Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate III Program
- Achieve a recognized healthcare credential
- Train for an in-demand field with career growth opportunities in Ontario
- Build on-the-job skills through interactive lab sessions and guaranteed clinical placements
- Get access to Career Academy Canada and develop career readiness skills for success in the workplace
- Tuition Fee Guarantee - we guarantee you will receive a job offer upon graduation or your tuition will be refunded in full
Get Started
Program Duration
37 Weeks | 700 hours
Credential
Certificate III
Location
OICC Toronto campus
Teaching Method
In person
Get started on your personal support worker career path
About the Personal Support Worker (PSW) Program
Begin a successful career path in healthcare and learn how to provide meaningful support and care to individuals in need. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or looking to make a career move, our Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate program gets you into the workforce quickly while providing you with the knowledge, practical skills, and experience employers are looking for.
Through successful completion of our Personal Support Worker (PSW) program, you will earn the required credentials that qualify you to work as a PSW or in a related position in Ontario. As this is a NACC-licensed Personal Support Worker (PSW) program, students also have the opportunity to earn a NACC digital credential, providing they successfully complete the NACC Final Exam with a minimum passing grade of 65%.
What Will Students Learn?
The Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate program equips students with the necessary knowledge, hands-on skills, and soft skills required to provide respectful and appropriate care to individuals in a variety of facilities – from long-term care and retirement homes to supportive housing, adult day programs, and more. Beyond the program courses, students participate in interactive lab sessions and clinical placements under the guidance of experts in the field:
- 400 hours of in-school theory and practice through interactive lab sessions
- 200 hours of Clinical Placement (Facility)
- 100 hours of Clinical Placement (Community)
Develop all knowledge and core competencies PSWs require
Gain valuable insights from instructors that are experts in the field
Build critical skills through guaranteed clinical placements
Earn your CPR-HCP (Health Care Provider) certification
$42,307
average annual salary in Ontario
Good
job prospects in Ontario for PSWs in the next 3 years (4 out of 5 stars)
Personal Support Worker Career Opportunities
Personal Support Workers assist with the tasks of daily living through activities such as personal hygiene, mobility, preparing meals, taking medication, home management, recreational activities, etc. The range of services provided by a Personal Support Worker is determined by the individual needs of each client.
The Government of Canada Labour Market Information reports that the employment outlook will be good for Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 3413) in Ontario for the 2024 – 2026 period. The growing and aging population in Ontario will increase demand for workers and there are continued investments to increase care and capacity at long-term care homes in addition to various initiatives supporting home and community-based care. In fact, up to 24,000 new Personal Support Workers will be needed by 2026.
Data reported on the Government of Ontario Job Bank.
Our Personal Support Worker Certificate program is designed to meet the demand for qualified and high-performing PSWs in Ontario by equipping our graduates with the right knowledge and skillsets required to succeed in this rewarding field. We’re here to help you get started on your new career path. Once you graduate from our Personal Support Worker Certificate program, popular career path options include:
- Personal Support Worker (PSW)
- Nurse Aide
- Orderly
- Patient Services Associate
Program Courses
Our Personal Support Worker (PSW) program is licensed by NACC (National Association of Career Colleges), which means its content, standards, and guidelines are relevant, up-to-date, and in line with industry requirements. The NACC program was developed and is maintained by a committee of academic and industry experts based upon the Ontario Personal Support Worker Training Standard.
During the PSW program, our students learn from highly qualified instructors that have years of experience in the field as PSWs or equivalent. Through our quality curriculum, students not only develop a solid foundational knowledge of Canadian healthcare protocols and general knowledge all PSWs should have, but they also develop valuable real-world skills during interactive lab sessions, putting classroom knowledge into practice.
PSW Foundations
The introductory module provides an overview of the scope of responsibilities of PSWs in a variety of settings. Students will learn about client-centred versus client-directed care; and emphasizing the individuality of the client and his/her relationship with family, friends, and others. Key topics include work relationships, stress and time management, interpersonal skills, and communications, including conflict resolution and problem solving, and applicable legislation.
