Indigenous Overview
This Ontario College Certificate program prepares students using an integrated classroom model located onsite at Providence Care Hospital or Providence Manor, a long-term care home in Kingston, Ontario. This unique learning environment will help students to be well-prepared for a career as a Personal Support Worker and to provide safe and caring support services to clients. Responsibilities of the Personal Support Worker may include assisting with home management, facilitating social and recreational activities, and promoting health and well‐being with clients of all ages of the lifespan.
The program has been developed to meet the standards published by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. These standards reflect the increased pre‐employment education and training required by Personal Support Worker graduates entering the increasingly diverse health and social care environment.
Personal Support Workers are unregulated healthcare providers. They work as a member of the care and support team under the supervision of a regulated health professional or supervisor, or in the supported independent living environment, under the direction of the client.
Program Details
Program Highlights
The partnership between St. Lawrence College and Providence Care allows students to experience nearly all components of the program in a 'living classroom' environment. The living classroom model helps students to learn the necessary skills for safe practice as a Personal Support Worker and then allows supervised unpaid experiential learning with the residents. This approach helps students to build confidence in their skills and positive working relationships with clients.
Related News Article
Learning to Make an Impact: The Living Classroom at Providence Manor Provides Hands-On Experiences
The next generation of health care professionals are gaining hands on experience through a unique partnership between St. Lawrence College and Providence Care. The “Living Classroom,” located at Providence Manor long-term care home, is an innovative educational experience that sees PSW students learning in a functioning, long-term care home. The collaboration with Providence Manor PSWs is leaving lasting impressions.
Program Outline
2025-2026
This course provides an introduction to the roles, responsibilities, and work environments relevant to Personal Support Workers (PSWs), along with key legal, professional, and ethical issues in the field. Through case studies, classroom discussions, testing, students will explore the foundational principles and practices of PSW work in various settings, including healthcare facilities, community environments, and other healthcare workplaces.
This course introduces the student to the basic structure and function of the human body throughout the lifespan. Topics will include basic anatomy, medical terminology, physiology, nutritional needs, hygiene, the importance of body mechanics, and infection control. Through various activities, discussions, testing, students will gain a greater understanding of the human body.
This course develops professional communication and interpersonal skills essential for Personal Support Workers (PSWs). Students learn to interact effectively with clients, caregivers, supervisors, and colleagues through theory, role plays, and practical activities. Through various assessments, an emphasis is placed on clarity, self-awareness, and professionalism in both oral and written communication.
This course focuses on the role of Personal Support Workers in palliative and end-of-life care. Topics include the history of palliative care, the roles of various team members, and the physical and emotional impacts at the end of life and the grieving processes on clients, families, and caregivers. Through various assessments including case studies and personal reflections, students will develop self-awareness and a deeper understanding of all aspects of palliative and end of life care.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U or M level including the following prerequisites:
- Grade 12 English at the C or U level
- Grade 11 Math
For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.
If you are missing prerequisite courses, enroll in the Career/College Prep program - free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.
- Are your transcripts from outside of Canada? Please visit Applying to SLC - With Your Transcripts for more information.
Health Requirements
Immunization - Communicable Disease Requirements
Completion of the Immunization - Communicable Disease Form is a mandatory condition for your clinical/practical placement. THIS FORM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
Download your Immunization - Communicable Disease Form
Please note that proof of COVID‑19 exemption (or valid medical exemption in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s Medical Exemptions to COVID-19) continues to be a requirement for our living classroom partner. Accordingly, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for individuals working or engaged in learning with this clinical and living classroom partner.
Questions regarding immunizations can be emailed to immunizations@sl.on.ca.
As an active SLC student, you are automatically enrolled in a student insurance plan. To learn more about how this applies to your immunization requirements please visit www.wespeakstudent.com (domestic) or www.guard.me (international).
OTHER PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for unpaid placement, enrolled students will need to complete a series of MANDATORY program and agency-specific pre-placement requirements. These will be discussed with students during class time and a Student Placement Facilitator will be in place to assist and answer all placement-related questions.
Students will need to complete the below mandatory requirements before classes begin:
- Standard First Aid & CPR Level BLS (formerly HCP) Certification
Must be completed through a WSIB-approved training provider. Certification must remain valid for the duration of the program and must not expire during placement.
- WSIB Certified First Aid/CPR Trainers
- Book a class ASAP as they fill up quickly
- Students can hold their certificate once completed and they will be instructed where and how to share it with the College during their class time
- All costs associated with the training are at the expense of the student
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
- Police Record Check – Vulnerable Sector Screening
Note: Certain criminal convictions may prevent a student from participating or completing placements for this program. Applicants with criminal records are required to contact the Associate Dean of the respective school (see Program Contacts below) prior to accepting an offer to this program to discuss and confirm participation in this program is suitable.
A recent Police Record Check including the Vulnerable Sector Screening is an agency requirement and is MANDATORY to begin any unpaid placement for this Program.
- Students will be notified when to apply for their Police Record Check by the Pre-placement Planning Coordinator to ensure the dates remain valid for their placement period.
- Many agencies want these updated every 3-6 months. All costs associated with obtaining a Police Record Check are at the expense of the student.
- Enrolled students will be notified of further instruction through their SLC email account or their Blackboards and should continue to monitor frequently.
3. Co-op Work Permit
For All International Students Only - students must have this document with proper remarks to begin their placement. If you have any questions, please email isa@sl.on.ca
ADDITIONAL PLACEMENT INFORMATION
Students with outstanding pre-placement requirements will not be eligible to begin placement and may be denied to begin placement or be required to pay additional fees (at their own expense) to continue and complete the placement component.
Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.
Program-specific or additional questions? Please email the Program Contact(s) listed below.
Fees
2025-2026
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Kingston
Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.
Career Opportunities
Personal Support Worker graduates may be employed in a variety of health and social care/support settings, including:
- Long-term care facilities
- Nursing homes
- Retirement homes
- Community‐based group residences
- Adult day centres
- Community home care
Program Contacts
Program Coordinator
Bhavik Patel
Bhavik.Patel@sl.on.ca
School of Allied Health General Inquiries
AlliedHealth@sl.on.ca
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.