the student.
- Enrolled students will be notified of further instruction through their SLC email account or their Blackboards and should continue to monitor frequently.
ADDITIONAL PLACEMENT INFORMATION
Students with outstanding pre-placement requirements will not be eligible to begin placement and may be denied to begin placement or be required to pay additional fees (at their own expense) to continue and complete the placement component.
Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.
Program-specific or additional questions? Please email the Program Contact(s) listed below.
Fees
2023-2024
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Kingston
Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.
Career Opportunities
Personal Support Worker graduates may be employed in a variety of health and social care/support settings, including:
- Long-term care facilities
- Nursing homes
- Retirement homes
- Community‐based group residences
- Adult day centres
- Community home care
Program Contacts
Program Coordinator
Laura Bulmer
Laura.Bulmer@SL.On.Ca
School of Allied Health General Inquiries
AlliedHealth@sl.on.ca
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.