Personal Support Worker Course in Canada Prepares Students for Variety of Settings
Did you know that students who attend Centennial College's Personal Support Worker program, which just takes two semesters to complete, have demonstrated the ability to: act within the personal support worker role, under supervision, and by following care/service plans and established policies and procedures; participate as members of the care service teams in both community and institutional settings; collaborate and report observations to appropriate health care team members in an ongoing, timely manner and document this information promptly; support clients’ personal and home management care requirements and preferences by following care service plans and established policies and procedures; demonstrate effective oral, written and nonverbal communication techniques; and assist in the promotion and maintenance of a safe and caring environment for clients, their families, self and others. With just a wide range of skills, these Personal Support Workers are ready to work with clients in the home, schools, community residential facilities, nursing homes or chronic care facilities. Essentially, Personal Support Workers provide care and assistance to allow individuals to lead active and fulfilled lives in the community and institutions, including the elderly, clients with disabilities, chronic illnesses, cognitive impairment and also clients recovering from acute illnesses.
It is worth noting that Ontario Network for Internationally Trained Professionals predicts that in the course of remaking the health care system in Canada, the demand for Personal Support Workers is reported to be growing.
The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, as well as community agencies and clinical settings recognize the Centennial College Personal Support Worker program, which results in a certificate. As such, training reflects the latest practices and policies in the field and courses cover topics such as: anatomy, foundations of personal support, foundations of mental health, developmental stages and alterations in health, supporting clients in palliative care, personal and professional growth and much more.
Incorporated into courses in the Personal Support Worker program, is the use of Centennial College's Morningside Campus, which is the school's most technologically advanced location and offers clinical labs as well as fully-equipped computer labs.
Additionally, students actually spend more than half of the total program hours in a field placement working with teams in long-term care institutions, the community and at in-home settings. The 15-week practical experience in field placement allows students to apply what they have learned in their courses, network and absorb knowledge from practicing professionals.
Personal Support Worker program applicants are required to have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, applicants must have finished the compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent and can prove English proficiency.
