College Certificate - Personal Support Worker (PSWR) at Georgian College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-03-05

Program overview

The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program at Georgian College is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to provide safe and supportive care to clients in various settings, including private homes, long-term care, and acute care facilities. This Ontario College Certificate program emphasizes the importance of being an integral part of a health-care team, allowing graduates to either enter the workforce job-ready or pursue further studies. With a focus on person-centered care, students will learn to assist individuals with diverse health conditions and responsive behaviors, ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for clients.

Program structure

The Personal Support Worker program is structured as a one-year Ontario College Certificate program, delivered in a full-time format. The program includes:

Two semesters of comprehensive training
Hybrid delivery method, combining online and in-person classes
Hands-on lab classes to develop practical skills
Two clinical placements in long-term care and other healthcare settings

These clinical placements provide students with valuable real-world experience, allowing them to apply their learning in practical environments. The program is designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the health-care sector or to continue their education in related fields.

Featured Experiences

Two clinical placements that offer hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Opportunities to work in various healthcare settings, enhancing practical skills and knowledge.
Integration into an interprofessional health care team, fostering collaboration and teamwork.
Real-world experience that prepares students for immediate employment upon graduation.

Career Options

Graduates of the Personal Support Worker program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Personal Support Worker (PSW): Provide personal care and support to clients in various settings, helping them maintain independence and quality of life.
Home Care Aide: Assist clients with daily living activities in their homes, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment.
Long-Term Care Aide: Work in long-term care facilities, providing compassionate care to residents with diverse health needs.
Community Support Worker: Support individuals in community settings, helping them access resources and services to improve their well-being.
Acute Care Assistant: Assist healthcare professionals in acute care settings, providing support to patients during their recovery process.

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

Visit Georgian College official website

Last updated on 2026-03-05

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The admission requirements for the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program at Georgian College are as follows:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status.
Grade 12 English (C or U).
Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, it is essential to ensure that your educational qualifications are recognized and meet the program's requirements. It is advisable to contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding your specific situation.

Additionally, students must fulfill the following clinical placement requirements:

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check: An up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check are required prior to placement.
Immunization Record: Students must have an up-to-date immunization record in compliance with the Public Hospitals Act.
Clinical Preparedness Permit: A completed Clinical Preparedness Permit is required, which includes current Level HCP CPR and Standard First Aid upon admission to the program.
Mask Fit Test: A record of mask fit testing must be completed at the college in semester one and renewed every two years.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases. For any further questions or assistance, please reach out to LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

The language of instruction at Georgian College is English. All applicants for whom English is not their first language must provide proof of language proficiency. For the College Certificate - Personal Support Worker (PSWR) program, the following English language tests are accepted:

Duolingo Language Test: 110
TOEFL internet-based test (IBT): 79
TOEFL paper-based test: 550
IELTS Academic only: 6.0
YELT: 1-5
TOEIC (Public Test): 800
Graduate of Level 8 of Georgian’s GAAS – English for Academic Purposes: 60% in certificate or completion of level 8 with 70% or higher
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)/CAEL Online: 60
Pearson Test of Academic English (PTE): 58
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced (CAE): 170

Note: English language tests older than two years will not be considered. 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!

Last updated on 2026-03-23

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
May 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
September 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
January 2027	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available