All posts tagged: private career college

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From PSW to RPN: A Comprehensive Guide to Advancing Your Healthcare Career

The healthcare industry is ever-evolving, and as a Personal Support Worker (PSW), you play a crucial role in providing care and support to those in need. But what if you’re looking to take your career to the next level? Transitioning from a PSW to a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) is a rewarding pathway that opens up new opportunities for growth, responsibility, and professional fulfillment.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to become an RPN from a PSW, helping you navigate this significant career shift.

1. Evaluate Your Current Credentials

Before embarking on the journey to becoming an RPN, it’s essential to assess your current qualifications and experience:

  • Educational Background: Ensure that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some RPN programs may require specific high school courses such as biology, chemistry, or mathematics.
  • PSW Experience: While your hands-on experience as a PSW is invaluable, it generally won’t count toward academic credits for nursing. However, your practical experience will give you a strong foundation for nursing studies.

2. Research and Choose the Right RPN Program

Choosing the right educational program is a critical step in your transition:

  • Types of Programs: Look for diploma programs in practical nursing offered by community colleges or technical institutes. These programs typically last about two years.
  • Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by your provincial nursing regulatory body, such as the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) in Ontario. An accredited program will qualify you to sit for the licensing exam after graduation.
  • Program Structure: Consider whether you prefer full-time or part-time study options. Some institutions offer flexible learning schedules to accommodate working professionals.

3. Meet Admission Requirements

Most RPN programs have specific admission requirements that you’ll need to fulfill:

  • Academic Prerequisites: Check the program’s prerequisites, which may include courses in biology, chemistry, and math. If you don’t already have these, you may need to complete them before applying.
  • Entrance Exams: Some programs require entrance exams such as the Health Occupations Aptitude Exam (HOAE) to assess your suitability for nursing.
  • References and Experience: You may be asked to provide references and demonstrate relevant work experience. Your time as a PSW will be valuable here.

4. Apply and Enroll in the RPN Program

Once you’ve met the prerequisites, it’s time to apply:

  • Application Process: Submit your application along with any required documentation, such as transcripts, references, and entrance exam scores.
  • Financial Aid: Look into financial aid options, such as student loans, grants, or scholarships, to help fund your education.

5. Complete the RPN Program

The RPN program will combine classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience:

  • Coursework: You’ll study subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology, nursing theory, and patient care.
  • Clinical Placements: Practical experience is a significant component of RPN training. You’ll work in various healthcare settings, applying what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.

6. Pass the Licensing Exam

After completing your RPN program, you’ll need to pass the licensing exam:

  • Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE): This exam tests your knowledge and skills to ensure you’re ready for professional practice.
  • Prepare and Register: Utilize study guides, practice exams, and other resources to prepare for the CPNRE. Register for the exam through your provincial regulatory body.

7. Obtain Your RPN License and Start Your New Career

Upon passing the CPNRE, you can apply for your RPN license:

  • Registration: Register with your provincial regulatory body, such as the CNO, to obtain your license.
  • Begin Your Career: With your RPN license in hand, you can start applying for positions in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers.

8. Continue Professional Development

The healthcare field is always advancing, and ongoing education is key to staying current:

  • Continuous Learning: Consider pursuing additional certifications or specializations in areas such as gerontology, wound care, or palliative care.
  • Networking and Professional Associations: Join professional organizations like the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO) to stay connected and informed about industry trends.

Conclusion

Transitioning from a PSW to an RPN is a significant step that requires dedication, education, and hard work. By following these steps and committing to your professional development, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling career as a Registered Practical Nurse. Whether you’re motivated by the desire to take on more responsibility, increase your earning potential, or simply grow in your role as a healthcare provider, becoming an RPN is a rewarding path that offers numerous opportunities for advancement.

Ready to start your journey? Research programs in your area today and take the first step toward becoming an RPN!

Bhoomi ShahBLOG
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21 Questions every PSW wants to know!!

