Personal Support Worker
Ontario College Certificate
2 Semesters / 1 Year
School of Nursing
Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsProgram Contacts
Ashley McCulloch
Program Coordinator / Professor
ashley.mcculloch@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
School of Public Safety
cips@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Keep the peace by learning the basics of protection and security
Brand new cutting edge curriculum will help you prepare for wide-ranging career paths wherever security and protection teams are needed, including emergency services, policing, private security, private investigation firms, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Services (CSIS) Forces.
Beginning in the first semester, you will get real-world exposure through field trips to witness security and protection systems in action. To complement your theoretical knowledge, you’ll undertake safe, hands-on training in our on-campus scenario room to practice different techniques and skills.
After semester one, you will be eligible to earn your Security Guard License, and in semester two, you will be eligible to able to earn your Private Investigator License. When you graduate, you can pursue your career or take advantage of fast-track options to complete other Cambrian public safety programs.
Please note: A criminal record can be a serious impediment to employment in this particular field. Many law and security employers insist on a clean criminal record.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Hands-on training in on-campus Justice Lab
- Field trips and tours to visit protection and security systems and organizations
- Placement in semester four enhancing career readiness and your portfolio
- Able to earn your Ontario Security Guard license after semester one (four months) and Ontario Private Investigators license after semester two (eight months)
- Opportunities to volunteer and work with community partners
- Networking opportunities with potential employers
- Option to earn a second diploma in another public safety program in just one year when you graduate
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
-
Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAdditional admissions requirement
A criminal record check may be required for field trips and placement opportunities. A criminal record can be a serious impediment to employment in this field.
Recommendations
- Grade 11/12 Physical Education
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| GAS 1001 | Service Learning Experience | 3 |
| FIT 1020 | Justice Fitness Fundamentals | 3 |
| LAW 1035 | Arrest Tactics and Techniques | 3 |
| PSY 1090 | Mental Hlth for Public Safety | 3 |
| HUM 1070 | Serving Diverse Populations | 3 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| FIT 1120 | Justice Fitness Development | 3 |
| LAW 1201 | Career Options in Law Enforce | 3 |
| ENG 1008 | Communication for Public Safe | 3 |
| LAW 1202 | Foundations of the Law | 3 |
| LAW 1203 | Crime Scene Investigation | 3 |
| LAW 1204 | Private Investigation | 3 |
| SOC 1212 | Criminological Thinking | 3 |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| FIT 1030 | Wellness for Security Prof | 3 |
| SEC 3005 | Placement Seminar | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Crisis Communication | 3 |
| SEC 3010 | Law Enforcement Alternatives | 3 |
| PSY 1004 | Trauma and Mental Health | 3 |
| HUM 2070 | Serving Diverse Populations II | 3 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| FIT 1130 | Adv Wellness for Security Prof | 3 |
| SEC 4005 | Emergency Management | 3 |
| SEC 2324 | Security and Communities | 3 |
| SEC 4025 | Technology in Security | 3 |
| SEC 4030 | Intelligence Analysis | 3 |
| SEC 4015 | Placement | 6 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Total Credits | 87 | |
- 1
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Field of Study
School of Public Safety
Commit to serve and protect by joining Cambrian’s School of Public Safety. Taught by seasoned veterans, you’ll get the training and credentials you need to become a powerful force for good. From enforcement and protection to rehabilitation and reintegration, our immersive programs focus on upholding human rights, protecting marginalized groups, and ensuring the safety and security of property and community.
Specific program pathways
- Option to earn a second diploma in another public safety program in just one year when you graduate
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
You’ll be accessing industry-standard software as part of your program. Your program coordinator and IT will set you up with access on your computer or within our campus labs. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!
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