Personal Support Worker (Weekend) at Fanshawe College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-02-09

Program overview

Program Overview

Fanshawe's Personal Support Worker (Weekend) program is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed to provide compassionate care. This one-year certificate program offers a flexible learning experience, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. With a focus on developing both technical and interpersonal skills, students will be prepared to enter the workforce in just 45 weeks of in-class and weekend sessions. This program is ideal for those looking to fast-track their careers in the healthcare field while maintaining a busy lifestyle.

Program Structure

The Personal Support Worker (Weekend) program at Fanshawe College is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a duration of 45 weeks. The program is delivered full-time on weekends, making it accessible for students with weekday commitments. Key features of the program structure include:

Weekend study option for flexibility
Combination of in-class instruction and practical placements
Hands-on experience in long-term care facilities and community settings
Utilization of simulation learning to enhance practical skills

This program also offers opportunities for students to engage in various placements, ensuring they gain valuable real-world experience while learning the fundamentals of personal support work. Graduates will be well-prepared to provide personal care and home management to clients in diverse settings.

Featured Experiences

The Personal Support Worker (Weekend) program includes several unique features that enhance the learning experience for students:

Practical placements in long-term care facilities and community settings
Simulation labs that provide hands-on learning opportunities
Focus on developing interpersonal skills necessary for effective client care
Integration of health and wellness education into the curriculum
Opportunities to work under the supervision of experienced care teams

These experiences are designed to ensure that students graduate with a well-rounded skill set, ready to meet the needs of clients in various healthcare environments.

Career Options

Graduates of the Personal Support Worker program can pursue a variety of rewarding career opportunities in Canada. Here are some potential job roles:

Personal Support Worker: Provide personal care and assistance to clients in their homes or in healthcare facilities, ensuring their comfort and safety.
Home At Last Attendant: Assist clients during discharge from hospitals, helping them transition back home and providing necessary support.
Caregiver: Work as part of a team to enhance the quality of life for aging adults in the community, offering companionship and assistance with daily activities.
Community Support Worker: Provide support to individuals and families in various community settings, focusing on their unique needs and challenges.
Health Care Aide: Assist healthcare professionals in delivering care to patients, ensuring their well-being and comfort in various healthcare environments.

These roles require empathy, patience, and strong communication skills, all of which are emphasized throughout the Personal Support Worker program at Fanshawe College.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Fanshawe College official website

Last updated on 2026-02-09

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Personal Support Worker (Weekend) program at Fanshawe College, applicants must meet the following academic requirements:

Completion of Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (M), or Open (O) stream, or equivalent, or mature applicant status.
Students without a high school diploma may consider taking the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) grade 12 Equivalency Certificate.

For international students, specific admission equivalencies depend on the country of study. It is recommended to check the requirements based on your location.

Additionally, transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Recommended academic preparation includes:

Any Grade 12 English (C), (U), or (O)
Grade 11 or Grade 12 Biology (C) or (U)
Grade 11 Health Care (C) OR Grade 12 Human Development Throughout the Lifespan (M)

For those interested in advanced standing, applicants currently employed as a Home Support Worker or Health Care Aide may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and receive credit for part of the coursework.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:

A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 79 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 53, with test results within the last two years
A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 169 with no language skill less than 162, with test results within the last two years
Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 8, 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9, or 70% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!