Willis College
Personal Support Worker (PSW) – NACC Certificate
Train for one of Ontario’s most in-demand healthcare roles
Program Length:
30 weeks
Credential:
- ON Certificate
Program Hours:
738
Cost per Credit:
$
Online Learning:
N/A
Start Dates
June 29, 2026
November 30, 2026
May 24, 2027
Job-Ready
February 12, 2027
July 16, 2027
January 7, 2028
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Train for one of Ontario’s most in-demand healthcare roles
The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program prepares you for a meaningful, in-demand healthcare career—no prior experience required. You’ll gain hands-on training in personal care, mobility support, mental health, and safe client assistance, along with essential knowledge in communication, medication support, and safety protocols.
Through clinical placements, you’ll apply your skills in real healthcare settings and build confidence before graduating. You’ll also earn multiple industry-recognized certifications, including CPR, First Aid, and safety training, at no extra cost.
With a flexible schedule of just 2.5 days on campus each week, you can balance your life while training for a stable, rewarding career.
This program follows the NACC PSW curriculum, based on the Ontario Personal Support Worker Training Standard released in January 2022. Through comprehensive coursework and hands-on clinical training, students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to succeed as Personal Support Workers.
Included Certifications
Industry-recognized certifications are essential for Personal Support Workers because they ensure you meet healthcare standards, build employer trust, and are prepared to deliver safe, competent care. They also make you more job-ready and competitive, demonstrating the verified skills needed to support clients effectively from day one.
Upon successful completion of the PSW program, you will graduate with industry-recognized certifications that enhance your skills and employability:
- WHMIS
- Gentle Persuasive Approach in Dementia Care
- Fire Safety
- Food Safety / Food Handler
- Falls Prevention
- First Aid/CPR (Level C)
- LEAP™ Personal Support Worker
- AODA
$20.50
Average Wage/HR$27.00
High Wage/HRNational Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 3413/33102
Source: www.noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
Students are introduced to the principles of client-centred versus client-directed care, emphasizing the individuality of the client and his/her relationship with family, friends, and others. This course focuses on interpersonal skills and communications, including conflict resolution and problem-solving.
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, as well as the requirements of legislation, employer policy, and the provisions of the service contract or support plan.
This module involves caring for the ill, disabled, injured, and/or confused client. Frailness, dignity, and levels of dependence are considered. Personal hygiene involves personal safety, self-esteem, and consideration of dignity.
This course discusses the concept of dying as a part of life and the possible impact of life-threatening illness on the person and their family. Students will examine personal beliefs about life-threatening illness, dying, and the provision of support to the dying person, and their family and friends.
This course emphasizes the influence of cultural values and practices, religious beliefs, and the effects of illness, stress and disability on family relationships as central to the PSW’s ability to provide effective support.
Students will gain basic knowledge of the drugs used in the treatment of common diseases and disorders. This includes drug classification, use, therapeutic effects, side/adverse effects, brand/ generic names, dosage forms, routes of administration, and directions for use of medications.
Students will be introduced to the basics of anatomy and physiology, and gain knowledge and understanding of human body systems that will help them as Personal Support Workers.
Building on the materials presented in the introductory module, PSW Foundations, this course identifies the support to be provided to the client, its need, and significance.
This course introduces topics of common psychiatric conditions of affective disorders and schizophrenia, substance abuse, cognitive impairment, and brain injuries.
This course introduces the basic concepts of assistance, as well as the general effects of common disabilities, ongoing conditions, and diseases on the person. Students will be provided with the skills to perform necessary techniques, with a focus on the importance of providing support safely, effectively, and comfortably.
In this course, students will learn how 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, are also discussed. Students will learn that nutritional needs include planning balanced nutritious menus, preparing shopping lists, shopping, safe handling of food, storage, and specific cooking techniques.
This course develops the concept of assisting the consumer/client with routine activities of living. Topics include body mechanics, consistency in transferring, lifting techniques, and the use of equipment to increase safety and to reduce client anxiety, confusion, and dependency.
This course prepares students for their certificate and focuses on the Falls Prevention algorithm for healthcare providers, with the checklist for risk of falling.
This course prepares students for certification to verify that they have the knowledge and skills to deal with emergency situations and to prevent injuries from occurring.
This course prepares students for certification. Well-informed food handlers provide safer food to the public, understand their responsibilities clearly, and may improve a business's bottom line.
This course prepares students for their certificate and focuses on evacuation of a long-term care facility, fire extinguisher operation, and fire safety procedures that challenge the industry.
This course prepares students for certification and focuses on responding to persons with challenging behaviours. Professional caregivers and healthcare workers intervene effectively, in a non-punitive, respectful, and self-protective manner.
This course prepares students for certification and focuses on the safe management of disruptive and assaultive behaviour.
This course prepares students for the certification exam and covers basic safety and health hazards that may be present in their workplace.
This placement provides students with an opportunity to practice new skills in a community setting. While on placement, students will gain experience using a wide range of Personal Support Worker skills, become more self-confident, and in some cases, receive offers of employment from the placement site.
This placement provides students with an opportunity to practice new skills in a facility setting. While on placement, students will gain experience in a wider range of Personal Support Worker skills, become more self-confident, and in most cases, receive offers of employment from the placement site.
