Personal Support Worker with Certifications

Approved under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005

Course Overview

Our Personal Support Worker with Certifications program is a comprehensive 640-hour training course designed to prepare you for a fulfilling career in healthcare. This 16-week program combines online instructor-led learning with hands-on practice and real-world experience. You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to provide compassionate, competent care across diverse healthcare settings while earning valuable certifications in CPR & First Aid, Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA), Food Safety, and Acquired Brain Injury.

The program features a carefully structured learning journey: 10 weeks of online theory, one intensive week of in-person skills training in our fully equipped labs, and 5 weeks of supervised practicum placement in long-term care and community settings. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to step into one of Ontario’s most in-demand careers with credentials and practical experience that employers are looking for.

Is this program right for you?

This program is designed for compassionate individuals who are looking to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. If you are someone who genuinely cares about helping others, enjoys building trusting relationships with people of all ages, and values empathy and respect, then this career path may be perfect for you. We’re looking for team players who demonstrate accountability, flexibility and attention to detail, qualities that are essential in a healthcare setting. Whether you’re seeking a stable career in a high-demand field, want to enter healthcare quickly with comprehensive training, or are looking for flexibility in your work environment, this program will prepare you for a rewarding profession where you can truly make a positive impact every single day.

What You'll learn

Throughout this comprehensive 640-hour program, you’ll develop a strong foundation in all aspects of personal support work. Your training begins with understanding the role and responsibilities of support workers in the healthcare system, including professional ethics, communication skills, and client rights. You’ll master essential client care techniques including personal hygiene assistance, bathing, dressing, mobility support, and proper body mechanics to prevent injury. The curriculum covers vital signs monitoring, infection prevention and control, medication management, and nutrition and elimination care. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of body systems and common disorders affecting clients across all stages of life, from infants to seniors. Specialized training includes mental health support, dementia and Alzheimer’s care using the Gentle Persuasive Approach, and working with clients who have acquired brain injuries or developmental disabilities. A significant portion of the program focuses on integrating a palliative approach to provide compassionate, dignified end-of-life care to clients and their families. Through 200 hours of supervised practicum placement experience in both long-term care facilities and community settings, you’ll apply your classroom learning in real-world environments, developing the confidence and competence needed to excel as a professional Personal Support Worker.

Career Opportunities

As a Personal Support Worker, you’ll enter one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions in Ontario. The aging population and increasing demand for home care services have created numerous rewarding career opportunities across a variety of healthcare settings.

Our Personal Support Worker graduates can pursue fulfilling roles in:

  • Long-Term Care Facilities
  • Retirement Homes
  • Hospitals
  • Community Care
  • Private Home Care
  • Hospices & Palliative Care

Included Certifications

First Aid & CPR, Level C

Food Safety - Food Handler

Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA)

Acquired Brain Injury Training

Program Details

Program Type:

Certificate Course

Program Duration:

16 Weeks

Total Instruction Hours:

640 Hours

Delivery Format:

Hybrid

Language of Instruction:

English

Why Choose Crossroads?

  • No time wasted – focused, intensive training to get you working faster
  • Ministry-approved program meeting PSW Standard 2022
  • Small classes with personalized support
  • 200 Hours of real-world practicum experience
  • Experience both long-term and community care
  • Specialized training in dementia and palliative care
  • Build connections with local employers
  • Experienced instructors with real healthcare backgrounds

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Personal Support Worker with Certifications program, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

  • Age: 18 years of age or older on or before the program begins.
  • Education: High school diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent. Alternatively, a minimum Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam score of 11 may be accepted and can be administered at one of our campus locations.
  • Medical Clearance: Signed medical disclaimer and completion of a Medical Report including proof of immunizations.
  • Police Clearance: Provide a clear criminal record and vulnerable sector check (Police Record Check Level 3).
  • Vulnerable Sector Disclaimer: Sign a disclaimer acknowledging the program’s work with vulnerable sectors.
  • English Proficiency: Must have a good understanding of the English language – both written and verbal

Frequently asked questions

The Personal Support Worker with Certifications runs full-time 40 hours per week over the course of 16 weeks. You will complete 10 weeks of online instructor-led theory learning, followed by 1 week of intensive in-person hands-on training at our Ottawa Campus, and finish with 5 weeks of supervised practicum placement in healthcare facilities.

Yes! We work with long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and community care organizations throughout Ottawa. We assist students in securing appropriate practicum placements that meet program requirements.

You’ll receive a Certificate II upon successful completion, along with individual certifications in CPR & First Aid, Level C, Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA), Food Safety-Food Handler, and Acquired Brain Injury Training. This program is approved under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 and meets the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Personal Support Worker Standard (2022).

Personal Support Workers are in high demand across Ontario! You can work in long-term care facilities, retirement homes, hospitals, community care settings, or provide private home care. The aging population means strong job security and numerous opportunities.

Students must maintain a 70% average in each subject. If you fail a final exam, you can rewrite it. Tests, assignments and presentations may be repeated once at no charge. Failed subjects must be repeated at an additional charge. You have up to 3 months from your original end date to complete all requirements.

We offer multiple start dates throughout the year. Contact our admissions team at (613) 742-7499 extension 206 to learn about upcoming classes and to secure your spot. Classes fill quickly, so we strongly recommend applying early!

Yes! Health Force Ontario offers several incentives for PSW students and graduates. Students can receive up to $5,440 as a stipend during their clinical placement in long-term care homes or home and community care settings. New graduates who commit to 12 months of full-time employment with a participating employer can receive a Recruitment Incentive of $10,000. Additional incentives include a Rural, Remote and Northern Community Incentive of $10,000 for those working in qualifying communities, and a Relocation Support of $10,000 for those relocating at least 100 km to a rural, remote or northern area. These incentives can be combined, potentially totaling up to $30,000. For more information and to connect with participating employers, visit Health Force Ontario’s PSW Initiatives page.

Funding and financial assistance may be available for those individuals who qualify. Please click here to see the detailed information on financial aid.