Personal Support worker meeting with a client

Ontario College Certificate

Personal Support Worker

Duration

1 year (2 semesters)

1 year (2 semesters)

Location

Hazel McCallion Campus

(Mississauga)

Sheridan is excited to announce that the Personal Support Worker program will now be running at two locations in Mississauga: our Hazel McCallion Campus and our new location at Erin Meadows – Schlegel Village.

The Erin Meadows location is a "living classroom" in that the program is delivered onsite at the Erin Meadows long-term care facility, giving you additional opportunities for hands-on learning.

Prepare for a caring career helping others.

Program Overview

Become a personal support worker

Begin a rewarding career in the high-demand field of health care, helping those who need it the most. In just two semesters, you'll be ready to start caring for people who need assistance due to illness, aging or disability in many different health-care settings. In Sheridan's PSW program, you'll learn to provide person-centred, emotion-based care to clients across the lifespan.

Develop the skills you need to provide valuable care and support

Learn how to assist clients of all ages with activities of daily living, including:

  • assisting with mobility (e.g., lifting and transferring)
  • providing personal care with dignity and respect
  • engaging clients in social activities and alleviating the effects of isolation
  • providing therapeutic communication and building therapeutic relationships
  • caring for people with common acute and chronic illnesses

Get hands-on experience through labs, simulations and clinical placements

The best way to learn is by doing — that's why Sheridan's PSW program supports learning through a clinical skills lab, simulations and clinical placements. The program includes 350 hours of hands-on clinical practice in two practicum settings: a long-term care facility and a community setting. Sheridan will arrange your placements, and a faculty member will supervise them. Many students receive job offers from their placement employers.

Experienced and passionate professors

All professors teaching in Sheridan's Personal Support Worker program are experienced nurses with bachelor's or master's degrees. They're also heavily engaged in the personal care field and bring their experience and passion for personal support work to the classroom. You'll learn from them in our dedicated and well-equipped lab space and classrooms at Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga.

An emotion-based care philosophy

Sheridan's PSW program has been developed with an emotion-based care philosophy in accordance with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Personal Support Worker Standard and in collaboration with our industry partners to ensure a current, accurate and quality curriculum.

Clinical placement requirements

Before you begin your clinical placement, there are some certifications and documents that you'll need to obtain at your own expense. We'll provide you with more information about these requirements once you're admitted into the program.

  • Clear Criminal Record Check for the vulnerable sector
  • Medical clearance from the Sheridan Health Centre
  • CPR level 'C' or HCP and First Aid certificate
  • Mask Fit testing
  • Ministry of Labour training certificate
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

Effective April 25, 2022, Sheridan College no longer requires proof of COVID vaccination to attend campus.

However, students in the PSW program participate in clinical placements in long-term care homes and the community. At this time, the Long-Term Care Home COVID-19 Immunization Policy requires that individuals, including students, must meet certain immunization requirements.

The requirements for our placement partners include one of the following:

  • the primary series of 2 doses, plus a booster/third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or any combination of such vaccines,
  • one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or
  • three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada.

We strongly recommend that PSW students get their vaccinations as outlined above before the semester starts. Students without the proper vaccines will not be able to complete their required placement in long-term care, which may impact their ability to graduate from the program.

PPSWK

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Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

1 year (2 semesters)

Location

Hazel McCallion Campus

4180 Duke of York Boulevard,  Mississauga

Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages)

2930 Erin Centre Boulevard,  Mississauga


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Courses

Creative, innovative learning is at the core of all Sheridan’s courses. Here are the courses you’ll take in this program.

  • CODE TITLE CREDITS
    COMM 19999 Essential Communication Skills 3
    HEAL 13675 PSWs in Health Care 4
    HEAL 13199 Fundamentals of Care 3
    HEAL 17497 Foundations of Relational Practice 3
    HEAL 19486 Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment 3
    HEAL 14065 Client Care Skills Lab 3
    General Education Elective 3

    Total credits: 22

Courses subject to change.

Current students should refer to their ⁠Academic Requirements in myStudentCentre to track their academic progress and outstanding course requirements.

Book a campus tour

Have questions? Get answers.


Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

1 year (2 semesters)

Location

Hazel McCallion Campus

4180 Duke of York Boulevard,  Mississauga

Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages)

2930 Erin Centre Boulevard,  Mississauga


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:

  • One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)

or

Mature student status.

Applicant Selection

Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of their previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses).

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program may be advised individually regarding other related programs.

Criminal Record Check and Immunization Requirements

Sheridan field placement agencies require a police record check for vulnerable sector persons and a current record of immunization. Students will be required to provide this documentation directly to their field placement prior to the start of the placement and at their own expense. Students who cannot meet these requirements may have limited field placement opportunities.

Preparation for Application

It takes a special kind of person to succeed as a personal support worker. We strongly recommend that applicants research the demands of this career and consider undertaking related volunteer experiences or working part-time with older adults prior to the selection process.

To be part of the Personal Support Worker program, you need to be proficient in spoken and written English, willing to work with seniors, able to push and pull, and able to lift and carry up to 25 kg. You must also be able to spend 20–25 hours per week on assignments outside of class.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Sheridan’s English proficiency requirements.

Book a campus tour

Have questions? Get answers.


Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

1 year (2 semesters)

Location

Hazel McCallion Campus

4180 Duke of York Boulevard,  Mississauga

Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages)

2930 Erin Centre Boulevard,  Mississauga


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Career Opportunities

When you graduate from Sheridan’s Personal Support Worker program, you can expect to quickly find a position helping the elderly or medically challenged youth.

Here are some places you might work:

  • Home care
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Nursing homes
  • Supportive housing for seniors or young adults

Book a campus tour

Have questions? Get answers.


Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

1 year (2 semesters)

Location

Hazel McCallion Campus

4180 Duke of York Boulevard,  Mississauga

Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages)

2930 Erin Centre Boulevard,  Mississauga


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Program Fees

Fees shown here are estimates only. Fees are in Canadian dollars and include tuition, health insurance and ancillary charges.

The fees shown here are for the 2024–2025 academic year, and are subject to change. The fees displayed are for the first two (2) academic semesters of study at Sheridan unless otherwise noted; fees for subsequent semesters are not reflected on this website.

Fees For Canadian Students

Fees for Canadian students

$4,756.50

Notes: In addition to tuition, you should expect to spend approximately $380 on uniforms, shoes and textbooks.

Fees for International Students

Fees for International students

$19,560.50

Financial Aid & Awards

Your education is a big investment, and we're here to help! Keep an eye on our Financial Aid & Awards page for regular updates, and check out these important links:

International Entrance Scholarship

International students beginning their full-time postsecondary studies at Sheridan may receive an entrance scholarship. A separate application is not required. Visit the International Entrance Scholarship page for details.

Book a campus tour

Have questions? Get answers.


Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

1 year (2 semesters)

Location

Hazel McCallion Campus

4180 Duke of York Boulevard,  Mississauga

Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages)

2930 Erin Centre Boulevard,  Mississauga


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  • Work within the personal support worker role in various care settings in accordance with all applicable legislation, standards, employer job descriptions, policies, procedures and guidelines.
  • Practice professionally and be accountable for one's own actions by applying problem-solving, self-awareness, time management and critical thinking to the provision of care as a personal support worker, whether working independently or as a member of a team.
  • Practice as an engaged member of the interprofessional team to maintain collaborative working relationships for the provision of supportive, safe and responsive client-centred care within care settings.
  • Provide person-centred care, based on ethical principles, sensitive to diverse personal and family values, beliefs, cultural practices and other needs, which follows the plan of care.
  • Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients and their families using effective communication skills to build a trusting and respectful partnership in accordance with professional boundaries, employer policies, confidentiality and privacy legislation.
  • Identify information related to the client’s health using observation, critical thinking and communication skills to record, report and document all relevant findings, within the roles and responsibilities of the personal support worker.
  • Create, promote and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for clients, their families, self and others by including the implementation of current infection prevention and control measures, preparedness and best practices in pandemic planning, emergency and first aid procedures that are in alignment with the plan of care, employer policies, procedures and all applicable legislation.
  • Assist clients across the lifespan with activities of daily living by applying fundamental knowledge of growth and development, psychological concepts, common alterations in functioning, health promotion, disease prevention, rehabilitation, and restorative care, and holistic health care.
  • Assist the client with medication following the client's plan of care, and if a delegated act, under the supervision of a regulated health professional or done by an exception under the most accountable person and in accordance with all applicable legislation and employer policies.
  • Assist with household management services and instrumental activities of daily living in accordance with the plan of care and considering the preferences, comfort, safety and autonomy of clients, families and significant others.
  • Assist and support clients who are caregivers for dependent individuals, considering individual and family choices, professional boundaries and the direction of the plan of care.
  • Identify, respond to and report potential, alleged, suspected or witnessed situations of abuse, and/or neglect, as required within the personal support workers’ roles and responsibilities, and as required by all applicable legislation, including the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 and the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007.
  • Assist with the provision of holistic health care and advocacy for culturally and spiritually sensitive palliative and end-of-life care to clients and to their families and significant others from diagnosis through to death and bereavement, and in accordance with clients’ choices and the plan of care.
  • Provide client-centred care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges and illness(es), cognitive and intellectual impairments, and/or responsive behaviours by using supportive approaches and evidence-based practices to promote positive and safe behaviours in clients.