Safety and Mobility
The second module covers safety as it relates to both the client and the worker. One of the
fundamental activities of the PSW is that of assisting the client with routine activities of living. Students will learn about risks of unsafe equipment or settings and appropriate actions to take when unsafe situations are identified. Topics include infection control methods, body mechanics, and transferring and lifting techniques using equipment to increase safety and reduce client anxiety.
Body Systems
This module will introduce the student to the basics of anatomy and physiology. Students will gain an understanding of human body systems in order to apply that knowledge in their daily work as a Personal Support Worker. These body systems are: the musculoskeletal, digestive, urinary, integumentary, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine. Common disorders and age-related changes for each body system will also be covered.
Assisting with Personal Hygiene
PSW’s assist clients with all activities or routines of daily living. Students will learn how to care for the ill, disabled, injured and/or confused client. Frailness, dignity, and levels of dependence will be considered. Personal hygiene includes oral care, perineal care, bathing, grooming, dressing, bed
making, shaving, hair care, and skin care. It includes mobility considerations and involves personal safety, self-esteem, and dignity. The foundation of this module is humanistic health care.
Abuse and Neglect
This module introduces students to the concepts of violence and abuse, including its possible signs, and the appropriate actions and legal requirements if abuse is suspected. Personal beliefs and attitudes about family violence and abuse are examined, as is the concept of worker abuse of the client and, abuse of the worker. PSW will learn to recognize both indicators and causes, and the requirements of legislation, employer policy, and provisions of the service contract or support plan.
Household Management, Nutrition and Hydration
Students will learn to assist the client with their nutritional needs, household activities, and household management according to client preferences, comfort and safety within employer guidelines as required. Nutritional needs include planning balanced menus, preparing shopping lists and shopping, safe handling of food, and storage and specific cooking techniques. The special dietary needs of certain clients and their cultural and religious preferences will all be addressed.
Care Planning / Restorative Care / Documentation / Working in the Community
This module identifies the support provided through the care plan or service contract to the client to relearn or regain routine abilities. They will understand its significance, and the rights of the client as a receiver of support and the purpose, methods, and persons involved in its creation. Student will also be introduced to working in the community health care environment, providing support to patients and families in communities, conducted in accordance with employer guidelines.
Assisting the Family, Growth and Development
This module identifies the support provided through the care plan or service contract to the client to relearn or regain routine abilities. They will understand its significance, and the rights of the client as a receiver of support and the purpose, methods, and persons involved in its creation. Student will also be introduced to working in the community health care environment, providing support to patients and families in communities, conducted in accordance with employer guidelines.
Assisting the Dying Person
In this module students learn about hospice, palliative and end-of-life care, the integration of a palliative approach to care, ways of being, communication and practical strategies to provide psychosocial support and physical comfort care for both the person and their family. This module addresses provincial palliative care competencies (2018-2020) including competencies for caring for
First Nation, Inuit, Metis, and urban Indigenous peoples.
Assisting with Medications
Within the PSW scope of practice, students learn about medication administration versus assistance. They gain basic knowledge of the drugs used in the treatment of common diseases and disorders including use, classification, effects, and routes of administration. They identify purposes, required instruction, and cautions; and the importance of observation for both desired and undesired outcomes, as well as the procedures to be followed in the event of a concern or problem with
medications.
Cognitive and Mental Health Issues and Brain Injuries
This module introduces students to common psychiatric conditions such as affective disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse, cognitive impairment, and brain injury. The possibility of multiple conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression will be discussed along with the role of the family
caregiver and the importance of observation, documentation, and reporting in order to recognize changes in behaviour that can be related to psychiatric conditions or an increased risk of suicide.
Health Conditions
Students are introduced to ongoing conditions and basic concepts of assistance, as well as the
general effects on the person of common disabilities, conditions and diseases. Students will gain skill in the necessary techniques while focusing on the importance of providing support safely, effectively and comfortably. Concepts of maintenance, rehabilitation and restoration are discussed, as is the importance of the support team in providing assistance and training of these additional
skills.
