Personal Support Worker Acute Care (St. Andrews) at NBCC - New Brunswick Community College - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-05-15

Program overview

Program Overview

Are you a kind and nurturing person who feels fulfilled by and thrives on helping others in need? If so, this might be the opportunity you have been looking for. Personal support workers work in collaboration with members of healthcare teams. They’re on the front line, offering compassionate and respectful care to clients of all ages, their families, and communities.

In the PSW program, you will learn how to assist clients in functioning as independently as possible, working safely, and ever mindful of preserving the dignity of those under your care. A career in personal support work provides opportunities in physical, mental, community, or personal health services fields. With an aging population, the need for personal support worker graduates is high, so enroll today to pursue a career in this well-respected field.

Program Structure

The Personal Support Worker Acute Care program is designed to be completed in one year of full-time study. This program is delivered through a blended format, combining both online and in-person learning experiences.

Key features of the program structure include:

Blended delivery method, allowing flexibility in learning.
Hands-on clinical practicum experience to apply theoretical knowledge.
Focus on developing essential skills for personal support work.
Opportunities for community engagement and wellness education.

Students will also have the chance to participate in various applied workplace experiences, which are crucial for gaining real-world skills and knowledge in the healthcare field.

Featured Experiences

The Personal Support Worker Acute Care program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Clinical practicum placements in healthcare settings, providing hands-on experience.
Opportunities to engage in community service, enhancing civic responsibility.
Access to a connected learning environment with technology support.
Focus on trauma-informed and culturally competent care practices.
Collaboration with healthcare teams to develop professional communication skills.

Career Options

Graduates of the Personal Support Worker Acute Care program can pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in Canada. Here are some potential job options:

Personal Support Worker (PSW): Assist clients with daily living activities, providing compassionate care in homes or healthcare facilities.
Healthcare Aide: Support patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities, focusing on their comfort and well-being.
Rehabilitation Assistant: Work with clients recovering from illness or surgery, helping them regain independence.
Palliative Care Worker: Provide end-of-life care and support to patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort.
Community Health Worker: Engage with community health agencies to deliver home care services and support health education initiatives.

With the increasing demand for personal support workers in Canada’s healthcare system, graduates are well-positioned to make a significant impact in their communities.

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

Visit NBCC - New Brunswick Community College official website

Last updated on 2026-05-15

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Personal Support Worker Acute Care program at St. Andrews, the following academic requirements apply:

International Students:

Documents must be officially translated into English.
Minimum credentials required are indicated; however, higher education may also be considered.
Proof of language of instruction and grading scale would be helpful and may speed up the evaluation process.
Transcripts must show:
- Last year of Grammar or Literature credit.
- Last year of Math credit obtained.
- Last two years of sciences if required for your profile of consideration.
- Postsecondary credentials may be required for some programs.

Special Notes:

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

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

Language Requirements

We want our students to be well-positioned for success and be able to participate in all NBCC educational activities. Therefore, all international and Permanent Resident applicants to NBCC must demonstrate adequate academic English proficiency.

NBCC will request evidence of English proficiency on a recognized linguistic test or successful completion of a recognized pathway program from one of our English language training partners. NBCC will only accept tests that were taken within the last 2 years. An applicant may be exempt if:

the applicant's first language is English; or,
a minimum of three (3) years of secondary education has been successfully completed in English within the last 2 years.
successful completion of English 122 or 121, or equivalency to NB high school curriculum, with a minimum mark of 70% (non-modified curriculum) can be submitted to satisfy NBCC’s English proficiency requirement; or,
a minimum of one (1) year of successful completion in a recognized post-secondary institution has been in English within the last 2 years.

The following English proficiency tests can be submitted to NBCC for admission consideration:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic test only
- Minimum score of 6.0 with no subject test score less than 5.5
TOEFL iBT
- Minimum score of 80 with no subject test scores less than 18.
Duolingo English Test
- Minimum score of 100 out of 160 with no subject test score less than 90
Cambridge English
- Overall Cambridge English Scale score of 169
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
- Minimum score of 60
The Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST)
- Minimum score of 4.5 with no subtest less than 4.0
PTE Pearson Test of English (Academic)
- Minimum score of 65 with no subject test less than 60

If you do not meet the English language requirements for admission to NBCC programs, you can apply directly to one of our English language training partners for a pathway program.

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!