About personal support workers

As a personal support worker (), you’ll make an enormous difference in the lives of long-term care residents and their families.

From helping with the activities of daily living to providing companionship and support, your work will have a direct impact on long-term care residents’ quality of life and their experience in their home.

Quick facts

1. Up to 24,000 new  are needed by 2026.
2. Train in as little as 5 months.
3. Up to $25,400 in incentives available to new and current students and graduates from recognized programs since April 1, 2024.

PSW Course in Canada Highlights

Top Colleges to Study PSW Course in Canada for International Students

Studying Personal Support Worker (PSW) course in Canada offers a fulfilling career path in health care. Here’s a table featuring the top 10 colleges in Canada for international students to study PSW (Personal Support Worker) courses, along with their location, average cost, and duration:

PSW Course Fees in Canada for International Students

Pursuing a PSW (Personal Support Worker) course in Canada is a valuable step towards a rewarding career in health care. To assist prospective international students, we've compiled a table that outlines various PSW course offered by different universities and colleges in Canada. This table provides insights into the course duration and the average approximate fees, offering a comprehensive overview to help you plan your educational journey effectively.

Government incentives

Right now, Ontario is offering incentives to students and newly graduated personal support workers. You could get up to $25,400 as you start your new career.

Placement stipend for students

What it is: Up to $5,400 while you complete your clinical placement in a long-term care home or in home and community care.

How you get it: You get paid by your employer.

Your employer must submit an online request for a clinical placement stipend on your behalf through Ontario Health.

Get started

Once you have your high school diploma, you can get your personal support worker certificate from:

• publicly-assisted colleges
• career colleges
• district school boards
• Indigenous institutes

Training involves classroom learning and a clinical placement. Some certificate programs can be completed in as little as 5 months.

Students who enroll in a district school board program will have their student fees waived.

Already work in long-term care, but want to become a

The Learn & Earn Accelerated Program offered by Humber College offers upskilling for existing employees at long-term care homes across Ontario to become . The program consists of full-time online coursework followed by a paid on-site clinical placement at the long-term care home where you already work. Check with your home for more information. Graduates of this program who make a commitment to work in a home for one-year are also eligible for the incentives.

Find a job

If you are already qualified, here are some places to look for your next opportunity.

Search job ads from members of:

Summary

The Canadian PSW course is really a very good choice. If you love nursing work, take this step bravely and start your nursing dream journey!