NACC Personal Support Worker 2022
NACC- Approved & Certified Personal Support Worker Program in Partnership with NACC
Course Name
NACC Personal Support Worker
Total Course Duration
Less than 6-Months (20 weeks)
Total Hour
700 (Hours)
Duration of the Placement
300 (Hours)
Personal Support Worker (PSW) – GTA / Ontario
Examples of real domestic tuition ranges:
Public Colleges:
- George Brown College: ~$4,020 domestic tuition for PSW certificate.
- Seneca Polytechnic: ~$3,732 domestic per PSW certificate.
- Fanshawe College: ~$3,507–$3,779 total program cost.
Private Career Colleges:
- Oxford International Career Colleges: ~$6,700 total for domestic PSW program.
- Central College data suggests full PSW programs can range ~$6,000–$8,000.
Introduction
Our Personal Support Worker (PSW) program prepares you for a rewarding career supporting individuals who need assistance with daily living. You’ll learn how to care for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of clients, including tasks such as medication support, feeding, mobility assistance, and helping them achieve personal goals.
If you have a compassionate, caring nature and a desire to make a difference in people’s lives, this program could be the perfect fit for you!
Career Opportunities
Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are employed in a wide range of healthcare and community settings, including long-term care homes, retirement homes, home care, supportive housing, group homes, adult day programs, hospitals, and educational facilities.
The PSW Diploma Program is aligned with the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) curriculum and is designed to prepare students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to provide safe, compassionate, and professional care. Graduates are trained to support individuals in maintaining comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
Because healthcare support is always essential, the demand for PSWs remains strong and stable, regardless of economic changes. This makes PSW a reliable and in-demand career path.
In Ontario, the starting wage for PSWs is approximately $18 per hour, making it a practical and rewarding career choice for those seeking meaningful work in healthcare.
Practical Placement Requirements
- Obtain and submit a current clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check : Ericc Vulnerable Sector Check Guide, within 45 days of commencement of study. Note: If long-term care facility placement does not begin until after six (6) months following provision of the original clearance, the student may be required to have clearance completed again to satisfy placement requirements.
- Submit a complete Medical Report, within 45 days of commencement of study.
- Successfully completed a recognized course in CPR. Standard First Aid & CPR Level C Certification. (HCP – Healthcare Provider Level).
Graduation Requirements
- Achieve a minimum grade of 70% in each Module with NO evaluation method below 70%.
- Achieve a minimum grade of 70% with NO critical deficiencies in each of the Skills Performance Demonstrations (Mobility and Personal Hygiene).
- Demonstrate a satisfactory attendance record. All students must complete the 390 theory hours.
- Successfully complete ALL Clinical Work Placement hours and skill requirements.
- Successfully completed the NACC PSW Final Comprehensive Theory Exam (pass grade of 65%).
- Produce a professional resume that the student intends to use for job search.
Learn the essentials of compassionate care that support daily living, independence, and quality of life.
Admission Requirements
A Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma (General Education Development Test), OR
Equivalent: Foreign credentials must be translated in English and assessed for Grade 12 equivalency by a recognized organization such as WES (World Education Service) (refer to Section I-4.4)
Mature student status may be granted to applicants who are over 19 years of age and do not have a Canadian high school diploma or GED.
Applicants must submit original medical forms that have been signed and officially stamped by the treating doctor.
Wonderlic SLE (or other MCU approved test – Note: CAT and CAST can no longer be used)
Additional Admission Requirements
If English is not a student’s first language, they must provide proof of English competency. English Language Proficiency Requirements are:
- IELTS – International English Language Testing Services – Minimum average score of 5.5 with no subject
- TOEFL –Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet based test (IBT) – overall 80, with the minimum of each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20
- CAEL: Overall 60 No section below 60
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) with a score of 7 (no section score below 6)
- Canadian Language Benchmark Tests with a score of 7 in each strand (not an average of 7)
- Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 95
- Pearson PTE Academic with a minimum score of 46
- NACC Written Entrance Exam (passing score of 60)
Evidence of successful completion of 2 consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English at a Canadian institution
Evidence of successful completion of 2 consecutive years of full-time equivalent post-secondary study in English at an institution outside of Canada
Want To Know More?
Faq’s
How long is the PSW program?
Program Duration: minimum 20 weeks
Total hours: 700
Theory: 400 hours. Practical Placement: 300 hours
Is there a clinical placement?
Yes. A supervised clinical placement is a mandatory component of PSW training. Placements are typically completed in long-term care homes, retirement homes, or community care settings to provide real-world experience.
Do you help with placement?
The school coordinates placement opportunities; however, placement completion depends on:
- Student compliance with required documents
Police check
Immunizations, TB test, Flu Shots, CPR
Medical form stamped and signed by doctor - Facility availability and approval
Placement is not guaranteed without full student compliance.
Do I need prior healthcare experience?
No. The PSW program is designed for beginners, and all required skills are taught during the program. Previous experience caring for a family member or loved one can be helpful. Successful PSWs are patient, compassionate, and not squeamish, as the role involves hands-on personal care and may include exposure to bodily fluids.
Can international students apply?
Eligibility for international students depends on study permit conditions and provincial regulations. Applicants must have authorization to study in Canada and to complete a clinical placement in Ontario before enrolling.
Eligibility cannot be confirmed without reviewing the student’s study permit.
What jobs can I get after graduating?
Graduates may work as PSWs in:
- Long-term care homes
- Retirement homes
- Home care agencies
- Hospitals (depending on employer requirements)
- Community support organizations
Employment outcomes depend on employer demand and individual performance.
Employment is not guaranteed.
What will I learn in the PSW program?
Students learn essential skills including:
- Personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing)
- Safe patient handling and mobility
- Infection prevention and control
- Nutrition and meal assistance
- Communication and documentation
- Care for seniors and individuals with chronic conditions
Curriculum follows recognized Ontario PSW training standards used by employers.
