Why Choose a Career as a Personal Support Worker?
Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are among the most essential and respected healthcare professionals in Canada. With Ontario's rapidly aging population and growing healthcare infrastructure, certified PSWs enjoy unmatched job security, flexible shifts, and meaningful daily patient impact.
Abundant Job Opportunities
PSWs are in extreme high demand across Ontario hospitals, long-term care homes (LTC), retirement residences, and home healthcare agencies, ensuring rapid job placement upon graduation.
Personal Fulfillment
Make a genuine difference every day by providing compassionate, dignified physical and emotional care that directly enhances the independence and quality of life for seniors and patients.
Competitive Compensation
Earn competitive compensation with opportunities for shift premiums, overtime, union benefits, comprehensive dental/medical plans, and paid vacation time.
Flexible Hybrid Learning
Study live interactive theory online from home, paired with hands-on practice in our fully equipped on-campus hospital simulation lab in Markham Campus.
Credentials & Certifications Awarded
Upon successful completion of the course and national examination, graduates receive official industry-recognized credentials:
NACC PSW Official Diploma
National Association of Career Colleges certified credential recognized nationwide across Canadian healthcare employers.
Standard First Aid & CPR Level C
Certified CPR/AED life support training required for all healthcare and long-term care clinical settings.
GPA Dementia Care Certificate
Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) certification for managing responsive behaviors in seniors with dementia.
Guaranteed Clinical Practicum
Over 310 hours of hands-on placement in accredited Ontario nursing homes and community care agencies.
Official NACC Curriculum Modules (15 Subjects)
Our comprehensive curriculum covers all 15 core vocational modules mandated by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) and Ontario Ministry guidelines:
- 1 PSW Foundations: Role, responsibilities, scope of practice, legal boundaries & healthcare ethics.
- 2 Safety and Mobility: Body mechanics, ergonomics, patient transfer techniques, infection control & WHMIS.
- 3 Body Systems & Anatomy: Comprehensive overview of human anatomy, physiology, aging processes & vital signs.
- 4 Assisting with Personal Hygiene: Bed baths, oral hygiene, skin integrity prevention, grooming & dignity care.
- 5 Abuse and Neglect: Identification, institutional abuse reporting protocols & client rights advocacy.
- 6 Household Management, Nutrition & Hydration: Meal planning, special dietary requirements, therapeutic diets & feeding assistance.
- 7 Care Planning & Documentation: Restorative care goals, electronic health documentation (EHR) & reporting to RNs/RPNs.
- 8 Assisting the Family / Growth & Development: Family dynamics, child development, supportive care across the lifespan.
- 9 Assisting the Dying Person: Palliative care, end-of-life comfort, hospice support & bereavement protocols.
- 10 Assisting with Medications: Pharmacological routes, medication reminders, blister packs & error reporting.
- 11 Cognitive & Mental Health Issues: Alzheimer's disease, dementia care, depression, delirium & acquired brain injuries.
- 12 Common Health Conditions: Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, respiratory conditions, arthritis & cancer care.
- 13 Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA): Evidence-based dementia de-escalation techniques & patient-centered behavioral care.
- 14 Clinical Placement (Facility - 200+ Hours): Supervised on-site practicum in accredited Ontario Long-Term Care (LTC) nursing homes.
- 15 Clinical Placement (Community - 110+ Hours): Hands-on in-home patient support with community healthcare agencies.
Hands-on Clinical Practicum Placement
Victoria International College coordinates 100% of your clinical placements. You will gain real-world experience under the direct mentorship of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs).
Direct Hire from Practicum
Over 85% of our graduates receive permanent job offers directly from their clinical placement facility before graduation!
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD / Grade 12) or Canadian / International equivalent evaluation.
- Mature Student Status: 18 years of age or older with passing score on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (administered free on campus).
- Clear Vulnerable Sector Police Check (VSS).
- Standard Medical & Immunization Clearance Form (TB 2-step test, Hepatitis B, Influenza, COVID-19).
- Proficiency in English communication.