Personal Support Worker Diploma Program
Get a $2,000 scholarship when you enroll and start your program in [STARTMONTH]!
Connect with an admissions advisor
and have all your questions answered
Become a key member of the health team by joining the compassionate and dedicated field of personal support workers. Make a meaningful difference every day in the lives of those in need.
Get a $2,000 scholarship when you enroll and start your program in [STARTMONTH]!
Credential
Diploma
Duration
43 weeks
Practicum
7 weeks
- Personal Aide
- Family Caregiver
- Home Support Worker
- Health Care Assistant
- Live-In Caregiver
Student Aid Eligible
Our Personal Support Worker course is eligible for student aid funding; other options available.
Health Industry-Experienced Instructors
Industry-experienced instructors bring firsthand knowledge from actual roles in their fields.
Laptop Program
We provide the tools you need to succeed in your program, including a new laptop you keep.
CPR and First Aid Certification
Certifications in CPR and First Aid prepare you to handle emergencies and provide immediate, lifesaving care with confidence and competence.
Find Out What Our Students
Say About Us
Great Experience! Instructors were very supportive, and the course, materials, and any staff member that I had to contact were terrific! My experience with Sundance College has been the greatest.
Amanda C.
What to Expect From Our Personal Support Worker
As a skilled personal support worker, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Our program prepares you for this rewarding career by providing a strong foundation through courses in safety and mobility, personal hygiene, household management, nutrition, restorative care, medication assistance, and mental health support. You will have the necessary skills to provide compassionate and effective care to patients in their homes or in hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices, palliative care facilities, assisted living retirement homes, and other settings.
The Personal Support Worker program provides you with a unique set of personal and patient care skills essential for success in the healthcare field. Industry-experienced instructors support you to become well-equipped to take on a variety of direct patient-care support roles within the healthcare sector.
Program Overview: Personal Support Worker
Learn about Sundance College’s Personal Support Worker diploma program and how it prepares students for career success as a care worker or personal aide.
The Sundance Difference
Supporting Student Success
Sundance College’s mission is to “support student success”. All members of our team are dedicated to helping students succeed throughout their educational journey.
One Course at a Time
Students focus on 1 course at a time, rather than splitting attention among multiple courses.
Concentrated immersion into one course increases knowledge retention and academic success rates.
Flexible Learning Environment
At Sundance College, we offer flexible learning options tailored to your lifestyle.
Choose from on-campus or online classes, and access recorded materials to learn at your own pace.
Whether you prefer a structured classroom environment or the convenience of studying from home, we provide the flexibility you need to succeed.
Hands-On Learning
We offer flexible learning options tailored to your lifestyle. Choose from on-campus or online classes, and access recorded materials to learn at your own pace.
Practicum Experience
Most programs include a practical work experience or practicum. Practicums provide very important benefits that set you apart from other job applicants:
Experience
You will have relevant work experience in your new career field before you graduate. This helps you break into or transition into your new career.
Resume Builder
A practicum helps build your resume with experience relevant to the career you want to pursue.
References
Your practicum supervisor becomes an important reference for you in moving your career forward.
Employment
You may obtain employment through your practicum employer. In our experience, up to 50% of our students have.
Career Services for Life
Students come to Sundance College to get jobs and to move their careers forward in new directions. A key component of supporting this transition for students is assisting them in applying for and preparing for job interviews.
Sundance College offers free career services to support students with:
- Developing resumes and employment marketing materials
- Job search planning, strategies and support
- Applying for jobs
- Role-playing experience so you are prepared to walk into job interviews
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a personal support worker?
A personal support worker (PSW) is a trained healthcare professional who provides essential care and assisted living support to individuals, especially the elderly and disabled, their homes or in hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices, palliative care facilities, assisted living retirement homes, and other settings.
As part of the personal support worker job description, PSWs assist with personal hygiene, mobility, nutrition, and medications, focusing on improving physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
They are skilled in infection control, household management, and palliative care, ensuring clients’ comfort and quality of life. PSWs should hold certifications in Standard First Aid and CPR.
What does a personal support worker do?
Personal support workers provide essential care and support to individuals and families in healthcare settings. PSWs assist with personal hygiene, mobility needs, nutrition, and medications, ensuring physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
They provide disability and elder care services, help with activities of daily living, manage household tasks, and use their compassionate care skills to improve quality of life.
To learn more about what personal support workers do, read our blog, ‘What Exactly Does a Personal Support Worker Do?’.
How much does a PSW make in Canada?
The salary of a personal support worker in Canada varies depending on factors such as location (province, city), experience, and employer. On average, PSWs in Canada can earn up to $45,385 a year.
What is the benefit of taking my Personal Support Worker diploma at a campus location rather than online?
Choosing to take your Personal Support Worker diploma on campus provides the advantage of essential hands-on training and direct interaction with instructors and peers. This immersive learning experience allows you to practice skills in real-world scenarios, utilize advanced lab facilities, and receive immediate feedback, ensuring you are well-prepared for the demands of the profession. This face-to-face environment is particularly beneficial for mastering the practical aspects of personal support work.
Is PSW a certificate or a diploma?
The Personal Support Worker program is a diploma program. When compared to a certificate, a PSW diploma program provides a more comprehensive curriculum and caregiver training, with enhanced practical PSW education.
How do I become a personal support worker in Canada?
To become a personal support worker in Canada, you will need to complete a training program at a recognized college. The PSW program should include a combination of in-class or online instruction and practical training. Follow our step-by-step guide and learn everything you need to know about becoming a PSW: ‘A Career of Caring: A Guide to Becoming a Personal Support Worker’.