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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)

Please call our expert admissions Counselors at Academy of Learning Brampton West to get further details on the questions above.
Campus Phone: 365-788-4080
After hours cell phone: 647-680-2379
email: min@aolcbrampton.com
Website: www.aolcbrampton.com

Meenakshi Vyas21 Questions every PSW wants to know!!
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER

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Overview

A Personal Support Worker (PSW) assists with tasks of daily living, working in long-term care facilities such as home care, retirement homes, group homes, hospitals, and other social institutions. The assistance you provide as a PSW can vary widely depending on the needs of your client. Being prepared for unexpected circumstances is a part of your daily routine. 

The routine of the PSW can consist of living care, hospitality, family care and assistance with social or recreational activities; this can vary based on the necessities of each client. A PSW dedicates the majority of their time and effort towards the care of others. Effective time management skills are therefore crucial, when preparing for the day. As a personal support worker, you grow accustomed to early mornings and shifting schedules.

Early Mornings 

A typical morning begins at 7 AM for a PSW.  You will likely start by changing bed sheets and hospitality-related activities. Next, you may find yourself helping a resident in the washroom and assisting with simple tasks like brushing teeth and/or dentures. This helps them get used to the routine. A PSW would help a resident with getting dressed and other personal hygiene-related tasks for the day. While these are important activities for the PSW during the day that help with the client’s comfort and hygiene, your job extends well beyond that. You are the person many residents look forward to seeing every day. With daily interactions, they will begin to rely on you and trust you for their needs. Needless to say, this can be a very rewarding experience for you.

Activities

Once the day has begun, residents are served their breakfast and meals. Specific meals are made based on preferences and dietary restrictions. Some of your clients may have difficulty eating or require more attention than others. Towards the end of the day, it is the responsibility of a PSW to note down any changes in the resident’s medical condition before leaving. This important step helps to keep their medical profile updated with important information.

One of the key strengths of a  PSW is –  patience. You will frequently tap into your reservoir of patience during the day as you deal with people who may not be cognitively aware. This makes  constant, and effective communication crucial. No doubt your days will be packed with activities but you will still need to build that build a bond with residents. It can be through simple actions such as having a small conversations with them or playing board games. 

Perspective of a retired PSW

Let’s look at this through the perspective of a retired PSW, Cindy Balazs retired after 41 years of service at a long-term care home. She believes that a day in the life of a PSW “requires lots of patience and compassion,” (Thompson, 2021). Like any other job in the medical field, this is one of the most important jobs in our society today. A lot of PSW’s tell us that they love their job. Balazs is no different. She said she really loved her job and “enjoyed working with the elderly.” (Thompson, 2021) even in these trying times of COVID. She believes that this is because her client needs her support, the human connection formed through compassion and kindness is the most rewarding aspect of being a PSW. When you become a PSW you are on the pathway for a long-term and rewarding career, your hard work pays off when you love what you do. To read more about Balazs experience: https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/local-news/you-get-attached-says-psw-retiring-after-41-years-at-john-noble-home

Ontario Government has just announced $86 Million in PSW  Education funding. This is being done to meet the critical need for PSW’s in our community today, especially with the ongoing crisis. This can help you fund your PSW education and even earn a Ministry approved PSW diploma free of cost. To learn more about this limited time opportunity please read our previous blog: https://aolcbrampton.com/2021/05/07/psw-funding/

For more information on how you can earn a PSW diploma call us at 365-788-4080 or e-mail:min@aolcbrampton.com

Meenakshi VyasA DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER
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How does a Private Career College help you?

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Opportunities 

A Private career college caters to everyone including the underserved and those that may have been left behind in our communities. At Private career colleges we offer diplomas that are completed at a shorter duration than degrees and prepare students with hands-on skills that  prepare them to hit the ground running. This includes placements, internships, coop and help in exploring different job opportunities shortly after the completion of your diploma. A prime example of a high demand program that is preparing our students in a short duration for a well-paying and meaningful career is the Personal Support worker program. It not only gives you the requisite skills and knowledge in only 5 months but also provides guaranteed placements, and a higher chance of employment upon completion. More information about the Personal Support Worker program can be found in our blog PSW Funding Blog.