Gentle Persuasive Approaches in Dementia Care
Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) is a multi-disciplinary education program designed for
everyone who interacts with older adults in the workplace. Participants are guided to fully
understand responsive behaviours in order to be able to respond effectively and appropriately in a workplace setting.
Program Clinical Placements
As part of the PSW program, students are also required to participate in 300 hours of clinical placements in a full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week) capacity.
These program placements are a fantastic way to not only build real-world skills but also improve your confidence and help you learn how to engage with clients in an appropriate manner. At OICC, we have a 100% practicum placement rate, meaning we guarantee our students will get the valuable opportunity to experience working as a PSW. We ensure placements are guaranteed by developing close relationships with various community and clinical facilities.
Long Term Care Facility Placement | 200 Hours
During the Facility Placement, students will develop and enhance the skills that they have gained throughout their theory and lab practice of the program. Skills and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Recognizing/identifying changes in client’s behaviours/conditions and reports changes.
- Understands the use of medical terms, abbreviations and the 24 hours clock.
- Safely operates and cleans equipment.
- Assists with Hygiene/Grooming/Dressing & Surroundings
- Works with the client’s abilities promoting safety, security, dignity and independence.
Students will spend time working in a facility setting under the supervision of their instructor for 100 hours and under a preceptor provided by the host site for an additional 100 hours (total 200 hours).
Community Placement | 100 Hours
Throughout this Community Placement, students may be sent to sites such as home care services providing care to clients in their own homes; supportive housing; attendant outreach, retirement homes, education settings; group homes; adult day programs; and hospice programs. This placement will help develop and enhance the skills that they have gained throughout their theory and lab practice of the program. Skills and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Recognizing/identifying changes in client’s behaviours/conditions and reports changes.
- Understands the use of medical terms, abbreviations and the 24 hours clock.
- Safely operates and cleans equipment.
- Assists with Hygiene/Grooming/Dressing & Surroundings
- Works with the client’s abilities promoting safety, security, dignity and independence.
The students will spend time working in a community setting under the supervision of a preceptor provided by the host site.
Career Academy Canada
In today’s increasingly competitive job market, it can be overwhelming to navigate the professional world and understand what skills and attributes employers are looking for.
With Oxford International’s Career Academy Canada, we partner with you to:
- Identify, develop, and map out your career plan
- Build the skills you need to achieve your goals
- Expand your industry and employer networks in the field you’re interested in
Tuition Fee Guarantee
Our Commitment to You
We are proud of the quality of our Personal Support Worker (PSW) program and are confident that you will receive an offer of employment (part-time or full-time) in the healthcare field upon graduation.
In fact, we are so confident in our quality assurance that we commit to refunding your tuition fees in full if you graduate from the OICC | Oxford International Career Colleges PSW program, but do not receive any offer of employment (part-time or full-time)!
For more details and terms and conditions, please see the Tuition Fee Guarantee section in the FAQ below.
PSW Program Start Dates
May 5th, 2025
May 5th, 2025
July 7th, 2025
August 5th, 2025
July 7th, 2025
August 5th, 2025
* The schedule is subject to change
About our OICC Toronto Campus
111 Peter Street #220, Toronto, ON M5V 1X1
Study in the heart of downtown Toronto, walking distance from the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Scotia Bank Arena. Our OICC Toronto campus is centrally-located with easy access by public transit and car, with parking available just across the street.
Our bright and modern classrooms, fun student vibe, and highly-qualified instructors foster a vibrant learning environment where you feel inspired to dig into your studies and achieve your career goals!
Before You Apply to the PSW Program
Scope of work as a PSW
The job of a PSW involves caring for people of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. A PSW will be working with people who are very vulnerable and who will need help with their daily living activities such a s bating, feeding and toileting.
Students taking the PSW program understand that it is a requirement of the program and the work of a PSW to adhere to the Canadian Character of Rights and Freedoms which states that all individuals have the right to equality before and under the law without discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, gender, age of mental or physical disability.
Program fees
OICC Toronto campus is currently offering a $1,000 CAD Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate III program tuition! Applicable for all students.
