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Program Information

As the health care system in Canada evolves, the demand for Personal Support workers is increasing in long term care facilities, retirement homes, home care settings and hospitals. 

Tuition Award & Paid Placements

This accelerated program is fully funded, including a tuition award and a paid placement. Students can complete the program in six months - three months in-class and three months at a paid placement. 

Students in this accelerated program are eligible for a tuition award equivalent to total tuition costs and compulsory ancillary fees up to a maximum of $4,000. The paid placements is only guaranteed for Ontario students - out of province students may apply but placement must be in Ontario.

The Role of the Personal Support Worker

The Personal Support Worker program prepares graduates to provide care and assistance to clients of any age who have defined health care needs including help with their activities of daily living. Through theory classes and experiential learning opportunities, including simulation and clinical placements, the student will learn to make a difference in clients' lives by alleviating loneliness, providing empathy, ensuring comfort, encouraging independence, and promoting self-respect in all health care settings. 

As part of the program, students will also complete The Fundamental of Hospice Palliative Care Certificate and the Gentle Persuasive Approaches Certificate. 

See Course List

Admission Requirements

O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:

  • Grade 12 English C or U

Mature applicants must be at least 19 years of age by the start of classes, be out of secondary school for at least one year and usually do not have a high school diploma. Mature applicant assessment for this program is available in the Counselling Department in the subject of English. The assessment(s) will demonstrate proficiency in required admission subjects. For all other admission requirements applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information please contact the Counselling Department at ext. 3412. Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and Pre-Programs at Lambton College.

Technology Requirements

In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, it is mandatory to own a reliable laptop to complete tests and assignments.

Course List

COM-1113: Workplace Communications

This course focuses on skills required in any organization or position: writing business documents, responding to realistic scenarios, and speaking in an organized and vibrant manner. Students will practice professional communications skills by producing, revising, and editing short business documents and engaging in verbal interactions and presentations.

PSW-1003: Client Care Issues

This course is an introduction to the role of the Personal Support Worker, including professionalism and the scope of practice within the health care system. Elements of rights, responsibilities, and ethical and legal professional behaviour are examined.

PSW-1023: Ongoing Health Conditions I

This course introduces the student to the experience of living with ongoing health conditions. The role of the PSW is enhanced through gaining an appreciation for the client experiencing these conditions. Nutrition and infection control interventions provide a framework for enhancing the health of individuals with ongoing health conditions throughout the lifespan.

PSW-1043: Anatomy and Physiology

This course introduces the student to the human body and how it functions. The content is concentrated on cells, tissues, organs, and systems and how the systems work together for human survival. The study of the normal aging process of the systems is emphasized.

PSW-1013: Clinical Skills Theory

This course provides the theoretical foundation required for Clinical Skills lab and will prepare the students with the knowledge needed to provide support care to people requiring care in their homes and other healthcare facilities.

PSWC-1014: Clinical Skills Lab (8 hrs/wk)

This course is the application of the clinical skills theory course. Students will have four hours/week to apply the knowledge from PSW1013 to the development and mastery of skills needed to assist individuals requiring care. This course will utilize the nursing lab as well as the simulated apartment to simulate homecare/community experiences. This course will address safety considerations for the individuals supported as well as for the PSW.

PSW-2003: Palliative Care

This course is a study of the client and the role of the Personal Support Worker in palliative care. This course will provide the successful student with the Fundamentals of Palliative Care equivalency certificate. The Fundamentals of Palliative Care is an introductory education program based on foundational concepts from A Model to Guide Hospice Palliative Care: Based on the National Principles and Norms of Practice (Ferris et al., 2002). The course is offered with the permission of the Southwestern Ontario Hospice Palliative Care Education program to Lambton College PSW students. The goal is to provide learning opportunities for formal care providers and provide the best practices in end-of life care to persons and families in Ontario.

PSW-2023: Ongoing Health Conditions II

This course will introduce students to common conditions of mental illness, and cognitive impairment. The emphasis is placed on assisting clients with this conditions and the role of the PSW as a member of the interdisciplinary team. This course is delivered in hybrid format. It will be 2 hours in class and 1 hour online. Rationale This course prepares students to identify and implement strategies to care for clients living with mental illness, substance abuse and cognitive impairment.

PSWC-2006: Clinical Practice

Students will obtain clinical experience in a long-term care home. Emphasis is placed on assisting clients to perform their activities of daily living and enhancement of quality of life. This experience is under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Gentle Persuasive Approaches workshop will be included in this course.

PSW-2032: Career Development

This course provides the student with the opportunity to develop skills to obtain and maintain employment as a Personal Support Worker in a variety of clinical settings. This course provides students with an opportunity to develop skills, tools, and strategies needed to gain meaningful employment as a Personal Support Worker.

PSW-2053: Health and Development Across the Lifespan

This course is designed to introduce the student to the concepts of growth and development with a focus on conception through late adulthood.

PSWC-3006: Pre-Graduate Clinical (10 weeks)

PSWC 3006 is a clinical course that includes a preceptor experience. Preceptors are expert Personal Support Workers who are assigned to a student on a one-to-one basis to facilitate the student's transition into their new role as independent novice practitioners.

Program Maps

Current Students

Current students can view program maps from previous years on the mylambton website. 

You will need to login with your C# and password in order to access your program map.

Employment Opportunities

Begin a rewarding career as a personal support worker in community health care, long-term care homes, retirement homes and hospitals in less than a year. As the industry continues to grow and the demand for personal support workers increases, you can feel confident about your job opportunities post-graduation. At this time, there is a high demand for personal support workers and opportunities for local jobs.

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Book a Program Advising Appointment

Our Enrolment Team can help you decide which program is right for you.
Health Services, Community Services & Creative Design
519-479-2427

-or-

Program Information
1-844-LAMBTON
info@lambtoncollege.ca

-or-

Rochelle Roberts
Program Coordinator
519-542-7751 x 3262
rochelle.roberts@lambtoncollege.ca
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