Make a real difference in people’s lives. Central College’s personal support worker certificate program prepares you to deliver safe, dignified care for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and patients recovering from illness or surgery. Through practical labs, simulated scenarios, and supervised placement, you’ll graduate with confidence—and a portfolio of experience employers value.
Why Choose Central College for Your PSW Training
Hands-on from day one: Practice essential skills in our skills lab and simulation suites.
Supportive instructors: Learn from experienced nurses and allied health professionals.
Clinical placement: Supervised experience with community partners to build real-world competence.
Career services: Resume building, interview coaching, and employer connections.
Flexible options: Day/evening and accelerated pathways available—ask admissions for current intakes.
What You’ll Learn
Client-centred care: Communication, cultural humility, trauma-informed approaches, and professionalism.
Activities of daily living (ADLs): Safe assistance with bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, mobility, and positioning.
Infection prevention safety: Hand hygiene, PPE, cleaning protocols, incident reporting, and WHMIS awareness.
Vital signs observation: Temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure basics, and when to escalate concerns.
Nutrition hydration: Meal support, dysphagia awareness, and safe food handling.
Cognitive mental health: Dementia care strategies, responsive behaviours, and de-escalation techniques.
Palliative end-of-life care: Comfort measures, family communication, and dignity in care.
Documentation teamwork: Charting fundamentals, privacy/confidentiality, and working within interprofessional teams.
Program Experience
Skills labs: Transfer techniques, mechanical lifts, body mechanics, and pressure-injury prevention.
Simulation: Realistic scenarios to build judgment and confidence before placement.
Supervised placement: Exposure to one or more settings such as long-term care, community/home care, retirement residences, or hospitals (availability varies by term and partner sites).
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the personal support worker certificate are prepared for roles such as:
Personal Support Worker / Health Care Aide
Home Support Worker / Community Care Assistant
Resident Care Aide in long-term care or retirement settings
You’ll be ready to serve in long-term care, home/community care, retirement communities, rehabilitation facilities, and hospital support units.
Admissions Requirements
No prior healthcare experience is required—compassion, reliability, and a desire to help others are your foundation. Placement partners may request items such as:
Clear vulnerable sector screening
Proof of immunizations and TB screening
Current CPR/First Aid (BLS recommended)
Mask-fit testing and other site-specific onboarding
Details and timelines are outlined in your admissions package.
Program Format Schedule
Instruction: Classroom theory, demonstrations, and practice labs
Assessment: Skills checklists, quizzes, scenario evaluations, and placement evaluations
Delivery: Full-time or part-time options (subject to cohort availability)
Speak with admissions for start dates, tuition, and funding options.
Student Support Services
Career launch: Workshops on resume writing, interview practice, and employer meet-and-greets
Academic help: Tutoring, study groups, and instructor office hours
Well-being: Access to counselling referrals and student success resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the program?
Program length varies by cohort and schedule (accelerated/day/evening). Admissions can share current options.
Where will I complete my placement?
Placement partners may include long-term care homes, community/home-care organizations, retirement residences, or hospital support units (site availability varies by term).
Is there job support after graduation?
Yes. Career services assist with resumes, interviews, and job leads, and host employer info sessions.
What if I’ve never worked in healthcare?
That’s okay—our curriculum starts with fundamentals and builds to confident, competent practice.
Can I work while studying?
Many students do. Part-time/evening paths (when available) can help you balance work and school.
Other Programs Services at Central College
Alongside our core personal support worker certificate, explore:
Ready to start a meaningful career in care? Apply to Central College’s personal support worker certificate today or request an info session to learn more.
