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Personal Support Worker

PSPGSchool of Nursing

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A healthcare worker stands smiling in the foreground, while two other workers tend to a medical mannequin on a couch in the background. A colorful painting hangs on the wall.

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.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Program Duration

2 Semesters / 1 Year

Program Contacts

Francoise Gravelle

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.6328
International Admissions
Send email

Program Overview

A healthcare worker in scrubs is assisting a medical mannequin on a couch with holding a red mug. There is medical equipment nearby and a painting on the wall in the background.

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 more

Additional 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.

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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 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
ENG 1002College Communications3
PSW 1160Human Body and Disease Process 6
PSW 1165Relational Communications3
PSW 1168Health Promotion Practice6
PSW 1164Foundations of PSW3
PSW 1167Lifespan Health and Wellness3
 Credits24
Semester 2
PSW 1166Introduction to Community 4
PSW 1263Clinical Consolidation 6
 Credits10
 Total Credits34

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,031.29Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$18,126.67Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

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.

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.

Learn more

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.

A healthcare student in scrubs practices a procedure on a medical mannequin in a hospital setting.

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

Employment opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities in:

  • Community settings
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Hospital settings
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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!

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See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

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!

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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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