Key Details
Program Start Dates
January 2025
May 2025
September 2025
January 2026
May 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Program Duration
2 Semesters / 1 YearProgram Contacts
Francoise Gravelle
Program Coordinator / Professor
francoise.gravelle@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Improve the dignity and quality of others’ lives as a PSW
The perfect storm of an aging population, shorter hospital stays, and a shortage of specialists make the personal support worker (PSW) profession in demand. Our tailored program prepares you to be confident, able, and ready to work in just 28 weeks, combining classroom learning with hands-on training to promote independence and quality of life for those who live in a facility or community setting.
First, you’ll learn to assist clients with daily living activities by getting hands-on experience in our 1,200-square-foot apartment simulation lab and nursing skills lab. The second semester is a clinical consolidation and preceptorship, where you will polish your skills with 270 hours in a health care setting under the guidance of experienced PSWs and a faculty member. Upon completion, you’ll become a confident, caring, and job-ready PSW.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Be job-ready in just 28 weeks
- Hands-on training in 1,200-square-foot apartment simulation lab and nursing lab
- 270 hours of real-world experience in a clinical setting
- Grads can pursue a nursing diploma through Cambrian’s PSW to Practical Nursing Pathway program
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)
- Any grade 11 (C), (U), or (M) or grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAdditional admission requirements
At registration students must provide the following to Synergy:
- Proof of current immunization
- Proof (original certificate) of CPR HCP and Standard First Aid
- Original copy of an Adult Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sectors Check
- Complete Cambrian College WHMIS, AODA, General Safety Awareness course (online approximately $10)
Recommendations
- Any grade 12 Biology (U)
Clinical placement requirements
Please note you will complete 270 hours in a clinical setting.
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2024-2025
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2025
- Semester 2: Spring 2025
Spring term start
- Semester 1: Spring 2025
- Semester 2: Fall 2025
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2026
- Semester 2: Spring 2026
Spring term start
- Semester 1: Spring 2026
- Semester 2: Fall 2026
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| PSW 1160 | Human Body and Disease Process | 6 |
| PSW 1165 | Relational Communications | 3 |
| PSW 1168 | Health Promotion Practice | 6 |
| PSW 1164 | Foundations of PSW | 3 |
| PSW 1167 | Lifespan Health and Wellness | 3 |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| PSW 1166 | Introduction to Community | 4 |
| PSW 1263 | Clinical Consolidation | 6 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
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.
Learn more about previous opportunities in this program and more!
St. Joseph’s Villa – This placement offered students the opportunity to gain practical work experience through clinical experience. Students were be given opportunities to engage in various skills required to interview and care for individuals in a long-term care setting.
Fieldwork and placement details – Please note you will complete 270 hours in a clinical setting.
Field of Study
School of Nursing
Do you have the compassionate nature and critical thinking skills needed to excel in the field of nursing? Cambrian offers a wide range of programs that provide you with the bedrock to succeed as a nursing professional, from basic training as a personal support worker to mastering the talents of an exceptionally qualified registered nurse with a BScN degree.
Specific program pathways
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.
Graduates from this program (or equivalent) may be eligible for advanced standing in the Practical Nursing program and apply for direct entry into semester two. Students looking to take advantage of this pathway, must complete the PSW to PN Nursing Transformation pathway through Ontario Learn, prior to requesting admission to the Practical Nursing program.
Alternate pathways to nursing
Cambrian College is participating in several alternate pathways to nursing that provide flexible online or in-person options to support your growth in the healthcare field. Explore ways you can open the doors to more possibilities!
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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