Program Fees for Domestic Students
| Tuition | Application | Uniforms | NACC Final Exam | Scholarship | Total |
| $7,300 | $100 | $200 | $100 | $1,000 | $6,700 |
Program Fees for International Students
| Tuition | Application | Uniforms | NACC Final Exam | Scholarship | Total |
| $14,400 | $500 | $200 | $100 | $1,000 | $14,200 |
Available scholarships
Available Scholarships for Domestic Students
The Government of Nova Scotia is offering free tuition for domestic students* who wish to earn their Continuing Care Assistant Certificate with OICC and work as a CCA in Nova Scotia!
Domestic students who begin the OICC Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) Certificate program throughout 2024-2025 fiscal year (end March 2025) will qualify for free tuition! Students who benefit from the scholarship program will be required to work within the publicy-funded Nova Scotia continuing care sector (long-term care or home care) for two years (4,160 hours) following their graduation. This scholarship covers the entire cost of domestic students’ application fees, tuition, and course materials, but does not include the cost of uniforms ($200). Please contact OICC Halifax campus directly to learn more.
*Domestic students = Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Available Scholarships for International Students
There are a number of scholarships available for international students. Please contact your agent or Oxford International representative for more information.
Level III PSW Certification
Upon graduation from our Personal Support Worker (PSW) program, you will have earned your Level III Certificate which qualifies you to work as a Personal Support Worker or in a related position in Ontario. The Level III designation is determined by the Government of Ontario as part of the Ontario Qualifications Framework and is based on the number of program hours. Learn more on the Government of Ontario website.
Accommodation
Through OICC Toronto campus, you can choose from three accommodation options:
1. Fully-furnished shared apartments with private bedrooms through HOEM student residence.
2. Fully furnished single rooms through the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) student residence.
3. Homestay with a local family.
Visit our Toronto campus accommodation page to learn more.
Tuition Fee Guarantee
We are proud of the quality of our Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate program and are confident that you will receive an offer of employment (part-time or full-time) in the healthcare field upon graduation.
We are so confident in our quality assurance that we commit to refunding your tuition fees in full[1] if you graduate from the OICC | Oxford International Career Colleges PSW program, but do not receive any offer of employment (part-time or full-time). To be eligible, you will need to have:
- Maintained required attendance during the 37-week PSW program including all clinical placements.
- Received passing grades 0f 70% or above in all areas of the PSW program (written or practical).
- Received satisfactory reports from all clinical placement providers.
- Worked respectfully and professionally with clients, clinical placement staff, and other professionals in the field from varied ethnic backgrounds.
- Attended a minimum of 3 interviews with potential employers (minimum 1 interview in the Greater Toronto Area) in addition to interviewing with your clinical placement providers.
- Demonstrated a strong desire to attain the position of a PSW in Ontario.
- Completed all certifications, workshops, and trainings offered through OICC Toronto campus during regular scheduled classroom hours and added mention of these certifications, workshops, and trainings on your resume.
- Attended and participated in Career Academy Canada career readiness workshops, sessions, and activities.
- Successfully passed the NACC final examination (minimum passing grade of 65%) earning your digital certificate and badge.
The Oxford International Career Colleges (OICC) Tuition Fee Guarantee for the Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate program is applicable to all students. Note that an offer of employment does not guarantee approval for any immigration streams, a work permit, or Permanent Residency.
[1] Program deposits, course materials fees, and any additional fees are not included. Refunds are strictly for tuition fees paid by the student. Students are not refunded any amount provided through scholarships or bursaries.
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR)
- If a student has successfully completed the NACC Home Support Worker (HSW) Program within 2 years of enrolling in the PSW Program, all Modules will be accepted as credit toward the PSW Program, including Community Placement hours.
- If a student has completed the NACC HSW Program more than 2 years and less than 5 years prior to enrolling in the PSW Program, they must: a) meet with the PSW Program Director to review student’s transcripts; b) challenge the Module tests and performance demonstrations for modules already completed, and receive a minimum passing score of 75%; and c) have their readmission determined on an individual basis by the PSW Program Director, once the above conditions have been met.