Book a campus tour

Have questions? Get answers.


Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

1 year (2 semesters)

Location

Hazel McCallion Campus

4180 Duke of York Boulevard,  Mississauga

Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages)

2930 Erin Centre Boulevard,  Mississauga


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Program Mission

Our mission is to provide the highest quality educational environment, including simulated laboratory spaces, real-life clinical settings and a team of experienced and knowledgeable faculty who are dedicated to training PSWs who can successfully maintain high-quality standards of care for their clients.

Program Vision

Our vision is to train PSWs that become advocates for client-centred care.

Critical Performance Statement

By the end of the program, graduates will have demonstrated the ability to practice professionally while providing compassionate, holistic and client-centred support for activities of daily living as a member of an interprofessional health team. Graduates will maintain and promote therapeutic relationships that meet the needs and expectations of their individual clients and families according to the plan of care.

Book a campus tour

Have questions? Get answers.


Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

1 year (2 semesters)

Location

Hazel McCallion Campus

4180 Duke of York Boulevard,  Mississauga

Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages)

2930 Erin Centre Boulevard,  Mississauga


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Program information session

Learn more about this program and get answers to any questions you have!

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Program availability

Domestic
International

Ontario College Certificate

Field Placement

Full-time 1 year Program code: PPSWK

Ontario College Certificate
Start date Campus Delivery Status
Jan 2025 Hazel McCallion Campus (Mississauga)
In Person
Domestic Available
International Closed
May 2025 Hazel McCallion Campus (Mississauga)
In Person
Domestic Available
International Closed
Sep 2025 Hazel McCallion Campus (Mississauga)
In Person
Domestic Available
International Available
Jan 2026 Hazel McCallion Campus (Mississauga)
In Person
Domestic Available
International Available
May 2026 Hazel McCallion Campus (Mississauga)
In Person
Domestic Available
International Available
Jan 2025 Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages) (Mississauga)
In Person
Domestic Closed

Ontario College Certificate

Field Placement

Full-time 1 year Program code: PPSWKS

Ontario College Certificate
Start date Campus Delivery Status
May 2025 Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages) (Mississauga)
In Person
Domestic Available
International Closed
Sep 2025 Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages) (Mississauga)
In Person
Domestic Available
International Available
Jan 2026 Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages) (Mississauga)
In Person
Domestic Available
International Available
May 2026 Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages) (Mississauga)
In Person
Domestic Available
International Available
Jan 2025 Village of Erin Meadows (Schlegel Villages) (Mississauga)
In Person
Domestic Closed
International Closed

Get a feel for your future

Find your fit and choose with confidence. Choosing the right education is a big decision. At Sheridan we’re committed to providing you with the learning, support and services you need to achieve your goals and reach your full potential. Take a look around, and please connect with us if you have any questions!

Have a question? Contact us.

We’re happy to help with any questions you may have. Give us a call at any of these numbers and select Option 4 after the prompt, or simply fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

905-845-9430 (Oakville/Mississauga)
905-459-7533 (Brampton)

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Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

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