Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Registration form will be available here in February 2025 to sign up for an information session.
Upper Grand District School Board PSW Program
Personal support workers (PSWs) play a vital role in the healthcare industry, working in private homes or healthcare facilities to help provide patient care and comfort. They make an enormous difference in the lives of patients and their families.
The Ontario government estimates that up to 24,000 new PSWs will be needed by 2026.
Program Location: Tytler Centre for Continuing Education (131 Ontario Street, Guelph)
Length: September – June, 38 weeks, 25 hrs/week
Program Accreditation and Standards: The Upper Grand DSB PSW is accredited as having met all professional educational requirements
Curriculum: Area of study include anatomy, physiology, mobility, safety, hygiene, abuse, household management, care planning, cognition, mental health, managing ongoing conditions, assisting with medications, palliative care, interpersonal skills and career education
Clinical Practice: Students will complete 330 clinical hours.
Instructional Staff: Our instructor holds Ontario teaching and professional nursing qualifications and clinical instructors are registered with the College of Nurses.
Job Success Rate: 85% job placements at private and public long-term care facilities and community care agencies result in employment
Wage Range: $19.00 – $25.00 per hour
Benefits: PSW certification, CPR and First Aid Certification; Gentle Persuasive Approach Certificate (GPA®) in Dementia Care; marketing skills; employer contacts; work experience; OSSD credits if required
Program Fees
Course Tuition Fee: $1400.00 includes CPR and First Aid Certification, GPA
Course Materials Fee: $350 includes materials and books
How do I apply?
We are accepting registrations for information sessions for the 2025-2026 school year in February of 2025. Attendance at an information session is mandatory for program registration.
Information sessions are scheduled for:
Tuesday, April 1st @ 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15th @ 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29th @ 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 6th @ 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 20th @ 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 3rd @ 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 17th @ 5:00 p.m.
We look forward to meeting with you to discuss this opportunity to start your PSW career!
Prerequisites for the PSW Program:
Students under 19 require an OSSD
Adequate English literacy level (CLB6)
Physician’s clearance for physical and mental wellness
Acceptable Volunteer Vulnerable Sector Clearance Report
Up-to-date immunization