Job Market
Successful graduates of this program may pursue a wide variety of interesting and rewarding professions, including:
- Personal Support Worker
- Healthcare Aide
- Personal Aide
- Long Term Care Aide
- Patient Care Aide
- Patient Service Associate
- Personal Care Attendant – medical
- Resident Care Aide – medical
Salary Information
Average Wage ($/hr) – $20.50
High Wage ($/hr) – $27.00
National Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 3413/33102
Source: www.noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Last updated: 2026-04
Admissions Requirements
Academic Admission Requirements:
- Canadian High School diploma or equivalent
- Clear police check, including a Vulnerable Sector check
- Medical clearance with up-to-date immunizations and free from communicable diseases
- Student questionnaire and completed assessment to determine suitability for a PSW career
- Language requirements*
For Mature Students (19 years of age or older):
We offer alternative admissions options tailored to your province of residence if you do not hold a High School Diploma. Contact the Admissions Team to explore your eligibility and possible pathways to enrollment.
Language Requirements:
For students whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency is required.
- IELTS Minimum average score of 5.5 with no individual subject score below 5.5
- TOEFL-IBT Overall score of 80, individual component minimum score of Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20
- CAEL Overall score of 60 with no section below 60
- CELPIP Score of 7 with no section score below 6
- Canadian Language Benchmark Test Score of 7 in each strand (not an average of 7)
- Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 95
- Pearson PTE Academic with a minimum score of 46
- NACC Written Entrance Exam Passing Score of 60 and above
- Proof of successful completion of 2 consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English at a Canadian educational institution
- Proof of successful completion of 2 consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English at an educational institution outside of Canada
Please contact the Willis College admissions team for guidance on navigating language requirements for the PSW program.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this program flexible enough if I have other personal or work commitments?
Yes. While this is not an online (remote) program, the schedule is designed to support busy students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. With just 2.5 days on campus each week, you’ll benefit from the flexibility you need while still gaining the valuable hands-on training and in-person experience that online-only programs can’t fully provide.
Is PSW a stable career with strong demand?
Yes. Personal Support Workers continue to be in demand across long-term care, home care, and community support settings, making this a stable and rewarding career path for students seeking meaningful work in Ontario. The program is designed to prepare graduates for a growing healthcare field, and current Job Bank outlooks rate related home support worker occupations as “Good” in both Ontario and the Ottawa region, with ongoing growth and workforce retirements expected to create future job opportunities.
Why is the NACC curriculum important when choosing a PSW program?
The NACC curriculum is widely recognized and respected by healthcare employers across Ontario. Because the program is built around established industry standards and includes preparation for the NACC examination, employers understand the level of training, clinical knowledge, and hands-on experience graduates receive.
By choosing a PSW program that follows the NACC curriculum, students can feel confident they are gaining education that aligns with employer expectations and prepares them for real-world healthcare settings.
This program is an excellent fit for:
- Compassionate individuals who enjoy helping others and making a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives
- Career changers looking for a stable, in-demand healthcare career with strong job opportunities
- Hands-on learners who prefer practical, real-world training over traditional classroom only learning
- Strong communicators who are able to support, listen, and build trust with clients, families and care teams
- Resilient and patient individuals comfortable working in emotional situations and supporting vulnerable populations
Why choose the Personal Support Worker (PSW) – NACC Certificate program?
- Hands-On Patient Care Skills:Gain the confidence to provide safe, respectful care that supports hygiene, dignity, and everyday living for a wide range of clients.
- Safe Mobility Training: Learn proper lifting, transfer, and mobility techniques using industry-standard equipment to keep both you and your clients safe.
- Medication Knowledge & Support: Build a strong understanding of common medications and how to safely assist with administration while recognizing potential side effects.
- Mental Health & Behavioural Care Expertise: Develop practical strategies to respond to dementia, cognitive, and mental health challenges with professionalism and compassion.
- All-Inclusive Certifications: Graduate job-ready with multiple in-demand healthcare certifications included—no extra courses required before you start.
- Financial Incentives Available: The federal government has introduced a temporary tax credit for eligible Personal Support Workers, available from 2026 to 2030. Qualifying individuals can claim up to 5% of their eligible earnings, to a maximum of $1,100 per year. Learn more.
Save time & money
- Finish most programs and become job-ready in less than a year!
- Get the skills you need to get hired with programs that cut the extras and give you the skills you need to get hired.
- With career support for life with Willis College, our experts will help find you employment no matter how long ago you graduated.
- You don't need three to four years of school to enter the workforce with the skills to start a great paying career!
Exceptional flexibility
- Learn online with instructor-led programs that will prepare you for the career of your dreams.
- On-Campus program availability is also an option for select programs in Ottawa.
- Start school NOW with most program intakes happening every six weeks (no need to wait!)
- No waiting lists, even in our most-popular programs. We'll get you the job training you need to start your career ASAP.
Career-relevant education
- Our programs are programs aligned with real-world, in-demand occupations. We will get you job-ready!
- Most Willis College programs include practicum experience so you can hit the job search running with a great education AND experience.
- Willis College has 160 years of skills training excellence.
- We have real relationships with employers who are waiting to hire qualified Willis College graduates!
Is financing the only thing stopping you from attending school? We can help.
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What Our Graduates Are Saying
The Admissions process was actually something that went really smoothly. The staff answered my questions exactly how I wanted. The next day, I told them I’m joining the program.
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