Our Students

An interesting fact about Private Career Colleges (PCC) is that our student population includes a significantly higher proportion of learners (52%) who were born outside of Canada. This demographic comprises of   immigrants, protected refugees, displaced migrants, and international students. Please see : https://careercollegesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Student-Demographic-Report.pdf

When you choose to study in a private career college, like Academy of Learning Brampton West, you can reap the added benefit of getting a step closer to gaining your PR and citizenship, all while gaining a ministry approved  diploma program in a short period of time. A large population in Canada comprises of visible minorities. Three in ten (30%) of PCC students self-identify as a visible minority, with four percent self-identifying as indigenous people. Private career colleges are therefore prime examples and supporters of diversity. They are a great platform for  immigrants and visible minorities who  may lack resources to avail of opportunities that this great country offers. It serves as an avenue for them to adapt and offers learning styles without overwhelming them.

Steps to success

When you enroll at the Academy Of Learning Brampton West, your aspirations are our goals, and we will guide you through the steps necessary to reach your destination. In private career colleges, nearly two in five students (38%) indicate their first language is neither English nor French, however they achieve high rates of success tremendously with the help of career colleges. Private career colleges accommodate students that do not speak English and French as their first language, and still provide them with the absolute best education.

Private career colleges illustrate that it is never too late to get an education and start a career in something you love. Students in career colleges belong to a range of age groups. Most of the adult students learn basic innovative computer and language skills in the first few weeks of their program. This enables students to feel welcomed and gives them the confidence to flourish in the program. Private career colleges work at the pace of the students and give the students more time, less stress when completing a program. Talk to us today to take the next step towards your rewarding career. E-mail: min@aolcbrampton.com or call 365-788-4080

Meenakshi VyasHow does a Private Career College help you?
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Why Choose a Private Career College?

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What is a Private Career College?

Private Career Colleges (PCC’s) are ministry approved institutions that provide certificate and diploma programs in a variety of fields such as Finance, HealthCare, Social Services, Technology, Business Administration, Accounting, Home Inspections and many more. PCC’s fulfil an important need for vocational education. There can be several motivations for choosing Private Career Colleges over universities and public colleges. While University and College programs are tailored towards providing education that helps explore a field of study in depth, PCC’s are focused on vocational education. This means a PCC program is geared towards students who want to get education that quickly leads to a well-paying job.

Program Duration

This is not to say University and College programs do not lead to well-paying and fulfilling jobs; the key word is how “quickly” does the education or training help you get there. To this end, PCC programs are ministry approved programs that tend to be shorter in duration with a focus on key subject areas that prepare the student for job ready skills or upskill them for their desired job. While a University or College can provide a great overall educational experience owing to its large student body and environment, the length of the program may not be well suited for everyone. If you are looking to become financially productive quickly or need to upgrade to a job that pays more than your current one a PCC program can help you get there much faster.

Cost

Another consideration is the cost of the education. Let’s face it, University or College education does not come cheap. You may have to take on sizable loans to be paid back over the years. In contrast, PCC programs tend to be lower in cost due to their focused approach. Additionally, students can still take advantage of any applicable grants and funding to finance their education. If you want a focused education at a price that does not burn a hole in your pocket, PCC’s may be a good choice. The PSW ( Personal Support Worker ) Program is a great example of such a program that is offered at the Academy of Learning Brampton West. Reliable training, Low Cost, Short Duration ( 6 months ) and high success rate are the hallmarks of the program.

Flexibility

A substantial number of PCC students tend to be people who have financial responsibility for a family, such as young single parents. They may already be working a job to financially support their families. Owing to this they may not be able to attend a University or College that requires time commitments that conflict with their job timings. Since PCC’s cater to this demographic, flexibility is a cornerstone of their programs. They tend to be accommodating of the schedules of students so that they don’t have to pick between being financially productive and pursuing that dream job. We often come across students who are fired up to pursue a career in a field of their choice but do not have the pre-requisites such as a high school diploma. In such cases our staff at the Academy Of Learning Brampton West work closely with them to help them take tests that help them come up to speed on the required foundational knowledge that makes them eligible for the courses of their choice.

We are here to help

At the Academy of Learning we understand the significant challenges that life throws at you. We firmly believe that those challenges don’t have to be deterrents to achieving your dreams. We help students with their paperwork, high school credit equivalency and government funding options. Talk to us today! E-mail min@aolcbrampton.com or call us at 365-788-4080

Meenakshi VyasWhy Choose a Private Career College?
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