- If a student completed the NACC HSW Program more than 5 years prior to enrolling in the PSW Program, the student must enroll as a new student and complete all modules.
Admission Requirements for the PSW Program
Secondary School requirements
Applicants must provide proof of Secondary School eduation or equivalent through one of the following:
- Canadian Grade 12 Certificate, Diploma, or GED
- International Grade 12 or higher
- A mature student with a score of 11 or higher on the Wonderlic SLE (or other approved Ministry test)
Note: CAT and CAST are no longer eligible. Mature student status may be granted to applicants who are over the age of 19 years and do not have a high school diploma or GED.
Language requirements
English language proficiency is demonstrated through one of the following:
- Academic IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.5)
- Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) minimum score of 7 in each strand
- TOEFL IBT 80 with the minimum in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20
- CAEL Overall 60 with no section below 60
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) 7 with no section score below 6
- Duolingo English Test minimum score of 95
- Pearson PTE Academic minimum score of 46
- NACC Written Entrance Exam passing score of 60
Alternatively, applicants who are able to demonstrate 2 years of consecutive full-time academic study where the language of instruction was English are exempt from supplying an English proficiency exam for admission into OICC PSW program.
Other requirements
Applicants must also provide:
- A clear Vulnerable Sector Disclaimer
- A signed Medical Disclaimer
Applying to the PSW Program
I'm ready to apply
In order to apply to our Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate program, please fill out an online application. Once you submit your application, our Admissions team will be in contact with you within a few days to confirm the next steps.
If you aren’t sure that you can meet the admission requirements for the program, we recommend you connect with your Oxford International representative to learn more. If you do not have the English levels required, OICC Toronto campus offers pre-sessional English programs that provide direct entry to the PSW program.
I applied to the program
Well done! You’ve taken your first step towards a bright new future as a Personal Support Worker in Ontario.
Our Admissions team will review your application and any supporting documents. We know you’re eager to hear back from us and we’ll be in contact as soon as possible.
I received my conditional offer letter
Please read your conditional offer letter carefully and keep it safe! You’ll see the list of what you need to do to start your program at OICC Toronto campus. Pleasse remember that it is your responsibility to meet any requirements or conditions outlined in your conditional offer letter.
In the conditional offer letter, we outline the start date we’ve offered you, the fees you need to pay, and any additional conditions you are required to meet before you enroll.
For Domestic Students
You are now able to book your PSW program interview to ensure you are a suitable candidate to begin the program. Your conditional offer letter will outline the steps you need to take to book your interview.
For International Students
You are now required to pay your $1,000 CAD Application Fee. Please ensure you are prepared to meet all requirements listed in your conditional offer letter before paying the Application Fee as it is non-refundable. Once you pay your Application Fee, you are now able to book your PSW program interview to ensure you are a suitable candidate to begin the program. Your conditional offer letter will outline the steps you need to take to book your interview.
I passed my program interview
Congratulations! You have now met one of the major requirements shown on your conditional offer letter! Only those applicants that demonstrate they are a good fit for the PSW program pass their interview.
For Domestic Students
You will now be issued your official offer of admission and be permitted to enroll as a student in the OICC PSW program!
For International Students
You are now required to pay your tuition deposit and will be issued your Letter of Acceptance (LoA) and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). These are required documents in order to apply for your visas.
Apply for the Study Permit visa within 10 weeks of receiving the LoA and PAL. You also need to apply for the Co-op visa at this time.
I received my study and co-op work permits
For International Students:
Congratulations! You are now ready to begin your journey to becoming a PSW.
Read your documents carefully because they will say when you are able to travel. Do not travel before this date because you may be turned away at the border and this could impact your ability to enter Canada later on. Do not book flights or make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation from OICC that you have been given a seat in the program. We will tell you if there is still space for the program start date you have selected.
It is important that you arrive in time for the start of your program. With such an intensive program, we do not allow students to start late. Late starters would miss valuable learning and experiences. If you think you will not be in Canada in time for your program start date, please notify OICC Toronto campus immediately.