Personal Support Worker
Ontario College Certificate (1 Year - 2 Semesters) (3027)
About the Program
This two semester program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skill to provide safe and competent support services to clients living in a variety of settings who are experiencing physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges and to function as an important member of the health care team.
Personal Support Workers are unregulated health care providers who work under the supervision of a regulated health care professional or in the supported living environment under the direction of the client.
Program of Study
Semester 1
Communications I (CMM115)
Body Structure and Function I (PSW108)
Principles of PSW Practice I (PSW120)
Health Promotion and Health Challenges I (PSW121)
PSW Practicum I (PSW123)
Semester 2
Body Structure and Function II (PSW118)
Principles of PSW Practice II (PSW130)
Health Promotion and Health Challenges II (PSW131)
PSW Practicum II (PSW133)
Where You’ll Work
Graduates of the program may seek employment in the community in nursing homes, homes for the aged, retirement homes, rest homes, Red Cross, March of Dimes, and personnel agencies for private care, to mention a few.
What You’ll Need
Ontario Secondary School diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C, or mature student status.
What We Recommend
To assist students in making decisions about a career, we recommend that students, prior to admission, become knowledgeable about the role of the personal support worker. This exposure may include volunteer work and discussion with health care providers in nursing homes and homes for the aged or previous graduates.
Dress Code
The public we serve and the institutions with which we share contractual agreements expect a neat and well-groomed appearance of the Personal Support Worker student. A professional image communicates respect, caring and inspires confidence and trust with our clients and others.
It is expected that Sault College Personal Support Worker students will follow a dress code at all times and will also adhere to the policies of the agencies they visiting as students.
Placements
All applicants will be required to submit documentation of having completed the following procedures prior to entering clinical/lab, identified courses and/or field placement components of the program. If the appropriate documentation is not received within 15 days after the start of the semester, it may be necessary to withdraw the student from the course.
A current (within one year) Police Records Search is required by students as they will be enrolled in a program during which they will have unsupervised access to vulnerable persons. For detailed information regarding the specifics and process please refer to the 'Police Records Search Procedure'. All costs associated to these requirements are the responsibility of the student.
CPR (HCP Level), WHMIS, and First Aid Certificates: Students are required to provide their certification for these courses. Students are responsible for maintaining annual CPR (HCP Level) certification throughout their program.
Immunization & Health Record Form:
This form includes the following immunization requirements:
Two-step TB test
Immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella
Current tetanus-diphtheria
Current influenza immunization
All costs associated to these requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Physical demands analysis may be required by the field placement facility.
Additional Requirements
Personal Support Worker is no longer a direct entry into the Practical Nursing Program.
Personal Support Worker graduates would still require Grade 12 Chemistry (C) SCH4C and Grade 11 Foundations for College Math (C) MBF3C.
Successfull completion of both PSW108 and PSW118, however, will be accepted for Grade 11 Biology (C) SBI3C
For more information contact Program Coordinator Gwen DiAngelo at 705.759.2554, ext 2608 or email gwen.diangelo@saultcollege.ca
Course Descriptions
Semester 1
Communications I (CMM115) (3 credits)
This course will help students to develop the fundamental communication skills required to function effectively at college and in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on reading and responsive writing, summarizing, editing strategies, and research/documentation skills. Students will be able to read and respond with research and proper documentation techniques to produce college-level writing.
Body Structure and Function I (PSW108) (3 credits)
This course will provide the learner with a general understanding of the structure and function of the human body. The learner will begin to examine body systems to obtain knowledge of how the structures and functions are related to maintain homeostatis.
Principles of PSW Practice I (PSW120) (4 credits)
This course will introduce the learner to the health care system, the health care team and the legislative regulations that govern the role of the Personal Support Worker. The legal rights and responsibilities of both the client and the PSW will be examined. Concepts will be explored that pertain to building helping relationships, solving problems, working within groups, maintaining safety, infection control, and abuse prevention. Medical terminology and standard abbreviations will be studied to enhance communication within the health care delivery system.
Health Promotion and Health Challenges I (PSW121) (3 credits)
This course will expose the learner to the theoretical concepts of health promotion, health practices, human needs, and growth and development throughout the lifespan. Understanding of these concepts will provide the learner with knowledge to provide optimum support for clients based on the client's unique needs. An introduction to caring for individuals and families experiencing ongoing health challenges is included in the course with emphasis on vision, hearing, mobility, and aphasia.
PSW Practicum I (PSW123) (9 credits)
This course will provide the learner with opportunities to apply the concepts and knowledge acquired in the classroom environment to the practice setting. The emphasis will be on meeting the needs of clients. The learner will practice basic care skills in the simulated laboratory setting, conduct community visits, and provide holistic care to clients residing in long-term care facilities.
Semester 2
Body Structure and Function II (PSW118) (3 credits)
This course is a continuation of Body Structure and Function I. Study of the remaining body systems will provide the learner with a general understanding of how the structures and functions are related to maintaining homeostasis.
Principles of PSW Practice II (PSW130) (3 credits)
This course prepares students to interpret established Nursing Care Plans, organize prioritized care, and document. A continued study of medical terminology and standard abbreviations is included. The learner will examine legal issues related to end of life care, responsibilities related to assisting clients with medication administration and the role of the PSW in home management. This course will also explore workplace issues and job search skills to prepare students for graduation.
Health Promotion and Health Challenges II (PSW131) (3 credits)
This course is a continuation of Health Promotion and Health Challenges I. The learner continues to explore the holistic care of individuals and families experiencing ongoing physical, cognitive and mental health challenges. The role of the PSW in rehabilitative, restorative and palliative care will be examined.
PSW Practicum II (PSW133) (12 credits)
This course will provide the learner with opportunities to apply the concepts and knowledge acquired in the classroom environment to the practice setting. The emphasis will be on meeting the needs of clients. The learner will practice skills in the simulated laboratory setting, work within the role of a PSW in a community agency, and provide holistic care to clients residing in long-term care facilities. These experiences will provide the learner with the opportunity to consolidate skills and knowledge at a level of a graduating PSW.
