

Key Details
Program Start Dates
January 2026
May 2026
September 2026
January 2027
May 2027
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Program Duration
2 Semesters / 1 YearProgram Contacts
Program Coordinator / Professor
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, accelerated program prepares you to be confident, able, and job-ready in just 8 months. By combining classroom learning, simulated experiences with hands-on training, you’ll gain the skills needed 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 and end-of-life care by getting hands-on experience in our 1,200-square-foot apartment simulation lab and nursing skills lab. The second semester is a clinical experience where you will polish your skills with 224 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.
This program includes 28 weeks of instruction, complemented by two weeks of academic breaks, for a total duration of 30 weeks. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, this 8-month program provides a meaningful pathway into the growing health care field, allowing you to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Be job-ready in just 8 months
- Hands-on training in 1,200-square-foot apartment simulation lab and nursing lab
- 224 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
- Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate Level (HCP) Health Care Provider (must be renewed annually)
- Current Standard First Aid certificate (must be current for the entire program)
- Respiratory Mask Fit Testing (N95-3M Models)
- Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check (contact your program coordinator if you have a positive CPIC)
- WHMIS Certification
- AODA Certification
- Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness in Four Steps Training (Bill 18)
- Proof of immunization status at registration for the following:
- Two-step TB test (Tuberculosis Screening)
- Varicella
- Polio
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (Note: If born after 1970, must have two measles vaccinations)
- Current Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
- Current influenza immunization (when available for the season)
- Hepatitis B Vaccination
- Hepatitis A Vaccination(Recommended, not required)
- COVID-19
Note: Criminal record check, influenza immunization, TB skin test, WHMIS, and Basic Cardiac Life Support (HCP) certificates must be renewed annually—a fee is required for these renewals. If not immunized for this disease, proof of previous varicella infection (chickenpox) must be supplied.
Additional 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
Spring term start
- Semester 1: Spring 2025
- Semester 2: Fall 2025
2025-2026
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2026
- Semester 2: Spring 2026
Spring term start
- Semester 1: Spring 2026
- Semester 2: Fall 2026
2026-2027
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2026
- Semester 2: Winter 2027
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2027
- Semester 2: Spring 2027
Spring term start
- Semester 1: Spring 2027
- Semester 2: Fall 2027
Program of Study
Program of study for 2026-27 Academic Year
Semester 1 | Credits | |
---|---|---|
ENG 1242 | Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I | 3 |
HEA 1110 | Clinical Readiness & Preparedness | 1 |
PSW 1165 | Relational Communications | 3 |
PSW 1164 | Foundations of PSW | 3 |
PSW 1169 | Empowering Health Practice I | 6 |
PSW 1170 | Human Body and Disease I | 3 |
Credits | 19 | |
Semester 2 | ||
PSW 1167 | Lifespan Health and Wellness | 3 |
PSW 1240 | PSW Practice Theory to Care | 6 |
PSW 1269 | Empowering Health Practice II | 5 |
PSW 1270 | Human Body and Disease II | 3 |
Credits | 17 | |
Total Credits | 36 |
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 and course outlines 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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