Personal Support Worker (PSW)

The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program at Hanson College prepares you for a fulfilling healthcare career. Gain essential knowledge and hands-on skills in safety, mobility, hygiene, nutrition, and more. Train in our state-of-the-art, multi-bed campus lab, designed to simulate real-world care environments. Graduates are ready to provide compassionate support in long-term care, hospitals, home care, and group homes.

Choose from hybrid or in-person delivery methods to best suit your lifestyle and learning preferences.

Start your journey with Hanson’s PSW program and gain the skills, confidence, and hands-on experience to thrive in the healthcare field.

Graduates of the PSW program will confidently demonstrate the ability to:

Understand the PSW’s vital role across healthcare settings, adhering to regulations and policies
Prioritize safety for clients and colleagues alike in every setting
Recognize age-related changes and apply knowledge in disease management, rehabilitation, and restorative care
Maintain high standards of hygiene, infection prevention, and injury avoidance
Uphold confidentiality and ensure respectful, private care for clients
Recognize and respond professionally to abuse and neglect scenarios
Deliver holistic care, supporting both clients and their families, and work collaboratively with healthcare teams
Follow Ontario’s Residents’ Bill of Rights, as outlined in the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021
Offer supportive care to individuals with cognitive, mental health, or behavioral challenges

Program Structure

Duration: 6 months / 700 hours
Total Instruction Weeks: 24 weeks
Average Weekly Hours: 25 hours minimum
Theory and Lab Hours: 400 hours over 16 weeks, focused on key PSW competencies
Practicum Component: 300 hours total, including:
- Facility Placement: 200 hours in a long-term care setting
- Community Placement: 100 hours in home care, retirement, or group home settings

Admission Requirements

To enroll in Hanson’s PSW program, you’ll need:

Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma (General Education Development Test) or
Equivalent: Foreign credentials must be translated in English and assessed for Grade 12 equivalency by a recognized organization such as WES (World Education Service), or
Mature student with a score of 11 or more on the Wonderlic SLE. Mature student status may be granted to applicants who are over 19 years old and do not have a high school diploma or GED.
AND
If English is not a student’s first language, they must provide proof of English competency.
Signed Vulnerable Sector Screening and Medical Disclaimers

Minimum mark of 70% in each module with no evaluation method below 70%
Minimum mark of 70% with no critical deficiencies in each of the skills Performance Demonstrations
Current Standard First Aid and Basic Rescuer (Level C) CPR Certification
Demonstrate a satisfactory attendance record by completion of the PSW Attendance Form to be kept in the student’s file. All students must complete the 400 hours. If for any reason time is missed, it must be made up and documented.
Clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector within 45 days of commencement of study.
Medical Report within 45 days of commencement of study stating that the student is fit to complete all components of the program and has up-to-date immunization status.
Clear Covid-19 test within one week of commencing practicum and/or other expectations in accordance with Public Health requirements.

Upon graduation, you’ll have the qualifications to pursue roles in diverse healthcare settings, including: