Personal Support Worker Program Prepares Students for a Multiple Settings
Did you know that in just one year, students of Centennial College's Personal Support Worker program graduate with the know-how 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. Additionally, the fast-paced Personal Support Worker gives students the flexibility to adapt to a variety of settings, such as the client's home, schools, community residential facilities, nursing homes or chronic care facilities.
But how does Centennial College's Personal Support Worker program teach so much in such as short period of time? First and foremost, it employs a hands-on approach that consists of small group instruction in clinical and laboratory settings, which is led by faculty members who are experienced, caring and supportive. Secondly, the Personal Support Worker program is based at Morningside Campus. As Centennial College's most technologically advanced location, it features state-of-the-art computer labs as well as clinical labs. Thirdly, Personal Support Worker courses cover the full range of home- and health-related services required by a variety of clients. Among these courses are Anatomy, Foundations of Personal Support, Developmental Stages & Alterations in Health, Personal Support Communication, Foundations of Mental Health, Supporting Clients in Palliative Care and more.
The final aspect of the Personal Support Worker program that allows students to gain much knowledge in a short amount of time is a field placement that spans more than half of the total program hours. The 15-week experience sees students work in long-term care institutions, the community and at in-home settings where they apply what they have learned in-school, network and obtain new knowledge. After admission but prior to each program field placement, students are required to: obtain an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening; complete immunization requirements (immunization review form); successfully complete and annually renew a recognized course in CPR (HCP-Healthcare Provider level); successfully complete a recognized course in standard first aid; and attend a mask fit testing provided by Centennial College (shaving of portion of face may be required to meet safety standards).
Applicants to the Personal Support Worker program 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.
