Transitions College of Business and Career Studies

Personal Support Worker - Diploma Course

Job Description:

Personal Support Workers assist with the tasks of daily living.  Services are provided in homes and apartments in the community, in long-term care facilities, congregate housing settings and day programs.  Personal Support Workers must develop a broad range of abilities beyond dexterity skills. They must provide not only for the comfort, safety and well-being of their clients, but also demonstrate sensitivity and respect for those in their care.  The attitude, abilities and approach of the worker are critical to the well-being and health of the people they support.

Details: 

·         Theory:  285 hours in class (approx. 12 wks @ 25 hrs per wk.)

·         Supervised Clinical placement (with Transitions instructor):  180 hours (approx. 4.5 wks. @ 40 hrs. per wk.)

·         Precepted Clinical Placement (with Nursing Home and Community Preceptors): 175 hours (approx. 5 wks. @ 35-40 hrs. per wk.)

·         First aid and CPR certification is mandatory and is not included in total hours outlined here

·         Maximum 20 students per class

·         Completion of homework is required

·         Passing Grade (70% in all of Section 1, Section 2 and the additional 8 modules)

·         College Diploma issued upon successful completion of course

·         A minimum enrollment of six students is required to hold this program

Student is additionally required to:

·         Pass the three skills performance demonstrations; achieve a satisfactory rating in the required abilities; have fulfilled all of the practicum (clinical placement) hour requirements

·         Pass the PSW Final Standardized Examination administered by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC)

·         Meet all attendance requirements and abide by all college policies and procedures

Module topics include:

·         Individuality of the Person

·         Role of PSW

·         Interpersonal Skills

·         Safety

·         Assisting a Person with Mobility

·         Abuse

·         Household Management & Meal Preparation

·         Optimal Support and Care Planning

·         Personal Hygiene

·         Assisting the Family

·         Cognitive Impairment & Mental Health Issues

·         Assisting to Manage Ongoing Conditions

·         Assisting with Medications

·         Assisting a Person who is Dying

Clinical Placement (Practicum):

·         Supervised Practicum - Institution and Community with the college’s instructor

·         Precepted Practicum - Institution and Community with a Nursing Home/Community Preceptor

Prerequisites:

·         Ontario Secondary School Diploma, GED or successful completion of a Ministry-approved equivalency entrance test (inquire for further information)    

·         Mature Student Status: the potential student (19 years of age or older, without a high school diploma and out of school for a minimum of one year) must pass a Ministry-approved equivalency entrance test

·         All potential students seeking admission into the program must pass a literacy test.  The passing score must be equivalent to a Grade 12 level.  If unsuccessful, a potential student must complete GED courses until he/she can pass the test

·         Medical Certificate (Immunization Form) is required indicating that the student is fit to undertake the program, has up-to-date immunization and is free of communicable diseases.  Acceptable TB test results required

·         Recommended Seasonal Flu and Immunizations for Hepatitis A & B (Clinical placement locations may require these immunizations.  Lack of immunizations may hinder student’s mandatory practicum participation leading to program incompletion.)

·         Basic Rescuer CPR and Standard First Aid training must be completed and certificates produced by students prior to clinical placement 

·         Essential Physical Abilities checklist must be completed by a physician verifying student’s capabilities

·         Completion of Personal Support Worker Questionnaire

·         Police Check (Clearance) of Criminal Record must be produced within 30 days of starting the program and include a Vulnerable Sector check (the Police Check must be clear)

·         A positive admissions consultation to determine if all prerequisites are met