1. What does PSW stand for?

PSW is the acronym for Personal Support Worker.

2. What are the job duties of a PSW?

Personal support workers (PSWs) care for the elder and aging population. The PSWs act as aids for the added who are unable to do their everyday activities without help. The PSW ensures that the elderly person is taken care of. You make sure your clients are comfortable, safe and enjoy emotional and physical well-being. You may work for a long-term care facility or in your clients’ homes as an employee of a home care agency.

3. What should I do to become a PSW?

In order to become a PSW, you should enroll in a PSW course from a nationally recognized body such as NACC.

4. How do I choose a good college to do the PSW program?

Ensure that the school is recognized by NACC, and Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

5. I am not familiar with government funding options, the information on the internet is confusing me, and what can I do?

The government website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program is very helpful. Also a good college will help the student navigate through all the information and resources available for the student.

Ensure that the college has a dedicated financial aid officer who will answer all your funding questions before, during and after the course. Ensure there is a facilitator who will be available after hours

6. What traits should I have as a PSW? Why should I become a PSW?

The preliminary trait to be a successful PSW is that you should have a feeling to help people. Since majority of the PSWs work with an aging population, in retirement communities or Long term care facilities, being compassionate is one of the most important traits.

Check out the benefits of becoming a PSW.

7. How long does it take to become a PSW in Ontario?

The National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) certified Personal Support Worker program at Academy of Learning is 7 months long including placement. During June-September 2022 intake, students will be offered paid placement.

8. My English is very poor, is that fine?

Yes certainly! Ensure that your college does an assessment for you to ascertain if you can get extra language classes.

9. Can I apply for Second Career to do the PSW course?

Yes you can.

10. Should the college give you free books and scrubs?

Yes

11. I prefer learning in person. I don’t like online learning. Can I still do the PSW course?

Yes. Ask your college for in person classes.

12. I have no daycare so I prefer only online classes. Can I still do the PSW course?

Yes. Ask your college for online option.

13. I work full time and I cannot quit my job. Can I do the PSW course?

Yes the college should offer you flexible timings.

14. I am not very comfortable with the computer, can I still become a PSW?

Yes you certainly can! Ensure that your college does an assessment for you to ascertain if you can get extra computer classes.

15. Where can I get a job after becoming a PSW?

You can work at a retirement home, long-term care, hospitals and multi-specialty homes.

16. How much do PSW make in Ontario?

The average PSW salary in Canada is $37,908 per year or $19.44 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $34,125 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $47,500 per year.

17. Will the college prepare me for the FINAL exam?

 Ask the college what are the special steps they take for the FINAL EXAM PREP (very very important!)

18. Will I get paid for placements during the training?

Yes. Ensure the college is able to get you paid placements in government recognized Hospitals, retirement homes, long term care facilities, community care facilities.

19. What happens if a student fails the NACC final exam in the first attempt?

Ask the college, what the costs for the second or third attempt are.

20. What happens if I am not able to complete the course and have to withdraw midway?

Ask the college, if you have an emergency and if you are not able to complete the course what the repercussions are.

21. What is the NOC Code for PSW?

Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations (NOC 4412)